Adopting a Pet
The City of Berkeley Health Officer has ordered residents to shelter in place, leaving only for essential needs. Most City facilities are closed to the public. Read the latest changes to City services and COVID-19 information from Berkeley Public Health.
Because the Animal Shelter is currently closed to the public due to COVID 19, we ask that you view our adoptable animals on line first. When you see a pet that you are interested in meeting, contact us and we will arrange a time for you to meet the pet. Most available animals are currently housed with foster volunteers.
You can view our adoptable animals at:
CAT ADOPTIONS http://friendsofbacs.org/adopt-cats/
DOG ADOPTIONS http://friendsofbacs.org/adopt-dogs/
You may also visit www.petharbor.com. www.petfinder.com
You can contact us at 510-981-6600 and animalservices@cityofberkeley.info
Adoption Fees
| Dogs |
$125.00 |
| Cats |
$100.00 |
| Rabbits |
$25.00 |
| Birds |
$25.00 |
| Exotics |
$25.00 |
| Rodents |
$10.00 |
|
Adoption Process
Our adoption process is designed to ensure the best match for both you and your new pet. You must be at least 21 years old to adopt a pet. We ask that everyone in the household come to meet the pet and we require proof that you can have a pet where you live. This can be a copy of a lease indicating that you may have a cat or dog, or any document indicating home ownership such as a mortgage statement.
There is a simple adoption application to complete which will help us advise and prepare you for your new pet. If you are adopting a dog and have another dog(s) already, we ask that you bring them to meet the dog you would like to adopt. We offer home adoption counseling visits for any of our dogs and may require it for some dogs.
In the event that more than one interested party wants to adopt an animal on the morning it becomes available, we enter the names of qualified adopters into a random drawing. Please note, the adopter must be physically present at the shelter, and be deemed a fit home for adoption. For those individuals coming to our shelter from out of town to adopt a specific animal, we suggest calling the shelter prior to starting your trip, to confirm that the animal is still available for adoption.
All cats and dogs adopted from the shelter will be neutered or spayed, vaccinated and microchipped before going home as your new pet. If the animal is spayed or neutered at the time of adoption, it can leave the same day. If the animal is not yet spayed or neutered, you can pick up your new pet the day after surgery.
THE BACS 60/6/60 PLAN If you’re sixty or over, and you adopt an animal who is 6 or over, you’ll get a 60% discount on the adoption fee.
For information about low-cost veterinary clinics and our Low Cost Spay & Neuter Voucher Program program, please call the shelter at (510) 981-6600.