How to Adopt an Animal from a Nova Scotia SPCA

The adoption process begins for most people by viewing the animals available for adoption online, or by visiting their local SPCA shelter if their SPCA has a shelter facility. If the SPCA branch in your community does not have a central, physical location such as a shelter, contact the branch and find out how you can visit available animals in their foster homes. You can check out what’s available at your local branch by visiting the links on the right.

Choosing the right pet for you can be a challenging process. SPCA staff and volunteers can help you decide by discussing your home environment, family composition, current pets, lifestyle, time commitment and other factors. They can help match you to a pet with the personality and requirements that will suit your life and your expectations. If you have existing pets, they can discuss with you how to integrate new pets into your household. If you are going to be integrating two or more dogs, SPCAs will typically encourage you to bring your current dogs or dogs in to meet potential adoptees to see how everybody gets along.

It’s important that you take your time when choosing a new pet, and that you feel confident in your choice. It’s also important that you learn about your SPCA’s adoption requirements and criteria early in the process. Adopters are carefully screened to ensure they are able to provide an appropriate and permanent home for their potential new pet.

Most SPCAs will ask you to complete an application form that staff or volunteers will review, and you may also be asked for references. Some SPCAs may also require a home visit to see where the new pet will be living. SPCA staff and volunteers will also review the adoption agreement with you to ensure you understand any commitments you are being asked to make. These commitments will vary by SPCA but may include keeping your new cat indoors, not declawing, or having a fenced yard for a dog.

Once you have been cleared for adoption and have chosen your new pet, the SPCA will likely arrange for the pet to be spayed or neutered if he or she hasn’t been already. If you are adopting a kitten or puppy, they may provide you with a certificate so you can have them spayed or neutered once they are a little older.

Make sure you discuss with the SPCA what is included in your adoption fee (fees vary from branch to branch) and what costs you will be expected to cover. For example, while most SPCAs will provide basic vaccinations before pets are adopted, you may need to arrange for a rabies shot or other vaccinations on your own.

There are many resources available for pet owners to help them and their new pet adjust to life post-adoption. The Nova Scotia SPCA provides an adoption guide to everyone who adopts a cat or a dog. The guide will help you prepare your home, ensure a smooth transition for your new animal, prepare family members, children and other pets for the new addition, and help you address behavioural issues that may arise. You can download the adoption guides from the links on the right.