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.

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It has been two years since we adopted Luna (formerly Bambi)! Ever since the day we got her, she has always been so happy and excited to play! (and go on walks). We are extremely grateful for Luna, we could have not asked for a better companion and best friend than her. She is so sweet and kind, but when it comes to playtime she goes crazy! These two years have gone by so quick but we sure enjoyed it! Luna just makes life better and better each day!

Pictures of Cookies first birthday! Cookie has become my senior Dad's best friend. We lost my Mom a couple years ago now and my Dad was so lonely. We convinced him adopting a furry friend might be just what he needed. Since last November him and Cookie have been inseparable! She's been just the sweetest addition to his life! They both needed a friend and I'm so glad they found one another. He are pictures of a little birthday celebration we had for Cookie on what we believe would have been around her first birthday!

She is a joy everyone loves her! Bambi is her new name and suits her so well. She is crazy and beautiful, I am currently teaching her manners and walking. Love her!

Hello, I am just writing to update on Macy who I adopted two months ago. Macy settled in immediately the second she was brought home and acts like she has always been here! She has claimed every soft surface as hers from dog beds to the kid's beanbag and the couch! She is the friendliest and calmest dog anyone could ever meet and is happy going on her walks or just cuddling on the couch watching tv. She loves her plush toys and has destroyed a few already. We could not love her more and are so grateful to the SPCA for choosing us as her adopters.

Good morning! I just wanted to reach out to thank you for facilitating such a positive and efficient adoption process! Lewis the cat has been settling in nicely in our home and after a couple days, I can confidently say that he is the perfect addition to our life. I have attached some photos of him in his new environment in case you were curious to see how he is doing in his new space! We have been calling him Ozzy as that name seems to suit his rambunctious personality better. Almost immediately after bringing him home, he became my little shadow and has been following me everywhere trying to get as many belly rubs as he can. He is so sweet and so gentle and he has already brought us so much joy, love, and laughter. Thank you to everyone at your organization for taking good care of him and allowing us to give this little cat his forever home. P.S., he is a huge fan of the shark toy you sent him home with!

We’ve renamed her as Belle: she’s doing great, getting along so well with her sister and very affectionate. Eats well and loves to socialize. Gets along well with other animals at dog parks and family get-togethers.

Good morning, I wanted to first of all thank you all very much. We had a wonderful experience adopting Willow, a.k.a. Rubbermaid. Everyone was very knowledgeable, kind and supportive. Willow, has adjusted very fast. Her personality is exactly as the description on the website. It took only 24 hours for her to go confidently up to our dog Nellie, nose to nose and accept her. We couldn't be happier. Thank you again.

We adopted Bailey who was known at the time as Zulu almost three years ago, she has been the best pup that my family has ever had she goof ball who loves a good adventure every day. She’s always up to go walking around and has truly changed my life in so many different ways.

Joey (now Freud) and JoJo (now Watson) have brought so much joy to our lives. While they love their play and cuddle time with each other, they are both incredibly loving and social with all the humans in their life as well. Freud has discovered the good life of snoozing on beds and can usually be found curled up on the softest blanket in the house. Watson has completely come out of her shell since moving in, she has blossomed into a confident, curious cat who loves exploring every corner of her new home. Watching their personalities emerge and their bond with each other grow has been such a gift. I am so thankful for all the support the HBSPCA has given me in bringing these two home. Adopting them together was truly the best decision, and I can't imagine our home without them!
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
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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.













