Adoption Commitment Approach
In 2021, it is estimated that Shelters across Canada took in more than 150,000 dogs and cats (Humane Canada). These animals range in breed, size, age, behaviors 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, in order to accomplish our ambitious goals, we've created a first-of-its-kind, mutual commitment, 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.
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.
To honour your commitment, time and effort, HBSPCA is able to provide the following guarantee.
Our 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.
In Summary...
By implementing this Adoption Commitment Approach, we ensure your valuable time to complete an application, and your serious commitment to adopt with us, is respected. In other words, your application will be reviewed with approximately 5 other high-intent applications (versus dozens, or hundreds, under a traditional adoption application approach).
You and the HBSPCA are jointly committing to a respectful, timely and efficient adoption process.
Here's How It Works
We keep it simple. If you'd like to adopt our furry friend, here's what happens after you submit your fully-refundable deposit (payment authorization) online:
- After deposit, you'll receive a formal application form via email
- After submitting your application, you're application will be reviewed by our Adoption Team
- You may be invited for a telephone call, or in-person meet-and-greet, and we may reach out via email with additional questions
- Within 10 business days, all applicants will be notified of the adoption plan
- The final adopter will proceed with registration, payment and orientation
- All other applicants will be fully refunded their deposit
Please Note: For the wellbeing of all animals in our care, members of the public are not able to meet with adoptable animals until they have completed a formal application, and are invited to a scheduled meet-and-greet appointment.
Adoption Fee
Canines
The Total Adoption Fee is $750 for a Puppy (6 months or less), $625 for Small Breed Adult Dogs (6 months to 7 years), and $525 for Medium-Large Breed Adult Dogs and $450 for Seniors (8 years+). Your fully-refundable deposit will be credited towards the Total Adoption Fee.
Felines
The Total Adoption Fee is $400 for a Kitten (6 months or less), $250 for an Adult (6 months to 7 years), and $175 for a Senior (8 years+). Your fully-refundable deposit will be credited towards the Total Adoption Fee.
Small Animals
The Total Adoption Fee is $75 for a Bunny and $25 for Guinea Pig's. Your fully refundable deposit will also be the adoption fee.
Looking for Application Support?
To best serve you, and if you are able, we highly recommend completing your application online. However, if you need assistance with completing your application online, please give us a call and we will do our best to assist you.
Please Note: The adoptions team is often booked throughout the week with adoption appointments, and while we do our best to assist with any inquiries regarding shelter pets and the adoption application, we may be occupied and unable to assist when you visit in person. We recommend calling the adoptions department if you do need any assistance with the adoption application.
Our Application Process
Once you place a deposit, you'll receive an order confirmation with a link to our application. Please submit your application within 48 hours—if we don't receive it, your deposit will be refunded and the animal reopened to other applicants. We only accept 2–3 applications at a time so we can carefully review each one. Application review may take up to 10 days. As a pet-first organization, we prioritize the best possible match for the animal; if two applicants are equally suitable, we will move forward with the one submitted first.
Our Adoptable Animals
Every adoptable animal at the HBSPCA comes with everything your furry friend needs. This includes all Age Appropriate vaccinations* and deworming, testing and prevention procedures before adoption (when required), flea prevention treatment, microchipping, dental work and bloodwork (when recommended by our veterinarian). * Puppies and Kittens under 16 weeks must visit your vet for any remaining Boosters and Rabies vaccination. Most importantly, your adoptable animal always comes fully spayed/neutered. We also offer every adoptable animal one sample bag of the Hill's Science Diet food (which this animal has been eating in our care) and 30 Days (from adoption date) Pet Insurance! All-in, our adoptable animals come with over $1,000 of value.
Can I Come Visit?
For the wellbeing of all animals in our care, members of the public are not able to meet with adoptable animals until they have completed a formal application, and are invited to a scheduled meet-and-greet appointment. In addition, the majority of animals in our care are placed in foster homes until they are adopted to optimize their health. Most animals you see on our adoption page are not located on-site, in our shelter.