How to adopt an animal, step by step

1. Choose carefully where

You can adopt from shelters, associations and council animal protection centres. Animal protection organisations have to be listed in their register (Ley 7/2023, the Animal Welfare Act). Ask if they are.

2. Think about which animal suits you

Size, energy, age and temperament matter more than breed. Tell them honestly what your home is like, how many hours you are out, whether there are children or other animals, and whether you love long walks or the sofa. They know their animals and will help you choose.

3. Application and interview

Usually you fill in a questionnaire and have a chat, sometimes with a home visit. It is not to judge you: they want the adoption to last the animal's whole life.

4. Adoption contract

• You will sign a contract in which you promise to look after it and, often, to let them know if you cannot keep doing so.
• The animal is handed over identified and registered: the law bans giving animals up for adoption without identification (Ley 7/2023, art. 27.m).
• Many organisations ask for a fee or donation that helps pay for vaccinations, the microchip and neutering.
• Some follow up during the first few weeks.

5. The first few days

Have your home ready before it arrives, keep a calm routine and give it time. An adopted animal can take weeks to show what it is really like. If in doubt, ask the shelter: they would rather have a thousand calls than a return.

In the Adopt section we introduce animals from shelters that are friends of Petuki.