Adopt

Adoption Process and Fees

ADOPT A PET TODAY

Memphis Animal Services is open for adoptions Tuesday through Friday from 1–6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12–4 p.m. No appointment is needed to meet pets at the shelter—just stop by during our open hours!

We have wonderful dogs, cats, and other pets waiting to meet you and become part of your family.

When you adopt from MAS, your new pet will already be:

Spayed or neutered

Vaccinated

Microchipped

Heartworm tested (for dogs)

Our adoption fees include all of the above. Dogs also receive a new collar and leash, and dogs and cats both receive engravable ID tags.

To adopt, you’ll need a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport). We accept credit/debit cards (no checks or cash) – please make sure the name on the card matches your ID.

At MAS, we’re committed to helping you find the right match without unnecessary barriers. Whether you’re adopting your first pet or your fifth, we’re here to make the process easy, welcoming, and rewarding.

FEES

Below is a list of fees Memphis Animal Services charge for adoption.

Regular Adoption Fees

Adult Dogs	$50
Puppies (under 6 months)	$80
Small Breed-Under 25 lbs (6+ months)	$80
Adult Cats	$50
Kittens (under 6 months)	$80
Horse	$250
Large Bird	$40
Pig, Goat	$30
Rabbit, Ferret, Small bird	$20
Hamster, Guinea Pig, Gerbil, Snake, Lizard	$10
Chicken, Rat	$5

ANIMAL CARE POLICIES AND INFORMATION

Spay & Neuter Procedure

At Memphis Animal Services, all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older are spayed or neutered before going home with their new families. This is required under Memphis City Ordinance and helps prevent pet overpopulation while promoting the long-term health of your new companion.

Spay/neuter surgery is performed by licensed veterinarians, either on-site at MAS or through one of our trusted veterinary partners. Before surgery, your pet will receive a physical exam to ensure they’re healthy enough for the procedure.

While spay/neuter is a common procedure, all surgeries carry some risk. In certain cases—such as pets who are in heat, pregnant, underweight, elderly, or have retained testicles—the veterinarian may determine additional care is needed, and we will notify you immediately. If that happens, you may:

Proceed with adopting the pet and assume responsibility for further care through your own veterinarian

Choose to adopt a different pet

Request a refund of the adoption fee (excluding non-refundable fees like microchipping or licensing)

We’re here to help guide you through the process and ensure you and your new pet get off to the best possible start

MicroChip Identification

At Memphis Animal Services, all dogs, cats, and rabbits adopted from our shelter are microchipped if they aren’t already. The cost of microchipping is included in the adoption fee and is non-refundable.

Microchipping is a safe, reliable way to make sure your pet can always find their way back to you. Collars and ID tags can come off, but a microchip stays with your pet for life. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted just under the skin, typically between the shoulder blades. It’s quick, safe, and no more painful than a routine vaccination.

Every animal entering MAS is scanned for a microchip upon intake. If we find one, we contact the microchip provider to help reunite lost pets with their families. This simple tool has helped return countless pets home—and we believe it’s a critical part of responsible pet ownership.

If your pet ever goes missing, a microchip gives them the best chance of making it back to you.

Vaccinations

At Memphis Animal Services, your new pet will go home with age-appropriate core vaccinations to help them get a healthy start. After adoption, it’s important to continue their care with your veterinarian, who can guide you on the right vaccine schedule for your pet.

Puppies and dogs receive DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines.

Kittens and cats receive their first FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccine.

Dogs 12 weeks and older and cats 12 weeks and older receive a rabies vaccination before adoption, as required by Memphis City Ordinance.

Please note: proof of a current rabies vaccination is required to license your dog in the City of Memphis. While a rabies license for cats is not required, vaccination is strongly recommended by public health officials.

To keep your pet protected, especially young puppies and kittens, we recommend following up with your veterinarian to complete any needed vaccine boosters after adoption.

Internal and External Parasites

At Memphis Animal Services, puppies and kittens are routinely dewormed for common internal parasites like roundworms and hookworms. Older animals are treated on an as-needed basis based on their condition at intake.

We recommend that after adoption, you take your new pet to a veterinarian for a fecal exam and to discuss a personalized parasite prevention plan. Your vet can help ensure your pet is protected from internal parasites and other potential health concerns.

Many animals arriving at the shelter may also carry fleas or ticks. Pets showing signs of infestation are treated with topical medication while in our care. However, it’s a good idea to speak with your veterinarian about an ongoing flea, tick, and heartworm prevention program for your pet.

Please note: some animal-borne illnesses (such as parasites, fungal infections, and certain bacteria or viruses) can be passed to humans. Keeping your pet on a proper health and prevention plan is important for their safety—and yours.

Your veterinarian is your best partner in keeping your pet happy, healthy, and parasite-free.