Three puppies in their kennels at animal Welfare Association.

Adopt a Pet

How Does the Adoption Process Work?

Adopting a pet should be an exciting, stress-free experience! Our goal is to help you find the perfect match for you and your new furry friend.

1

Visit AWA

Come meet the animals and find your new favorite.
2

Meet a Pet

Ask an Adoption Counselor to introduce you to the pet that catches your eye.
3

Apply

Once you’ve found the one, fill out a quick adoption questionnaire.
4

Chat with Us

Talk with an Adoption Counselor to make sure the pet is a good fit for your family.
5

Take Your New Friend Home

Once everything’s set, you’re ready to bring your new best friend home!

In some cases, everyone in your household, including existing pets, may need to meet the pet before adopting.
If the animal hasn’t been spayed or neutered yet, they’ll need to wait until the procedure is done before going home.

Animal Welfare Association Adoption Guidelines

 Part of our mission at AWA is to help every animal find a loving, compatible home.

To ensure a great match, we may need to decline an adoption if we believe the pet isn’t the right fit or if the adopter does not meet our adoption criteria, and is:

  • Under the age of 18

  • Under the influence of drugs or alcohol during visit

Please note, due to the high number of animals we care for, we can’t guarantee that every listed pet will be available when you visit. We also can’t hold animals via phone, fax, or email.

Man and woman holding an orange and white cat in front of AWA background

Adoption Fees

Adoption fees are used to fund AWA’s lifesaving programs. Fees are non-refundable after adoption is completed.

Dogs

Puppies (Under 6 mo): $450
Adult Dogs (6 mo+): $300
Adult Small/Toy (< 25 lbs): $425

Cats

Kittens (Under 6 mo): $150
Cats (6 mo+): $100

Small Animals

Rabbits: $85
Hamsters, Gerbils and Mice: $20
Guinea Pigs and Rats: $30

Adoption Programs

Tan dog with three legs due to amputation of hind leg.

Adoption Fees Waived

Can't Buy Me Love

The Can’t Buy Me Love program helps find loving homes for pets with special needs, such as age, health, or behavior challenges. By waiving adoption fees, adopters can focus on providing the extra care, training, or medical attention these pets need to thrive in their new homes.

View Eligible Animals
Pets for Vets - Veterans holding flags with dogs on leashes

Adoption Fees Waived

Pets for Veterans

Through the Camden County Pets for Veterans program, we waive adoption fees for active military, reservists, and veterans, connecting them with shelter pets. This program helps veterans experience the joy and companionship of a pet while offering a second chance to a deserving animal.

Learn More
Pop - Older brown dog on a red leash with his tongue out

Seniors for Seniors

AWA’s Seniors for Seniors program waives adoption fees for senior pets and matches them with adopters 60 years and older. Pet ownership improves well-being, and senior pets thrive in calm homes. Adopters must meet Animal Welfare Association adoption guidelines and live in Camden County, NJ. Contact the Adoption Center for details.

Learn More
Black, white, and brown dog wearing an American Flag bandana sitting in grass

Pets for Patriots

AWA partners with Pets for Patriots to connect veterans and service members with at-risk shelter pets. Eligible pets are over 2 years old, have special needs, or are a dog over 40 pounds. Veterans receive a $150 gift card for pet supplies, free ID tags, flea/tick prevention, and post-adoption support, including discounts on care and pet products.

Learn More
Brown and white and black and white guinea pigs eating kale

Best Friends

To keep best friends together, AWA lets adopters to take home bonded pairs of cats, dogs or rabbits at a reduced adoption fee for the second animal.