Animals of all ages and breeds come to us for a variety of reasons; some owners did not have time or funds, some animals were turned in or picked up as strays and never claimed. Don't let your pet end up at a shelter; carefully consider before adopting:

• How much time do you have to spend with a pet daily?
• How prepared are you to handle the daily feeding and walking?
• Do you have the patience required to housetrain and use positive reinforcement to train a pet?
• Have you considered the cost of food, shots, yearly veterinarian visits, licensing and more? 
  List of cost provided by Sacramento SPCA.    Additional information about owning a pet.
• Have you thought about where the pet will sleep?
• Are you at least 18 years of age?

Dog or Cat? 
Since dogs are pack animals, they desire to be with humans or other dogs vs. isolated in a backyard. When left alone, they may develop anxiety or become bored and bark, chew and dig to relieve these feelings. We encourage adopters to keep dogs as inside companions, at least when home. More information about which dog might be right for you.

Cats also do better inside. Outdoor cats are subject to death or injury by cars or other animals; the average lifespan of an outdoor cats is only two years vs. the average of 15 years for indoor cats.  More information about cats.

Young Vs. Adult Animal:
Kittens and puppies are adorable but are not the best match for every household. Their sharp claws and teeth can destroy property and they require a lot of time to train and socialize. They may not adapt well if you already have pets. More information about young vs. adult pets.

Learn More about the Best Pet for You with Meet Your Match

Renters and Homeowners:
Some landlords do not allow pets, so we ask you to provide written proof that pets are allowed where you live.  Also, before adopting, consider how many times you might move during the average 12 year lifespan of a dog.
Some homeowner's insurance policies do not cover certain breeds of dogs. Check before you adopt.