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


We Love Adoptions!
Because every rescue is a love story waiting to happen. At the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, we don't just love adoptions—we live for them. Every time you choose to adopt instead of buy, you're not just saving one life, you're making room for us to save another.

Letter

Letter

Letter

Letter

Letter

Letter

Letter

Letter

Letter

Thank you for the lovely card for our 6 months ‘gotcha Day’! Willie has been amazing and has already called his spots on the couch, chair and a part of the family! lol. He is a fabulously amazing little puppy and we are enjoying every second with him! Next steps are to get him and our cat Merlin acquainted (baby steps! lol!) Here is a picture of him, he sleeps sooooo soundly! Hope you enjoy the picture as much as we have taking them!

Hi there, I adopted Wednesday (formally Coco) just over a month ago, and I wanted to reach out and thank you for making the entire adoption process so easy and pleasant! My family and I absolutely adore her, and she follows me around like my shadow. Her personality has really started to show in the past couple of weeks, and she is just the sweetest little baby. I’ve attached some pictures ◡̈

Hello Hamilton SPCA team! We’re so in love with our silly crazy girl Reba. She’s settled into her life with us and has wholly and completely taken over our worlds. She loves hanging out upside down in her crate and taking the best spots on the couch. The best thing we ever did was get chosen to be her pet parents, thank you all so much for making that possible. Thank you!

Update on Salem: he's really come out of his shell and he is the neediest cat I have ever had the pleasure of having. He does have a bit of orange cat energy so him and Lyla have become absolute menaces LOL! He's the cuddliest, sweetest cat, and he LOVES to talk. Thank you guys again so much.

We'd like to provide you an update on our miss Sammy and how she's been doing since we adopted her in December! She is such a sweet girl. She sleeps with me every night in her bed. Sometimes I hear her cute little noises when she sleeps. I take her on walks at least 3x daily. She loooooves them and has so much energy, now that she's been fully weaned off her medications!! We've found the Ancaster dog park to be a fav when she gets to see all of her friends weekly! We currently are in the level 1 K9P program at the SPCA and she's been doing so well with all of the exercises! Such a smart cookie!

A little update! Benji is doing so well seven months after joining our home. He and his “brother” Georgie are getting along so well, they are always ready to play! Benji has been such a wonderful addition to our family and we’re so happy we found him. Thank you for all the work you do, not just for Benji, but all the other animals out there that just need a bit of love to truly thrive!

Hello We received our congratulations on Gemma's 6-month "gotcha" anniversary. Here is a current photo of Gemma and her brother George ( Popeye ). These 2 have a very special bond between one another. They never leave each other's side. Thank you for making this possible. Our home is even busier but filled with so much love and cuddles.

Hi! I wanted to reach out and say thank you to the HBSPCA. One year ago today on March 8, 2025 we adopted our cat, Ducky (named Victoria at adoption). We are absolutely in love with her, and our lives have very much changed for the better. Thank you again!!!

Hello, I just thought I’d reach out and provide you with an update on Molly McJingles (now Maisie). My husband and I adopted her in January and she has been such an amazing addition to our family. Now nearly 6 months old, she is so smart and learning all her basic commands, as well as walking well on leash. Despite her size, she is such a love bug and loves to snuggle up with us and her brother (our 9 year old lab). But she can certainly play when the mood strikes! She’s a very happy little pup and we are so thankful for her. Thank you so much for all that your organization does!
Your Adoption Journey Starts Here
Every animal at our shelter has a unique story. They have come from far and wide for a better future. Every snout is looking for a second chance, boundless love and the unmistakeable bond between humans and animals.
Adoption Commitment Approach
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, the HBSPCA is able to provide the following guarantee: Every animal you see on your website is currently available for adoption (excluding those presenting with an ‘Applications Full’ banner). We limit the total of applications per adoptable animal to a small group of high-intent applicants, carefully review every application, and keep our website up-to-date. Applicants will receive an 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 within 48 hours 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.
Please note that we do aim to arrange meet n' greets within 5 days of contacting you for this appointment if your application is approved for adoption. We are often at capacity, and in order to help more animals our goal is to place our shelter pets into loving homes as quickly as possible.
If you are not prepared to take home the pet you are applying for within this timeframe, we recommend waiting until you are ready. We are not able to hold any shelter pets at this time.
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’re here to support you every step of the way with 5 days of post-adoption care from our onsite Companion Animal Hospital, 30 days of pet insurance, and a lifetime of guidance and resources from our 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.
Adoptable Pets Are:
When you apply to adopt with us, you can let us know what you would like to purchase for your newly adopted family member!
When you adopt with us or shop at our thrift store, every purchase helps care for more shelter pets. From food to other essentials, your support makes a real difference!




Barn Buddy Program
Not every cat is suited to indoor living. Some cats are independent and thrive in outdoor environments such as barns, farms, stables, and rural properties. The Barn Buddy Program helps place these cats in safe, appropriate settings where they can live comfortably and have a purposeful role.
We maintain a waitlist of people interested in adopting a Barn Buddy. When a cat in our care is best suited for this type of placement, we contact individuals on the list as potential matches.All Barn Buddy cats receive full veterinary care before placement, including spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping, and are placed through the Barn Buddy adoption process.
This approach helps ensure timely matches between cats and suitable environments while supporting adopters looking for a working outdoor companion.
Interested In Adopting A Barn Buddy?
Support Adoptions!
Your support helps cover these essential services so every pet can start their new life healthy and safe. By giving, you help make adoptions possible for more animals in need.
Your Adoption Pledge:
Our Adoption Pledge:
Adoption Hours
What’s The Scoop?

Adopt With Confidence
Meet Canada's Best Pet Insurance | Trupanion for Dogs & Cats

Access Your Petszel Profile

Maverick & Hayley
When Maverick first arrived, he was quiet and withdrawn, spending most of his time in his crate, but slowly began to trust and engage with his new family. Surprisingly gentle and affectionate, Maverick bonded quickly with Hayley’s young son and helped ease Marshmallow’s anxiety, becoming her calming companion.
Over time, Maverick was weaned off his anxiety medication, revealing a playful, loving personality that fit right into the family dynamic. Hayley feels he’s brought joy, structure, and companionship to their lives. She’s grateful to the HBSPCA for uniting them and encourages others to adopt, reminding them that shelter dogs are full of love and potential.
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.













