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Department of Health Services

Division of Animal Services

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Adoption Process

If you are interested in adopting, please come to our adoption hours Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-4:30pm at 1247 Century Court in Santa Rosa. 

In order to be considered for adoption, please bring the following to the shelter:

  • Proof that you can have animals at your home:
    • If you own your home, please bring a copy of your deed or mortgage statement.
    • If you rent your home, please bring your lease agreement detailing pets are allowable on the premises or a signed letter from your landlord. A call to your landlord or property manager/owner may also be required.
  • If are adopting a dog and you currently have a dog within Sonoma County, please bring your dog with you to determine compatibility. 
  • Adoption applications can be downloaded below and brought to the shelter or you may complete one upon arrival.

Dog Adoption Application Cat Adoption Application Small Animal & Livestock Adoption Application


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Dog & Puppy Adoption Fees

Dogs 6 years and older* $110.00
Dogs 17 weeks to 5 years 11 months $150.00
Puppies 8 to 16 weeks $200.00
*Dogs 6 years and up always free, thanks to Silver Paws for Love

Included with your Adoption:

  • One week of free virtual training by a Certified Dog Trainer through Good Pup and a 10% discount on all future Good Pup training 
  • Spay or Neuter surgery 
  • DHLPP & Bordetella ("Kennel Cough") vaccines
  • Rabies vaccine
  • Heartworm testing & Flea treatment
  • Slip Leash & Collar
  • Microchip
  • Free post-adoption behavior advice

Adoption fee does not include a dog license (required for all dogs 4 months and older)

See Adoptable Dogs


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Cat & Kitten Adoption Fees

Cats 6 years and older* $65.00
Cats 17 weeks to 5 years 11 months  $95.00
Kittens 8 to 16 weeks $130.00
*Cats 6 years and up always free, thanks to Silver Paws for Love 

Included with your Adoption:

  • Spay or neuter surgery
  • Feline Leukemia test (8 weeks to 6 months of age)
  • Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus/Heartworm test (6 months of age and older)
  • FVRCP vaccine
  • Rabies vaccine
  • Microchip
  • Free post-adoption behavior advice
  • Travel box

See Adoptable Cats


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Rabbit, Small Animal & Livestock Adoption Fees

Rabbits $50.00
Small Mammals, Hens, Roosters $15.00
Livestock, Birds, Fish & Exotic Animals Fair Market Value

Included with your Adoption: 

  • RABBITS ONLY
    • Spay or Neuter Surgery
    • Microchip
    • Travel Box

See Adoptable Small Animals & Livestock


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Silver Paws for Love

Silver Paws for Love is a senior animal adoption program. Adoption fees are waived if you adopt a pet who is 6 years of age or older.

The Silver Paws for Love program is subsidized by the Paws for Love Foundation.

Dog with paint brush

MORE ON PAWS FOR LOVE


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Horses

Sonoma County Animal Services partners with the CHANGE program to address equine neglect, abuse and cruelty cases as well as provide 24/7 on-call equine transport, foster and rehabilitative care. CHANGE provides: housing, transportation, Veterinary Care, Training, Rehabilitation and Adoption Services for horses. The CHANGE program is an accredited 501c(3)  non-profit organization supported by private donations.  

Change Logo

SEE ADOPTABLE HORSES THROUGH CHANGE PROGRAM HOW TO CARE FOR HORSES