At this time, we do not offer adoption holds. All adoptions at Cincinnati Animal CARE are on a first-come, first-served basis. We offer same-day adoptions, so if you meet a pet and feel a connection, you can take them home that day!

If you're interested in a trial period before committing, dogs over 6 months old may be eligible for our Foster-to-Adopt program. This allows you to welcome the dog into your home for a short-term trial—ranging from 48 hours up to 7 days—to ensure it's the right fit for both of you.

During our adoption process, we strive to make good matches between people and pets; however, we recognize that there can be some unknowns in terms of how an animal will fit into your home. Our foster-to-adopt program alleviates some of those concerns! Fostering-to-adopt allows you to take an animal home for a specified amount of time to see how they do in your home environment before committing to an adoption. Not every animal will be eligible for our FTA program, so talk with the adoption staff during your visit to find out more information.

All animals currently available for adoption are listed on our website’s adoptable animal pages. If you see a specific pet you’re interested in, we encourage you to visit the shelter (if the animal is listed at one of our shelter locations) or reach out directly:

• For shelter animals: Email [email protected]

• For animals in foster care: Email [email protected]

We’re happy to add you as a Person of Interest on that animal’s profile. Please note that we do not place adoption holds, and some animals—such as kittens, puppies, and small dogs—are in high demand and may be adopted quickly.

If the animal you’re interested in is no longer available when you arrive, our matchmaking team will work with you to find another wonderful companion to welcome into your home.

We recognize that each pet is unique and may have different needs, therefore we do not have a standardized list of adoption requirements. Instead, we have conversations with each adopter about what they’re looking for in a pet, their living situation, and which pets might be a good match. Our goals are to find the right pet for your family and to set you up for success!

Yes! If you meet a pet and fall in love, you can take them home that same day.

If your new pet hasn’t been spayed or neutered yet, we’ll schedule a surgery date for you to bring them back. Until their surgery is complete, they’ll be considered Pre-Adopted—which means they’re living with you, but the adoption isn’t officially finalized just yet.

You’ll still complete the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee when you leave with your pet. Once the surgery is done, the adoption becomes official, and they’re all yours!

Please read our adoption return and refund policy here:

Adoption Return Policy

Within 7 days of adoption: If you feel that your adopted pet is not a good match, please contact our Community Support Team by email at [email protected] to schedule an adoption return appointment. Returns will not be processed without a prior appointment, except in emergency situations.

After 7 days of adoption: Adoption returns are not guaranteed after 7 days. However, we encourage you to reach out to our Community Support Team to explore possible solutions, which may include rehoming assistance, training resources, and other options to support you and your pet.

Adoption Return Refund Policy

Within 7 days of adoption: If you returned your adopted pet within 7 days of adoption, you can request an adoption fee refund. To request a refund, email [email protected] with your name and the name of the adopted pet. Please note that only the adoption fee is refundable; merchandise and Hamilton County Dog Licenses are non-refundable. The adoption fee will only be refunded if the return process is initiated according to these guidelines; adoption fees are not automatically refunded.

Between 7 days and 30 days of adoption: If you return your pet between 7 and 30 days of adoption, the adoption fee may be applied toward the adoption of another animal in our care. Please note that merchandise and Hamilton County Dog Licenses cannot be applied to future adoptions.

Adoptions from Foster Homes
If you adopted your pet from a foster home, please be aware that the foster parent is not able to facilitate the return process. All adoption returns must be coordinated directly with our Community Support Team.