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.
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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. You're choosing love over commerce, hope over profit, and giving a deserving animal the greatest gift of all: a second chance at happiness.
Our Adoption Pledge:
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Your Adoption Pledge:
The Transformative Power of Adoption
Every animal at our shelter has a unique story. They've come from far and wide for a better future. Behind every snout, lies a story waiting to be shared. A story that speaks of second chances, boundless love, and the unmistakable bond between humans and animals.
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.
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.
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 5 business days.
We often receive multiple applications per pet, so we thank you for your patience as we review each applicant.
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 for an extended period of 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.
Congratulations, your furry friend is all set to go home with you! We also provide post adoption support offering 5 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.
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!
Please look out for this section when completing your application for adoption.
Our Adoptions are Powered by PetSmart
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Adoption Hours
Please be Advised
Please note that if you come to visit us in person at the shelter, we may not be able to assist you during these hours due to the facilitation of meet n' greets.
We do our best to get back to every person that we can, so if you do have a question we recommend giving us a call or sending us an email at adoptions@hbspca.com.
Thank you for your patience!
PetSmart Helps More Pets Find Loving Homes
Adoption Prep grants help animal welfare organizations provide shelter, medical care, and enrichment for adoptable pets until they find their forever homes. The funding also helps sustain shelter operations to maintain their adoption programs in PetSmart stores long term.
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.
