Our Philosophy

Be a Good Human Companion

Benefits of adopting older animals

Why mixed breeds make great companion animals

So You Want to Adopt a Puppy....

Available Dogs

Available Cats

Available Small Animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.)

Available Other Animals (reptiles, farm animals, etc.)

Download Adoption Profile Forms

Adoption Fees

Happy Tails

Adopt

Our Philosophy

Some of the animals in our shelter were stray or abandoned; others -- animals perfect in all the important ways -- were turned in or "surrendered" by their owners for various reasons. Some owners didn't have enough time, some had to move. Some dogs were surrendered because they barked too much or didn't bark enough. Many of our animals are mixed breeds, yet roughly a quarter are purebred. The one thing that all PHS/SPCA animals have in common is that each is hoping for a loving new home.

Our adoption process seeks to make the best possible match between you and your new companion, to ensure a lifelong commitment. We do our best to match the animal's needs and temperament with the adopter's lifestyle. We place thousands of animals in loving homes every year and are proud to say most adoptions result in lifelong relationships.

The State of California requires that all animals adopted from PHS/SPCA (and any animal shelter or rescue group) are spayed or neutered before they go home. Because this is so important and one of the primary measures to end pet overpopulation in San Mateo County, spaying/neutering is included in the adoption fee.

Having a companion animal brings rewards -- friendship and unconditional love -- as well as responsibilities such as providing nutritious food and fresh water, regular veterinary care, time for exercise and training and lots of quality interaction.

The Adoption Procedure

When a potential adopter comes into the shelter and sees an animal he or she is interested in adopting, we ask the potential adopter to first complete an Adoption Profile. Then, one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives brings the adopter and animal together in one of our Get Acquainted Rooms. There they have a quiet, private space to get to know each other better. During the visit, the customer service representative may discuss the following:

• past experiences with animals and current animals in the home
• lifestyle, including work schedule and the kinds of activities they plan to do with their companion animal
• housing situation - own or rent, size of yard, etc.

In order to make the best match possible for a family and home, we suggest potential adopters bring along all members of the household to meet the new companion animal and bring their current dog(s) to meet a potential dog. Adopters must also be 18 or older. Again, thank you for thinking of PHS/SPCA. We hope you find the companion animal you are looking for.

PHS/SPCA reserves the right to deny adoptions. Our priorities are the health, safety and future well-being of the animals in our care and the health, safety and expectations of people who visit us with hopes of finding a pet who will match their interests, lifestyle and existing companion animal(s).

Shelter Hours

11 am to 7 pm, Monday through Friday

11 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday

Closed all major holidays

It is often not possible for our staff to complete adoptions when visitors arrive less than an hour before we close (7 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on weekends). Please note this and arrive at least an hour before our closing time if you think you might be adopting a pet.