How to Adopt

Thank you for your interest in adopting from Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. MCASAC has many wonderful dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, snakes, turtles and other animals waiting for new homes!

Adopt Same Day!

We do same-day adoptions! Once we receive and review all of your information, you will be asked to schedule an appointment to meet potential new family members. Should you fall in love, you will take them home that day!

First Come, First-Served, by Appointment

Please note, there is no guarantee that any particular animal will be available for adoption at the time of your appointment. In the interest of finding as many homes as possible, we are first-come, first-served by appointment and we do not place animals on holds based on questionnaires.

How to Adopt: Online or In-Person?

You may start the adoption process online or in-person at MCASAC.

Online

Step 1: Complete the Adoption Questionnaire

What kind of pet are you interested in? Complete the Adoption Questionnaire to let us know!

¿Habla español? ¡Complete el questionario de adopción en español!

If you would like to fill out a questionnaire in Chinese, or would like a PDF version of our English or Spanish Questionnaire, please download the relevant form and email it to AdoptMCASAC@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Step 2: Schedule a Visit!

You'll receive a link to schedule an appointment after submitting your questionnaire.

Step 3: Make sure you are ready!

You will need to bring in the following items in order to adopt:

A copy of your Driver's License or other Government Issued Photo ID
A copy of rabies certificates for any dogs, cats, or ferrets in the household. This copy can be digital or a physical copy

Please note if you are a Montgomery County resident and your current dogs and cats are not licensed, you will need to purchase pet license(s) when you come in for your appointment.

Don't forget to bring a carrier for cats or collars/leashes/harnesses for dogs!

In Person

Step 1: Collect the Required Items

In order to make an adoption appointment, please make sure you have the following items with you:

A copy of your Driver's License or other government-issued photo ID
Rabies certificates for any dogs, cats, or ferrets in the household. These certificates can be physical copies or digital.

Please note if you are a Montgomery County resident and your dogs and cats are not licensed, you will be required to purchase pet license(s) on site.

Step 2: Complete a Questionnaire at the Center!

What kind of pet are you interested in? Come in any time we are open and fill out a hard copy of the Adoption Questionnaire!

Step 3: Schedule a Visit

Return the questionnaire and bring all required documents to the front desk and they will schedule an appointment for you to visit with the animals! Appointments may be available same day.

FAQ

What does it cost to adopt?

Our adoption fees can be found here .

What does the adoption fee include?

The following is a breakdown of what is included in the adoption fee.

Dogs:

Spay/Neuter
Microchip
Heartworm test
Distemper, Bordatella, and Rabies Vaccines
Flea treatment and de-worming

Cats:

Spay/Neuter
Microchip
Feline Leukemia/Feline AIDS test
Distemper and Rabies Vaccines
Flea treatment and de-worming

What if I just want to look around?

You may visit the adoption center any time we are open and view our available animals through the windows of their enclosures.

What if I want to visit with the animals?

Complete the Adoption Questionnaire and indicate your interest in a cat, dog, or other animal. You will receive a link to schedule a visit.
Alternatively, you may walk in to the adoption center with all your required documents and fill out the questionnaire in person. Customer service staff will set you up with the next available appointment.

When will I be able to take my new pet home?

We do same-day adoptions! Should you fall in love during your appointment, you will take them home that day!

What if I am only interested in a particular animal or type of animal?

We cannot guarantee a particular animal will be available at the time of your visit. In the interest of finding as many homes as possible we are first-come, first-served by appointment. We do not place animals on hold based on questionnaires.

What about my pets at home?

Please leave your pets at home prior to your initial visit to the shelter. We will help you determine the best way to introduce your new pet to your current pet(s). An adoption counselor may also schedule an introduction at the shelter.

Can I adopt if I live out of state/county?

Yes! Adopters from all over are welcome to visit us and adopt a pet! All we ask is that the person adopting is able to visit us in person. We do not transport pets.

What if I want to adopt an animal that is currently in foster care?

Once you submit your questionnaire, adoption staff will direct the foster family to schedule a meet and greet with you.

After the meet and greet, contact the adoption team to let them know if you would like to move forward. They will set up an appointment for you to finalize the adoption. At that time you must bring copies of rabies certificates for any dogs, cats, or ferrets in the household and if you are a Montgomery County resident you will need to purchase pet license(s) if your pets are not already licensed with the county.

Interested in a Barn Cat?

Sometimes known as "barn cats," Freelance Felines are working cats that live on your property and help deter pests and rodents. Visit this page to learn more!

For questions/concerns regarding pet adoption, please email us at AdoptMCASAC@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.