Frequently Asked Questions about Adopting from the SPCA of Texas

How do I adopt a pet from the SPCA of Texas?

Visit our online gallery of available pets (updated hourly, seven days a week).

Then come to one of our shelters, satellite adoption center or offsite adoption event. 

***Please note that you must have a valid picture ID in order to adopt an animal from the SPCA of Texas.

What kind of dogs/cats do you have?

The SPCA of Texas’ Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center in Dallas can house 250 animals at a time and the Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney can house 200 at any given time. This makes for a good selection of companions to choose from!

I'm looking for a purebred dog/cat. Who can help me find one?

We receive purebred dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at our shelters, and you are welcome to come down at any time and look at our selection. There are also numerous rescue groups and other shelters in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Many of these groups have animals available for adoption. For more information, click here.

Does the SPCA of Texas have other animals for adoption besides dogs and cats?

Yes! Although people most often associate the SPCA of Texas with dogs and cats, we offer other animals for adoption such as horses, pigs, sheep, birds, donkeys, ponies, goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits, ferrets, mice, rats and guinea pigs. All of these adoptable animals can be seen online. Livestock animals require a separate adoption application (this process is different from adopting a dog, cat or small mammal). You may complete this application in advance on our Livestock and Other Animals page.

Do I have to come all the way to Dallas to adopt a pet from your organization?

We have two locations Dallas and Collin County/McKinney, as well as 6 satellite adoption centers (with Cats only) located within the PetSmart store in Dallas (Greenville Ave.), Denton, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, and Mesquite. We also feature adoptable pets each holiday season at NorthPark Center in Dallas. You can adopt a pet at any location.

What is a VIP Pet?

A VIP pet at the SPCA of Texas is any animal (excluding livestock) that has been available for adoption for over 30 days.

I adopted my pet from the SPCA of Texas and need to update the information associated with my pet's microchip ID. Who do I contact?

You can contact 24PetWatch at 1-866-597-2424 or http://www.24petwatch.com/.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog and what is included in the adoption?
  • Puppies 0-6 months: $95-$125
  • Adult dogs 6 months or older: $75-$95
  • VIP dogs: $50
  • Senior dogs 7 years and older: $50

The adoption fee includes age-appropriate vaccinations (which can include Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza and Bordatella), spay/neuter surgery, deworming treatment, initial heartworm preventative, a rabies tag, a leash and a microchip. Dogs over 6 months of age are also given a heartworm test (SNAP occult).

***Please note that you must have a valid picture ID in order to adopt an animal from the SPCA of Texas.

How much does it cost to adopt a cat and what is included in the adoption?
  • Kittens: $95
  • Cats: $75
  • VIP cats: $50
  • Senior cats 7 years and older: $50

The adoption fee includes age-appropriate vaccinations (which can include Rabies, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Caleci and Pan-Leukopenia), deworming treatment, spay/neuter surgery, a rabies tag, a temporary pet tote made of heavy-duty cardboard and a microchip. Cats over 4 months of age are also given a feline Leukemia test.

***Please note that you must have a valid picture ID in order to adopt an animal from the SPCA of Texas.

What forms of payment will you accept?

We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. ***PetSmart stores will only accept CASH as payment for adoption fees.***

Can you hold an animal for me?

We do not hold animals or take payment over the phone to reserve or adopt animals. We adopt strictly on a first come, first serve basis. Please note that animals may not be adopted for other people. 

Why won't you hold an animal for me?

The SPCA of Texas has decided not to put animals on hold based on past experience. An overwhelming number of the animals that were put on hold by potential adopters were never adopted. Also, potential adopters must fill out appropriate paperwork at the time of adoption.

Can I decide not to have my animal spayed/neutered?

No. Any animal that is released from an animal shelter must be spayed or neutered under Texas law.

What if the dog I'd like to adopt is heartworm positive?

Beginning Wednesday, October 20, 2010, any adoptable shelter dog that tests positive for heartworms will be treated for the disease after adoption, at no cost to the adopter, by SPCA of Texas partner VCA Animal Hospitals. The adopter may choose the Metroplex-area VCA Animal Hospital location from a list given to the adopter at the time of adoption. This partnership will provide the best total care for heartworm positive dogs in treatment, as the animals will have access to emergency care and overnight stays if necessary.

The easiest and least expensive way to make sure dogs (and cats) stay heartworm free is to keep pets on heartworm preventative medication at all times.