Requirements for Adoption:

1. A current United States government-issued photo ID.

Approved Forms of ID:

• Driver's License (Issued within U.S. including U.S. Territories)
• Non-Driver Photo ID (Issued within U.S. including U.S. Territories)
• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Card
• U.S. Military ID Card
• U.S. Military Dependent's ID Card
• Tribal Card

 2. Must be at least 18 years old.

3. No prior animal-related issues, violations, or other activity that has deemed your household unfit for adoption through us.

4. Must follow and successfully pass/complete all of the adoption procedures stated below.

Adoption Procedures:

The following steps are designed to help place an animal in a suitable home.

First Come First Serve : Our adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis. If an animal is going up for adoption in the morning, we go off of whoever was first in the parking lot (not the door). We have cameras to reference if there is disagreement on who was there first.

Adoption Contract: Must sign a legally-binding adoption contract agreeing to assume all risk and responsibility of ownership of the animal and abide by animal-related city ordinances and Texas state law. Must agree to our terms and conditions stated on the contract – namely, that we cannot guarantee anything about the past, present, or future health and behavior of the animal.

If applicable to the species and if not completed prior to adoption, must sign an additional addendum stating you will get the animal rabies vaccinated and/or spayed/neutered within the state-required time frame, and then provide proof to our Animal Services department prior to the due date stated on your specific contract. This can be provided in-person or via email (askrichardsonanimalservices@cor.gov).

Adopter’s Presence: Because the decision to adopt a lifelong companion is a big commitment and the contract is taking full legal ownership, we do not allow pets to be adopted on someone else’s behalf or as a gift. The long-term caretaker of the animal must be the one present to sign the contract, meet the animal in-person, and meet all of our requirements.

Household Agreement: Adult members of your household must be part of the selection and must agree on the decision to bring this animal home. If the homeowner/parent/roommate is opposed to this animal coming into the home (and thus making them a co-owner), then the adoption will be denied.

It is sometimes possible for this to be completed with a phone call when one of the adults cannot come to the shelter.

Consultation: Once an animal is selected, staff will review the computer record about that animal to determine if this is a suitable match that will best ensure they are going into a forever home. Staff will then go over any restrictions or medical issues.

Pet Policies: If you rent, staff will need to see your pet policy to check for any breed/weight restrictions, pet deposits, maximum number allowed, etc. We understand that many people can “get away” with breaking their leases and policies, but we want to ensure that our animals are being welcomed into their housing and are not at-risk of eviction/immediate removal should the land owner discover the policy violation. If the policy cannot be found online, it is your responsibility to provide proof that the animal is allowed – whether that’s through your lease or a written statement from the land owner (email is acceptable).

Refunds: Adoption fees are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Our departments reserves all rights to decline an adoption for the safety and success of our animal.