How to Adopt

Application, fees, requirments & other FAQ.
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How to Adopt

  • Search our senior and long-term dogs and cats down below or see all available pets by clicking the red “See All Pets” button above.
  • Fill out the OPA Adoption Application online by clicking the blue “Apply Online” button above.
  • If you have trouble with the online form please download the application and email a scanned copy back to us at adopt@operationpetsalive.org
  • Once we receive your completed Adoption Application and have found that it is a good match, we will arrange for you to meet and take home your new pet!
  • Our pets are frequently at our scheduled adoption events, but we can also make special arrangements.
  • The final step is to meet with an adoption coordinator and your future pet. At this meeting, you will sign the OPA Adoption Contract and take home your new pet, unless otherwise advised. To review a copy of the Adoption Contract, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for adopting?
  • An Adoption Application and Adoption Contract must be completed and accepted by an OPA Adoption Coordinator.
  • Our available animals have either been in a shelter or have been diverted from entering a shelter. Adopters must be committed to making these homeless pets a part of their family.
  • Owners must keep animals current on shots/vaccinations, flea prevention, and heartworm prevention (dogs).
  • Barn cats must have a caretaker.
How do I meet an animal before adopting?

The first step is to fill out an application, there is no obligation to adopt. The application will be forwarded to the animal’s foster for review. Please give fosters 2-3 business days to respond as we are all volunteers and many have full time jobs.

Keep in mind, some animals receive multiple applications and our fosters try their best to respond to all applicants, but are sometimes unable due to the volume.

How much does adopting cost?

Dogs

  • The adoption fee for dogs under 6 months old is $250.
  • The adoption fee for dogs over 6 months old is $185.
  • The adoption fee for senior dogs (over 8 years old) is $150.

Cats

  • The adoption fee for cats under 6 months old is $125.
  • The adoption fee for cats over 6 months old is $100.
  • The adoption fee for senior cats (over 8 years old) is $80.
  • The adoption fee for barn cats is $50.

Occasionally we have sponsors for long-term pets or for adoption events where cat and dog fees may be discounted or completely covered!

Veterans can receive discounts or other specials on animals adopted in our program through our partnership with Pets for Patriots.

What do adoption fees cover?
  • Dog adoption fees include current vaccinations, de-worming, microchipping, heartworm test (if older than 6 months) and spay or neuter.
  • Cat adoption fees include current vaccinations, feline leukemia/FIV test, de-worming and spay or neuter.
  • Our Texas Barn Cat Program adoption fees include rabies vaccination, ear tip and spay or neuter.
I submitted my application online. When do I take my pet home?

All applications are reviewed by the animal’s foster. Please give fosters 2-3 business days to respond as we are all volunteers and many have full time jobs.

Keep in mind, some animals receive multiple applications and our fosters try their best to respond to all applicants, but are sometimes unable due to the volume.

Adoptions are completed in person with an Adoption Coordinator. Even though you submit an application on an animal, you may not be the person who ends up adopting them.

Will I need additional veterinarian services from OPA?

Most animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered. Some younger animals may still need their second round of shots or their alter surgeries. At the animal’s adoption any additional needs will be discussed.

What if I have another question?

You can send us an email at info@operationpetsalive.org or see more frequently asked questions here.

Latest News

January Newsletter: Celebrating Success

Thanks to all our supporters for a great year. Click here to see what we accomplished in 2024, and what we’re looking ahead to in 2025!

December Newsletter: Double Your Impact

Generous donors will match EOY Fundraiser donations up to $20,000! Raise $20K, and it doubles to $40K. Donate by Dec 31 to make an impact!

Giving Tuesday is December 3!

OPA is participating in Giving Tuesday, Dec 3! The money you raise will help us pay for medical care, food + more for our animals!

November Newsletter: Raffles, Adoptions & More

Hello OPA Family! The season of giving is here, and we’re so excited to share some incredible opportunities to make a difference for our furry friends. With multiple fundraisers, exciting raffles, and a major transport mission in the works, there’s no shortage of ways...

October Newsletter: Tailgate Raffle Time + Fun Fall Events

We have two very exciting fundraisers happening right now that will make a big impact in our life-saving efforts! As well as a “mega” adoption event happening tomorrow at Petco in The Woodlands (next to Trader Joe’s)! Our Tailgate Party Cooler Raffle is back again for...

September Newsletter: Serve Aces for Animals at the Coco Classic & Help Rico Heal!

Our September newsletter recapping the happenings of August and what’s coming up for Operation Pets Alive!

August Newsletter: Spay/Neuter Event + Pups on Trucks Update

Our August newsletter recapping the happenings of July in Operation Pets Alive: Pups on Trucks, a spay/neuter event and more!

May Newsletter: How Your Donation Made a Difference in April

Learn how your donations made a difference in April in our transport program and calendar fundraiser!

Dog Calendar Contest in Support of Operation Pets Alive!

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (March 28, 2024) – Operation Pets Alive, in partnership with Lenora Stein Photography, is happy to announce its 2025 Dog Calendar Contest! Proceeds from the sale of the calendar and photo contest will assist Operation Pets Alive with the spay...

Fun Event for the Kids & Dogs!

Thank you for supporting Operation Pets Alive and believing in our mission to save homeless pets in Montgomery County. We wanted to make you aware of an exciting community event benefiting Operation Pets Alive. The IRONMAN Foundation sponsors a huge Ironman Kid’s Fun...

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