Ready to adopt a pet in Colorado Springs? We're here to help! Check out our list of the top places to adopt a dog, cat, or small pet in Colorado Springs, CO, and what to expect!
Adopting a new pet into your home is an amazing experience, but it can be a little nerve-wracking to get started. If you're looking for the best and safest places to adopt a pet in Colorado, we can help show you the way! Plus, there are some additional things you'll want to know ahead of time, like the adoption process and adoption fees.
Adopting a pet from a shelter is a wonderful way to give an animal a second chance and provide them with a loving home. So let's get your adoption journey started today.
What Do You Need to Adopt a Pet in Colorado Springs, CO?
To adopt a pet from an animal shelter or rescue in Colorado Springs, you will need to meet certain requirements. Every shelter is different, but this can include things like providing proof of identification, filling out an adoption application, answering a questionnaire, and possibly undergoing a home visit.
Since the requirements will vary from one shelter to another, it's important to check with the specific shelter you are interested in. Here are the typical pet adoption requirements from most animal shelters and rescues.
- Age minimum to adopt
To adopt a pet from a shelter, you must meet the age requirement set by the specific shelter. This may vary, but you must typically be 18 years or older. However, some shelters may require you to be 21 or even 25 years or older. You will also need to present a valid ID when adopting.
- Fill out the online application
Before you can begin the adoption process, you will typically need to fill out an online application on the animal shelter's website. This application will ask for your contact information and may also inquire about your home situation, experience with pets, pet-parenting style, and the size of your home and yard. This information is used to ensure that you are ready to care for a pet and to help ensure the safety and well-being of the animal.
- Cost of adoption fees
There is a cost to adopt a pet from a shelter. This fee covers the expenses associated with housing, feeding, and caring for the animal, including staffing, insurance, mortgage, utilities, and medical care. Your fee may seem high, but it is significantly less than the actual cost of caring for the animal until it is adopted. Non-profit shelters and rescues often rely on volunteers and donors to help cover these costs.
- Have a "meet and greet"
Before adopting a pet, you may be required to participate in a "meet and greet" with the animal. This allows you to interact with the pet and see how you get along. It is also helpful to bring any family members or current pets you have to the meet and greet.
- Home visit
In some cases, the shelter or rescue may also require a home visit to ensure your home is suitable for a pet. This step helps to prevent any pet returns to the shelter in the future.
Cost to Adopt a Pet from an Animal Shelter in Colorado Springs, CO
The fees for adopting a pet from a shelter in Colorado Springs, CO, may include the cost of spaying or neutering the animal, any necessary medical treatments, and the cost of microchipping. Some shelters offer reduced fees for certain groups, such as senior citizens or military personnel, and may also have discounted prices for senior pets, pets who have been at the shelter for an extended period, or for adopting multiple pets at once.
The adoption fees at Colorado Springs animal shelters can vary, so it is important to check with the specific shelter you are interested in to get the most accurate pricing information. Remember that it is always a good idea to inquire about adoption fees before falling in love with a particular pet.
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
Puppies and adult dogs
- Dog: $40
- Dog in Foster Care: $50
Kittens and adult cats
- Cat: $40
- Cat in Foster Care: $50
Other
- Bird: $5
- Ferret: $25
- Reptile: $5
- Rodent: $2
- Fish: $1
- Rabbit: $10
National Mill Dog Rescue
Puppies and adult dogs
- Senior dogs (8 years and older): $250
- Adult dogs (12 months - 8 years): $350
- Puppies (under 12 months): $400
El Paso County Canine Rescue
Puppies and adult dogs
- Specialty dogs: prices vary
- Senior dogs (7 years+), special needs, or medical needs: $125
- Adult dogs (1 year - 7 years): $325
- Puppies (under 1 year): $425
Colorado Animal Rescue
Puppies and adult dogs
- All dogs: $160
Kittens and adult cats
- All cats: $100
Where is the Best Place to Adopt a Pet in Colorado Springs, CO?
There are several places in Colorado Springs where you can adopt a pet from an animal shelter. You'll find humane societies, government-funded organizations, animal shelters, and animal rescues. Check out some of the most popular, reputable places to adopt a pet in Colorado Springs, CO, below. No matter which place you choose, there are tons of loving dogs, cats, and more who are ready for their new forever home.
