Which animals can be adopted?

While we would like to be able to find homes for all the animals in our facility, there are certain guidelines that we must follow. Please contact us by phone (281) 999-3191 with any questions about our adoption policies or guidelines.

To be adopted:

• Stray animals must stay here a minimum of 3 working days to allow the rightful owners to locate them.
• Animals must not show any sign of aggression while in our care.
• Animals must appear to be in good health and medically suitable for spay or neuter surgery.

What is included with the adoption?

Cat Adoption:

includes current vaccinations, dewormer, and spay or neuter surgery.  The adoption also includes a collar, rabies vaccination tag and Harris County lifetime license tag.

Dog Adoption:

includes current vaccinations, dewormer, and spay or neuter surgery.  The adoption also includes a collar, rabies vaccination tag and Harris County lifetime license tag.

Your adoption paperwork will include the medical history for your pet while it was in our care.  Adopters are encouraged to take their pet, along with this medical history, to their veterinarian within 3 days for follow up exams and vaccination boosters.

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What is the cost?

All dogs and puppies are $80.00

All cats and kittens are $70.00.

What is the return policy?

All animals placed in our adoption program are evaluated for health and temperament.  Because the animals in our shelter are often stray, with no known medical history, it is possible that some may not show signs of illness until several weeks after adoption.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to take your new pet to your veterinarian as soon as possible to follow up on all necessary vaccinations.  Should your new pet become ill, we do offer a two week health guarantee for adoption animals, if that animal has seen a veterinarian within the first 72 hours of the adoption.  The adoption fee can not be refunded but you can choose another pet within 6 months of the return. 

Which animal should I pick?

Adopting a pet is a serious, lifelong commitment so please choose your pet carefully.  We suggest that you consider how much time you have to spend with a pet and how much space you have in your home/yard for a pet.  Are you looking for a quiet, laid-back lap cat or a feisty, ready-to-play dog?  Will your landscaping survive the normal digging behaviors of a lab puppy?  Once you have an idea of what type of pet fits your lifestyle come in and talk with one of our adoption counselors.  They will be happy to help you find the right pet. 

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How do I prepare before I adopt?

A few suggestions to help prepare for a new pet:

• Be sure other pets you have are currently vaccinated before bringing home a new pet.
• If you don't already have one find a veterinarian.
• Prepare other family members and discuss the responsibilities associated with having a new pet in the home.  It's important that everyone be in agreement with the decision to adopt.
• Evaluate your home and yard to be sure it is safe for your new pet.  All dogs and cats in unincorporated Harris County are required by law to be confined in their own yard or on a leash at all times.  When adopting a dog, check your fence to be sure it is secure enough to keep your new pet from escaping. 
• If you are adopting a cat, the safest place to keep them is inside the house.  If allowed to roam, cats can be injured by loose dogs, hit by a car or exposed to diseases that could harm the cat and/or family members.  

How do I adopt a pet?

How do I adopt a cat located at PETCO River Oaks?

You need to fill out our adoption application and return the application to HCPHES Veterinary Public Health either in person or by faxing to (281) 847-1911.  The application will be reviewed and then you will have 24 hours to come and pay the adoption fee, in person at our shelter during regular adoption hours.