Adoption Page - DSPCA (2024)

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Adoption Page - DSPCA (9)

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Copyright Dublin SPCA 2023

Charity number CHY1047

Registered Charity Number 20001735

Adoption Page - DSPCA (18) Adoption Page - DSPCA (19)

Thank you for choosing to adopt a pet from the DSPCA. The shelter is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday from 12-4pm and you not need to make an appointment to visit.

Our adoptions team are experts in helping families find the right pet and are there to help you with any questions that you might have. We rehome cats, dogs, equines and small furries including rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats. We also rehome reptiles and birds. Read some of our happy Adoption Stories here.

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Adopting a Dog

Dogs Available

Dog Adoption Process

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  • View The Dogs

    View the dogs available for adoption and read their profile.

  • Register Your Interest

    Register your interest for a dog that you are interested in adopting. Please note a visit to the shelter is required to activate all applications.

    The adoptions team contact every single application received so please do be patient. If you do not hear from them within one week you may have missed a call. You can email adopt@dspca.ie to follow up *or better yet visit the shelter during opening hours to meet with the team.*

    If you do not see a dog that fits your requirements or if you are interested in a dog that is not up as suitable for your needs, you can book a private consultation with our adoptions team to discuss your options.

  • Dog/ Family Meet

    Everyone in the family must be on board to adopt and everyone must meet the dog before adoption. You can visit the shelter Tues -Sun between 12-4pm or outside if these hours by appointment.

    If you have an existing dog this meet must be done by an appointment, this will be pre-arranged with the adoptions team after your interest is registered.

  • Complete The Adoption

    Adoptions are carried out by appointment only. An adoption consultant will arrange a suitable day with you after you have met the dog and your application has been approved.

    The adoption fee for a puppy is €295 and €245 for adult dogs.

    The adoption fee is paid in full at your adoption and you will be required to bring Photo ID and proof of address with you. You will bring home your new pet on your adoption day

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Adopting a Cat

Cats Available

Cat Adoption Process

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  • View The Cats Online

    View the cats available for adoption and read their profile.

  • Register Your Interest

    Register Your Interest for the cat you are interested in adopting.All applications received will be contacted by email to advise of the next step.

    (You can also visit the shelter and register your interest during your visit with a member of the team).

  • Visit the shelter

    Visit the shelter and talk to an adoption consultant about the cat the you have registered your interest in.

  • Complete the adoption

    Adoptions are carried on out at the shelter on specific days. One of the cattery team will arrange a suitable day with you.

    The adoption fee of €135 per cat/kitten is paid in full at your adoption and you will be required to bring Photo ID and proof of address with you.

  • Going home

    You must have a safe and secure cat carrier to bring your cat/kitten home on your adoption day. A plastic or cardboard container/bag or a blanket is NOT suitable to transport you new pet home in. If you are attending any future vet visits to the shelter they MUST be in their cat carrier.

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Adopting a Small Animal

Smallies Available

Small Animal Adoption Process

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  • Do your research

    Do research on the necessary care, housing and habitat (taking into account the correct cage/enclosure size required) on the type of small animal that you are interested in adopting; rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, birds, reptiles etc, to make sure they are the right pet for you and your lifestyle.

  • Register Your Interest

    Register your interest in a small animal on our website by filling out the form at the bottom of their profile.

  • Discuss application

    An adoption consultant from the Small Animal Team will send you an email within a week of receiving your application.

  • Adoption day

    Once you have been approved to adopt a pet, an appointment will be made for you to come to the shelter to complete your adoption and take your new family member home with you.

  • Adoption fees

    The adoption fee is paid in full on your adoption day.

    Rabbit – €90
    Guinea Pig – €35
    Ferret – €50
    Birds and reptiles depend on circ*mstance.

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Adopting an Equine

Equines Available

Horse Adoption Process

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  • Register Your Interest

    Please register your interest by emailing our equine manager Claire at claire.owens@dspca.ie

Adoption Stories

Adoption Page - DSPCA (32)

Jordan’s Story

Jordan waited 500 days in the shelter to find that someone special to adopt him. He came into the shelter as a terrified stray with a very bad skin condition and hair loss. He was so terrified that he tried to jump out a window when our vets tried to examine him.