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is a non-profit animal shelter. "Together with other animal welfare organizations across the country, HSPPR is dedicated to giving every animal that comes through our doors the care and respect he deserves and the best possible outcome." They care deeply about the animals in their care. And they believe that "protecting pets is vital to a healthy community."
National Mill Dog Rescue
National Mill Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization located in Peyton, CO. Their mission is "to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome discarded breeding dogs and to educate the general public about the cruel realities of the commercial dog breeding industry." They depend on the generosity of their volunteers, donors, and adopters to help them accomplish this mission.
Happy Cats Haven
Happy Cats Haven is a sanctuary for felines nestled in Colorado Springs, where whiskers twitch with joy and contentment. As a no-kill shelter, they specialize in providing a safe and nurturing environment for homeless cats until they find their forever homes. Each cat is given individual attention and care, ensuring they are healthy, happy, and ready for adoption. What makes Happy Cats Haven unique is their focus on creating a stress-free atmosphere for their cats, using innovative housing and enrichment activities to mimic a home-like setting.
Their commitment to feline welfare doesn't stop at adoption; they offer extensive support to adopters, including advice on cat care and behavior. Happy Cats Haven prides itself on its matchmaking skills, taking the time to understand each cat's personality and finding the perfect human companion for them.
El Paso County Canine Rescue
El Paso County Canine Rescue is a non-profit dog rescue based in Colorado Springs but works all along the front range of the Rocky Mountains. They work to rescue dogs from high-kill shelters in Kansas, Texas, and New Mexico. Once transported to Colorado Springs, the dogs are placed in safe, loving foster homes. They are fully vetted, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered before they are adopted. "Our goal is to provide as many homes to as many dogs as possible. We strive to place our animals into their FURever homes!"
No Hound Unhomed
No Hound Unhomed is a non-profit dog rescue that operates out of Camp Bow Wow in Colorado Springs. They rely heavily on the support of their volunteers, financial donors, and the fees received from pet adoptions to be able to give proper care to the pets in their shelter. In the last three years, they have found adoptive homes for over 350 dogs previously considered not adoptable. Now, these sweet pups can rest easy in their new forever homes.
All Breed Rescue & Training
All Breed Rescue & Training is a compassionate haven for dogs in need, located in the heart of Colorado Springs. Specializing in rescuing and rehoming dogs that are at risk of euthanasia in shelters, this organization also provides comprehensive training programs to ensure successful adoptions. What sets them apart is their commitment to not only saving lives but also enriching them through education and behavior modification. They offer community support through various training classes and workshops, emphasizing the importance of a well-informed pet ownership experience. Their unique approach has saved countless dogs and created lasting bonds between pets and their humans.
The rescue's dedication to the well-being of animals extends beyond adoption; they provide a lifetime of support for the dogs and their adopters. This includes post-adoption training services and resources to address any behavioral issues that may arise. All Breed Rescue & Training stands out for its holistic view of rescue, focusing on both the physical and emotional needs of the animals in their care.
Rocky Mountain Puppy Rescue
Rocky Mountain Puppy Rescue uses a network of foster homes to care for the dogs and cats in their rescue. They are able to rescue these pets from high-kill shelters in the surrounding states and find them new forever homes. "RMPR has successfully rescued and rehomed over 6,000 animals and we are still going strong!"
Colorado Animal Rescue
Colorado Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization located in Glenwood Springs, CO. In addition to animal intake and adoption services, they offer feral cat trap and release, spay and neuter assistance, low-cost vaccine clinics, free pet identification, and they even have a year-round pet food bank. "Our shelter operates under the premise that all animals deserve access to medical care, food, shelter, and love."
PetFinder.com & AdoptAPet.com
In addition to these shelters, you may also be able to find pets for adoption through online resources such as Petfinder.com or AdoptAPet.com. You can view pictures of cats, dogs, and other small pets from numerous animal shelters and rescues nearby. And you can filter through the available pets to find what you're looking for based on species, gender, breed, size, age, and whether or not they are good with children and other pets.
Adopt a Pet in Colorado Springs, CO, today!
Now that you've seen just how many places there are to adopt a pet in Colorado Springs and know the potential fees and requirements for adoption, it's time to start searching for your new fur baby!
At Local Pet Care, we're here to help you not only find the best places to adopt but also the best dog-friendly restaurants and the best dog parks and dog-friendly parks in Colorado Springs, CO. Plus, we'll help you find the best local pet care professionals right near your home. With these resources, you will be set up for pet-parenting success!
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.
