Application Process

The process of finding the perfect pooch begins with looking at the dogs available for adoption. This can be done either online through petfinder.com, or by visiting the shelter. Visiting the shelter is the best way to see the animals available for adoption.

NOW THAT YOU’VE FOUND THE PERFECT POOCH...
Now that you have found the perfect pooch to make your family complete, all adult members of the household must meet the animal before he/she can be reserved pending your approval for adoption. If you are already pre-approved, all adult members of the family must meet the animal before he/she can go to his/her new home.

When animals have NLA (meaning "no longer available") on them at the shelter it means that an adoption application has been received on that animal. For those animals that are on our website if an adoption application is received it is placed as NLA - adoption pending and it is no longer viewable on the website.

If you have other dogs in your family already, when approved to adopt your new special dog or puppy, an arrangement is made to bring in all dogs in the family to meet the new dog. This is done at the shelter with a member of the SPCA staff under controlled circumstances to ensure that the dog being adopted is a good match with the existing dogs in the household. These meetings generally take place in the fenced back yard of the Metro shelter.

Sometimes a dog being adopted has a provision that obedience classes are mandatory. We want this new relationship to be a success and the more socialized and obedient an animal, the better chance of a long-lasting loving mutually beneficial relationship. Once an adopter has been approved, the adopter must register and pay for the obedience classes prior to the dog being released. A list of known positive reinforcement obedience classes will be provided. If an adopter decides upon a class other than those on the SPCA approved list, please inform the shelter immediately before registering to ensure the trainer meets with SPCA approval. The SPCA reserves the right to decline enrolment with any trainer at their discretion. Please note: for obedience classes to meet the SPCA requirement for mandatory obedience, the class must:

1. be of a class structure (i.e., not private one-on-one in-home training) so that the newly adopted dog experiences various stimuli and socialization such as differing people, animals and situations under a controlled environment with a qualified instructor;
2. training methods must be positive reinforcement, not corrective/negative reinforcement (i.e., use of prong/choke/pinch collars are not permitted);
3. must be at least eight weeks in duration; and
4. must be taught by a certified dog trainer who meets with the SPCA approval and mandate.