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. We ask that you choose one and complete all three steps under that option. That way, your information will stay organized and together.

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: Email Us!

After submitting the questionnaire, please email AdoptMCASAC@montgomerycountymd.gov:

A copy of your Driver's License or other Government Issued Photo ID
If you are a Montgomery County resident, a copy of your up to date pet licenses for any and all cats and dogs, and rabies certificates for any ferrets in the household.
If you are NOT a Montgomery County resident, a valid rabies vaccination certificate for all dogs, cats, and/or ferrets in the home.

Step 3: Schedule a Visit

Once you have emailed us your supporting documentation, the adoptions team will email you a link to make an appointment online to visit with the animals.

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
If you own cats, dogs, or ferrets AND live in Montgomery County, current pet licenses* for any and all cats and dogs and rabies certificates for any and all ferrets you own.
If you own cats, dogs, or ferrets and DO NOT live in Montgomery County, valid rabies vaccination certificates for all dogs, cats, and/or ferrets you own.

*Pets of Rockville City and Gaithersburg City are not licensed by the County, rabies certificates will suffice.

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!

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. Email the required documents and an adoption counselor will review your information and send you 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! Once we receive and review all your information, you will be sent a link to schedule an appointment to meet potential new family members. Should you fall in love, 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 and provide all your supporting documentation, 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.

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.