Our Adoption Process

When you choose to adopt a shelter animal, you’re not just saving the life of the animal you adopted, you’re also opening up space for the next animal in need! Our goal at Morris Animal Refuge is to approach the adoption process holistically to make the best matches both for our adopters and for our animals.

Our Adoption Process

Morris Animal Refuge has a holistic open adoptions policy that seeks to find the best home for every animal and the best animal for every home. We do no not require appointments or pre-approvals to adopt. Instead, we will have a conversation about your preferences and resources and the animal’s needs. Visit our shelter (1242 Lombard St) or PetSmart Adoption Center (2360 Oregon Ave) during our adoption hours to adopt! We will process your information at the time of adoption and in most cases your animal can go home with you on the same day.

Our Adoption Process

Morris Animal Refuge has a holistic open adoptions policy that seeks to find the best home for every animal and the best animal for every home. No appointment is required to adopt with us; walk-ins are welcome. Visit our shelter (1242 Lombard St) or PetSmart Adoption Center (2360 Oregon Ave) during our adoption hours to adopt! We will process your information at the time of adoption and in most cases your animal can go home with you on the same day.

Adoptions are same-day, first-come-first-served. We cannot hold animals for pick-up at a later date.

The adoption process takes a minimum of 30 minutes. Please be aware that we are unable to begin an adoption less than 30 minutes prior to closing. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Adding a pet to your family is a big decision. Doing research before can help you prepare for your new furry family member and can help direct you in your search for a companion that fits your lifestyle.

You can check out our adoption packets for information about how to care for a new pet, what to expect when you bring them home, and more!

Dog Adoption Packet

Cat Adoption Packet

There’s no online application, but if you’re planning on bringing home an animal it’s a good idea to read the above packets and set up a quiet space in your home for your new furry family member.

When you arrive at the refuge, please bring a valid photo ID and cash or card to pay the adoption fee.

It is encouraged, but not required, that you bring any children, current dogs, or other members of your household to meet the dog you are interested in adopting. 

If you are interested in adopting a cat, please do not bring any other pets with you. Because cats require slow introductions to new animals the shelter setting is not a good place for them to meet new potential furry family members.

All animals adopted from Morris Animal Refuge are:

 – Spayed/Neutered

 – Up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations

 – Treated for fleas and most intestinal parasites

 – Microchipped

 – Cared for by our loving staff until they find their forever homes!

We recommend establishing care with your primary veterinarian within 30 days of your adoption.

Adoption Fees

Adoption fees vary based on age of the animal, length of time in the shelter, and a variety of other factors. To get the most accurate fee for a specific animal, contact us at (215) 735-9570 

Cats over 6 Months

$80 ($100 for a bonded pair)

Cats Under 6 Months

$150 ($200 for a pair)

Large Dogs Over 6 Months

$100

Small Dogs Over 6 Months

$350

Dogs Under 6 Months

$500

Adoption Locations & Hours

Morris Animal Refuge
1242 Lombard Street

Tuesday: 12pm-5pm
Wednesday: 12pm-7pm
Friday: 12pm-7pm
Saturday: 12pm-5pm

PetSmart
2360 Oregon Avenue

Monday: 6pm-8:30pm
Tuesday: 6pm-8:30pm
Wednesday: 12pm-3pm
Thursday: 6pm-8:30pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12pm-3pm

*Please keep in mind that this center is staffed by volunteers, so hours are subject to occasional change based on volunteer availability