Animal Shelter

Adoption

We've launched the First-of-Its-Kind Adoption Commitment Approach, which means bringing people and pets together faster, while finding the right match.

Thank you for your support!

Adoption Commitment Approach

In 2021, it is estimated that shelters across Canada took in more than 150,000 dogs and cats. These animals range in breed, size, age, and more, but they're all aiming for one common goal; to find their forever home through adoption. That's where you come in.

The HBSPCA receives thousands of adoption applications every year, and we want to respect your time and effort, while finding every animal their forever home. That's why we've created a first-of-its-kind, Adoption Commitment Approach.

YOUR COMMITMENT
When you find an animal you'd like to adopt, you'll first start by submitting a fully-refundable deposit (payment authorization) on this website, which we pair with your application. Your payment authorization is a demonstration of your commitment to the adoption process, and the animal itself.

OUR GUARANTEE
To honour your commitment, time and effort, HBSPCA is able to provide the following guarantee: Every animal you see on our website is currently available for adoption. We limit the total number of applications per adoptable animal to a small group of high-intent applicants, carefully review every application, and keep our website up-to-date. By doing this, we guarantee that every applicant will receive an adoption plan update from us within 10 business days.

Step 1:Find your furry companion

All available pets are posted on our website. Pets have a personalized profile to help you get to know them better. When you have found a pet that you are interested in adopting, you'll start by submitting a fully-refundable deposit (payment authorization), which we pair with your application. Your payment authorization is a demonstration of your commitment to the adoption process, and the animal itself.

Step 2:Apply

After submitting your deposit, you will receive an email with a formal application form. You MUST complete this application form to be considered for adoption.

Your application will be reviewed by our adoption team and if we have any questions, we'll reach out to you via telephone and email, within 10 business days.

We often receive multiple applications per pet, so we thank you for your patience as we review each applicant.

Step 3: Meet & Greet

If you are a good match for the pet you've applied for, we'll set up a meet & greet with you. This is an opportunity to meet the pet you are interested in, ask further questions, and ensure you feel that you and the pet are the right fit.

If a match is made, you will receive all of the pet’s medical and microchip information, complete the adoption contract, and proceed with registration, payment and orientation. As the final adopter, your initial deposit will be credited towards the full adoption fee.

Step 4: Bring Your New Companion Home

Congratulations, your furry friend is all set to go home with you! We also provide post adoption support offering 7 days of support from our onsite Companion Animal Hospital and a lifetime of support and information from experienced shelter staff.

NOTE: If you are selected as the final adopter, your deposit will be credited towards the full adoption price. In all other cases, your deposit will be refunded.

Adoption Highlight

Milo & Cheyenne

Milo is doing very well! He steals everyone's heart as soon as they meet him. He is a super energetic and loving boy. He loves running around in the yard and playing fetch. He also loves naps! He can sit, shake a paw, lay down and he is doing very well walking on a leash! He has become best friends with our bunny, Humphrey (even though they only play together occasionally while supervised). We are so happy Milo found us; he is the perfect addition to our home! Thank you, Hamilton-Burlington SPCA!

— Cheyenne

Ready for a furry friend?

While adopting a pet is an exciting experience, it is also a big commitment. If you’re not quite ready to say yes to the long-term commitment of a pet, fostering might be right for you.

Please Note

Not all adoptable animals are located on-site (many are in foster care homes). Please submit a formal application and make an appointment with our team to meet with our adoptable animals.

- Sincerely, the HBSPCA Team