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Adoption Process

Pet Adoption at Foothills Animal Shelter

Where second chances begin.

We’re thrilled you’re considering adopting a cat, dog, or small animal from Foothills Animal Shelter. Every pet adoption supports our mission to provide compassionate care, safety, and new beginnings for thousands of animals each year. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to begin your adoption journey.

The adoption process

Foothills Animal Shelter is open to the public seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adoption visits stop daily at 4:30 p.m.

Visitors are welcome to browse the Adoption Center at their own pace. If you’re interested in a specific animal, our team will gladly introduce you, share their background, and work to understand your lifestyle and needs to help you find the right match.

For homes with existing dogs, we can facilitate dog-to-dog introductions to support compatibility. While we are unable to introduce cats or conduct cat-dog introductions at the shelter, we’re happy to provide tips for a successful introduction at home.

Adoption fees

Adoption fees help offset the cost of each pet’s care including shelter, veterinary treatment, behavior support, daily enrichment, and more. We’re also proud to offer several special programs and promotions:

Let us know if you have questions about adoption fees or current promotions!

Questions? Email us

Adoption holds

Need a little more time to prepare or decide? We offer two types of holds:

First Hold ($25): Reserves your chosen animal until close of business the following day.

Second Hold ($25): If the first hold does not adopt, you will be notified at closing, and your second hold will become the first hold and be valid until the end of the next business day.

Holds must be placed in person or by phone during business hours (voicemail requests are not accepted). Hold fees support the cost of continued housing for the pet. All holds are non-refundable or tax-deductible and not applied toward the adoption fee.

Adoption holds are a great option if you need time to prepare your home, think through your decision, or bring in your resident dog for an introduction with a potential new companion.

What’s included in your adoption

Your adoption fee includes more than just a new friend – it’s a full package to help your pet start off right: 

Foothills is grateful to partner with VCA Animal Hospitals to offer a complimentary initial wellness visit to adopted pets!

VCA Animal Hospitals
At participating locations only
https://vcahospitals.com/
(310) 571-6500

Note: Items have no cash value if not applicable.

Foothills retail store

Visit our onsite Foothills ReTail Store to pick up everything you need for your new pet—from food and leashes to toys and treats. Most of our prices are lower than traditional pet retailers, and all proceeds go directly back to supporting animals in our care.

Returns and adoption support

We know that sometimes things don’t go as planned. If your adopted animal is returned within 30 days, you will receive a full refund of the adoption fee.

No matter how much time has passed, we always welcome our adopted animals back if circumstances change. We’re here to support both pets and people – every step of the way.

Thank you for choosing adoption. Your decision saves lives.

View Available Animals

Let us know how we can help you find your perfect companion today!

View Available Dogs View Available Cats View Available Small Animals View Working Whiskers

Questions? Contact a member of our team:

Email us
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