Adopting a pet from the SPCA

Whether you are adopting your pet from our Pet Adoption Center on Hanshaw Rd, one of our offsite adoption events we suggest that you download and fill out an adoption application in advance of your visit. You can find links to these applications at the bottom of this page and either print it out and bring it with you, or you can email it to us at adoptions@spcaonline.com.

We also suggest that upon your arrival, you stop at our front desk to speak with one of our adoption counselors to talk about our available pets and the type of pet that you are looking for. Our adoption counselors can then direct you to the pets that are going to be a good fit for your lifestyle and home environment.

Every time you adopt a pet from the SPCA of Tompkins County, you enable us to save the life of another homeless animal in need, so thank you!

When you adopt a dog or cat from the SPCA of Tompkins County, your new friend comes with a whole lot of extras to get you started! Look at everything we have done (in most instances) to get your pet ready for adoption:

Adoption Fees

Let’s talk about adoption fees:

Your adoption fee covers just a small portion of the costs associated with making sure our pets - and yours - are healthy and safe!

Below are a list of general fees associated with adopting one of our pets. These are subject to change and there are many times of the year where we offer special adoption incentives and specials.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Pet Rats, Ferrets, Chinchillas and other small animals are often available for adoption as well.

Cat adoption fees:

  • Senior Cats (7 years and older): Name your own adoption fee
  • Adult Cats (1-6 years): $55 or more, 2 for $75
  • Young Cats (7-11 months): $75, 2 for $105
  • Kittens (6 months and younger): $100, 2 for $150

Cat and kitten adoption fees include a box carrier to take your new friend(s) home

Cat adoption Application View Available cats

Dog adoption fees:

  • Senior dogs (7 years and older): $150 or more
  • Dogs (7 months and older): $200 to $300 or more
  • Puppies (6 months and younger): $300 to $400 or more

All canine adoption fees will be subject to the addition of your town dog license fee.
Fees vary by the municipality in which you reside, but are generally $10-$15

Dog adoption Application View Available dogs

Small animal adoption fees:

  • Rabbits, Ferrets, and other small, as available: $5 - $45 or more

Small animal adoption prices vary based on species.

Small Animal adoption Application View Other animals



A little bit can go a long way for our furry friends.
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