WHY DO YOU CHARGE DIFFERENT ADOPTION FEES FOR ANIMALS?

A few years ago, SPCA Monterey County began charging differential adoption fees. While we don’t see any animal as “worth” more than another (they are all equally wonderful in our eyes), we understand that our community sees certain breeds, sizes, and ages as more desirable than others. As much as we love the ten year old lab mix with arthritis, we know that more people will be interested in the litter of tiny adorable terrier puppies.

By charging a reduced adoption fee for the older dog with special needs, we help ensure that he will get a great home when an adopter comes through the door and makes a connection with a pet that most people overlook.

HOW DO DIFFERENTIAL ADOPTION FEES SAVE LIVES?

Did you know that the SPCA doesn’t put time limits on animals in our care? They stay with us as long as they are happy and doing well in our environment. The $290 adoption for a dog that we know will be adopted within days of entering our shelter subsidizes the care involved in keeping another pet for weeks or months until he finds his special home. And it helps our adopters, too. The guilt sometimes felt when adopting a new kitten and walking past an adult cat can be put to ease by knowing your adoption fee (and hopefully donation!) helps provide care for animals still awaiting their forever homes.

DOGS AND PUPPIES:

From $65.00 to $290.00 or more. Includes; spay/neuter surgery, microchip identification, rabies vaccination, and other vaccinations appropriate to age, SPCA identification, health evaluation, and more. When you visit the SPCA to meet your potential new dog or puppy, please bring all family members and current dogs with you to make sure the whole family agrees on your new adoptee.

CATS AND KITTENS:

From $20.00 to $125.00. Includes; spay/neuter surgery, microchip identification, rabies vaccination and other vaccinations appropriate to age, pet carrier, health evaluation, and more. When you visit the SPCA to meet your potential new cat or kitten, please bring all family members with you to make sure the whole family agrees on your new adoptee.

SPCA WHISKERS AND WISDOM:

Adults ages 60 years and over can adopt wonderful pets over the age of three for $50 off the adoption fee. Includes spay/neuter surgery, microchip identification, rabies vaccinations and others as appropriate to age and species, and health evaluation. Click here to learn more!

RABBITS:

$20.00 includes; spay/neuter surgery and microchip identification.

GUINEA PIGS:

$20.00.

RATS, MICE, AND HAMSTERS:

$15.00.

OTHER ADOPTABLE ANIMALS:

Horses, chickens, pot-bellied pigs, sheep, donkeys, exotic birds, reptiles, and other species are often available for adoption. Call or visit for more information.