How to adopt a pet
from the RSPCA
Every pet adoption starts with finding the right match. Here’s what to expect from the RSPCA adoption process – from searching for a pet to welcoming them home, with honest advice and ongoing support at every step.
Jump to:
Pet adoption process guide
Find a pet
Start by browsing animals looking for homes on our Find a Pet search. Each profile shares what we know about the animal, including their personality, needs and the kind of home that will best support their welfare. If you’re not sure how to adopt from the RSPCA, we’re here to help you explore your options.
Apply online
When you’ve found a pet you’d like to meet, complete an online application. This helps our teams understand your home, lifestyle and experience, so we can make sure the animal’s needs will be met, or suggest alternatives if another animal might suit you better.
Matchmaking and assessment
Our teams review applications and will get in touch with suitable matches to talk things through on the phone. We’ll be clear about an animal’s needs and answer any questions you have. Every adoption is considered individually, with the animal’s welfare at the heart of every decision.
Meet and get to know each other
If we find a positive match, we’ll arrange a meeting. Some animals may need more than one visit, especially if they have complex needs. This time is about making sure everyone feels comfortable and confident.
How long the RSPCA adoption process takes depends on the individual animal and your circumstances. Adoption timelines vary from case to case, which means some move faster than others.
Final checks and taking your pet home
Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll guide you through the final steps, including paperwork, adoption fees and practical advice.
If you’re wondering how much it costs to adopt from the RSPCA, adoption fees vary depending on the type of animal and the centre. They help contribute to the cost of veterinary care, vaccinations, neutering and preparation, and you’ll receive key documents and guidance to help your new pet settle in safely.
After adoption, your local centre remains available for advice and support. In many cases, this may include follow-up calls or home visits, alongside access to our online pet care and welfare guidance.
Pet adoption requirements
Every adoption is different. These are our RSPCA adoption requirements, designed to make sure every animal goes to a safe and suitable home.
Rather than having fixed rules, our teams focus on whether you can meet the needs of a specific animal. You’ll also need to meet your legal responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act, including providing a suitable environment, proper care and veterinary treatment.
If the pet you’ve applied for isn’t the right match, we’ll help you explore other animals who may be better suited to your circumstances.
RSPCA adoption requirements
We’ll look at things like:
Whether your home environment is safe and suitable
How much time you can offer, including how long a pet may be left alone
Your experience with animals and willingness to use reward-based training
Your ability to meet ongoing costs, including food, insurance and veterinary care
Landlord permission if you rent your home
Animal Welfare Act 2006
All animal owners are required by law, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, to care for animals properly by meeting their five welfare needs.
- A suitable place to live
- A healthy diet, including fresh, clean water
- The ability to behave normally
- The right company, including any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
- Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Animal Welfare Act 2006
All animal owners are required by law, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, to care for animals properly by meeting their five welfare needs.
- A suitable place to live
- A healthy diet, including fresh, clean water
- The ability to behave normally
- The right company, including any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
- Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
How to adopt
Explore adoption processes for each pet
Meet the animals
Ready to take the next step?
Foster an animal
If adoption isn’t possible for you right now, fostering is a flexible way to help an animal in need. You’ll provide a temporary home while we cover essential costs and offer ongoing support.
Further resources
Who will you find to rehome?
Most of our rehomed pets aren't puppies or kittens. They're loud, quiet, fluffy, big, small, or even three-legged. They come with a personality ready-made, a past that's unique to them and a lot of love to give. He might be the dog who runs over and has a sniff, or the cat who comes to sit beside you. You never know who you'll meet and bond with!
Now it's up to you to give the animals in our care the loving home they deserve.
Rehoming at RSPCA
Why adopt from one of our animal shelters?
Many of the animals in our care have never experienced life in a loving, family home. Can you give one of our animals the happy future they deserve?
There are many sites that offer kittens for sale or dogs for free, but buying a pet online can be risky and could mean you end up paying huge vet bills.
All of our dogs and cats will come spayed or snipped, vaccinated and microchipped.
To help your pet in their time of need why not consider getting RSPCA Pet Insurance?
Sponsor an animal's stay
- Whilst waiting to meet you, your new family member is getting all the care they need in one of our animal centres. And they're not alone. We have plenty of hungry mouths to feed and you can help.
- Sponsor dog kennels or cat pods and help other animals in our care find their way home.
