The Adoption Process
Please Note: We often have a waiting list which is mainly for puppies, kittens, and small dogs. We will call the people on our lists usually before posting animals to the website. Sometimes animals will be posted as “Coming Soon”, these animals are most likely ones that we are reaching out to those on the waiting lists. They may become available dependent on the outcome of our calls. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see updates as animals become available.
What is the process for adopting an animal?
- Complete an adoption application attaching a copy of ID
- If you are renting an apartment or house, written permission from your landlord must be attached
- If you live at home with family, written permission is also required and should be attached with your application
- Applications will be valid and held on file for 12months, it is recommended that you periodically check our website for potential matches
- If your personal details or situation changes please contact us so we can update your information
- Adoption “Meet & Greets” are done by appointment only. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
If there is an animal on our website that you are interested in, please fill out the appropriate application form and specify that animal where prompted to do so:
If Dog
- Fill out the Adoption Application here
- If renting written permission from your landlord must be attached
- If you live at home with family, written permission is also required and should be attached with your application
- Should you either have specified a dog you are interested in or you application matches the criteria for a dog we currently have in the shelter, the team will be in touch with you to schedule a meet and greet.
- If your application does not match any of the dogs we have currently have for adoption we will keep your application on file, please do check in with us should you see a dog you would like to know more about.
- Ideally all persons living in the home should attend the initial meet and greet as it is important that everyone meet the dog you are planning on making your family member (as to ensure everyone likes the same animal), however the team will advise.
- If you currently own a dog another meet and greet appointment will be scheduled by the team for your current dog and your proposed adopted dog.
- If all goes well, a home check will be scheduled. Restricted dogs require physical fencing and sign off from the Animal Wardens. A person interested in a restricted dog will need to visit Dept of The Environment and Natural Resources and complete an application form prior to their inspection.
- Upon sign off on the property, the adoption process can be completed;
- The adoption fee and paperwork will be completed at the shelter. You will be given a license transfer form which needs to be processed at the Dept. of The Environment and Natural Resources
- Proof of transfer will need to be shown to the SPCA at which time you can collect your new family member
If Cat
- Click here to access the form. This form is contained within a separate database site so does not re-semble the SPCA website—this is normal. Your information will be saved into the database and also sent to use by email. There is not need to do anything further.
- Schedule a meet and greet appointment to meet the cat
- All persons living in the home must attend this appointment as it is important that everyone meet the cat you are planning on making your family member (as to ensure everyone likes the same animal)
- A home check maybe scheduled
- The adoption fee and paperwork will be completed at the shelter.
If Rabbit & Small Animals
- Fill in Application (Click here to view)
- Schedule a meet and greet appointment to meet the rabbit
- All persons living in the home must attend this appointment as it is important that everyone meet the cat you are planning on making your family member (as to ensure everyone likes the same animal)
- A picture of the rabbits enclosure must be emailed to: animalcare@spca.bm
- The adoption fee and paperwork will be completed at the shelter.
Often asked questions:
Our current opening hours are:
9am – 12pm and 3.30pm – 5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday; 9am – 12pm Sundays; Closed Mondays
Will the animal have been seen by a vet before adoption?
Yes, they will have had a health check by a vet. All animals are also flea treated, dewormed, microchipped, neutered/spayed (if old enough) and have received at least their first vaccination.