Our adoptions team worked so hard to help him trust people. It took months for him to feel safe and happy walking on a lead. Jordan liked his own space and routine for him was so important. We helped this old boy recover from his physical neglect and helped him to trust us and to not be afraid.

We did numerous appeals to find a home for Jordan. A family called to say they would like to come and meet him so he got all dressed up in his bow tie to meet them. They never showed and when we posted a photo of him waiting for them in his kennel he became a bit of a celebrity on the internet! Jordan’s photo went everywhere and because of this Jordan finally found his forever home! He is going great and has even managed to be brave enough to jump up on the couch!

Read more

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Angel’s Story

At 12 years old Angel found herself in a shelter through no fault of her own. Sadly her owner had to go into a home and couldn’t care for her anymore. Angel was loved so much and because she was such a good girl her owner gave her lots of treats. Angel had to be put on a strict diet because her weight was making it was uncomfortable for her to was and her she was in a lot of pain. This sweet girl spent a long tie with us on the shelter getting weekly weigh ins. We did a few adoption appeals for her but sadly no home came from it.

The staff in the cattery loved Angel so much as did all the visitors that they decided to adopt her! She is now part of the furniture in our cattery where she lives a very happy life meeting and greeting all the visitors. Be sure to say hi to her when you visit.

Read more

Adoption Page - DSPCA (34)

Bebe’s Story

Bebe waited 187 days in our shelter to find that someone special who would love him as much as we did. He originally came from Dublin County Dog Shelter with a skin condition and feeling very low. This boy completely stole the hearts of the Adoptions team, and they worked very hard to get him ready for adoption so that he could find the perfect home.

Bebe needed a home as the only dog and an owner who would be will ing to continue with his training. That perfect family came along and Bebe is now living an amazing life with the best family that he could have asked for

Every dog in our shelter is difference and our team work very hard to make sure they find the right home for each of them. We are proud of what we do and and seeing them go home makes every second worthwhile.

Read more

Adoption Page - DSPCA (35)

Renee’s Story

13 year old Renee was a loyal and loving family pet for many years. She lived along side her life canine companion who sadly passed away a few months. We all know to lose a family member or someone close to us can effect us in many ways. Renee suffered from this, we suspect of a broken heart. She required extra love and attention from her family to help her heel but sadly their decision, after trying to help her, was to surrender her.

We did a big appeal for poor Renee on social media and we blown away with the amount of love and support that she received from everyone. We are very happy say to we found Renee the most wonderful home. She is happy again and she is loved. When considering adopting don’t forget the senior pets that are in shelters – they deserve so much and a shelter is really no place for an old soul.

Read more

Adoption Page - DSPCA (36)

Delphi’s Story

Delphi came to the DSPCA from another rescue to find a loving home. He was just the sweetest boy who adored being around people and fancied himself as a bit of a lapdog.Delphi is deaf and this did make it a little more difficult for him to find a home but we knew his perfect humans were out there somewhere. He waited 159 days to find them… but boy was his wait worth it!

Being deaf didn’t stop Delphi from being and happy playful and loving dog. People who met him were worried about him being more difficult but he has settled right into his home and he is the perfect dog!

There is a dog out there for everyone, you just need to be opened minded and when you visit the DSPCA please talk to our Adoptions team and they will find the perfect dog for you

Read more

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Lil Frank’s Story

Back in early July, Lil Frank and his mother arrived into the shelter. Lil Frank was very sick with 2 very sore eyes and unfortunately one of his eyes had to be removed. It has been a long road to recovery for Lil Frank and tomorrow he is seeing an eye specialist to see how his other is doing and we’re all hoping for good news. We know that he has some vision and he loves playing and chasing anything that moves.

We did a special appeal to find a special person to adopt him. He received lots of lovely messages and thankfully his story reached far and wide and because of this he found an amazing home!

Read more

Adoption Page - DSPCA (38)

Xena’s Story

Xena came to the DSPCA from the Dublin County Dog Shelter after her owner sadly passed away. She was very confused and sad as to what was happening to her. The moment we met her we knew she was a very special girl and like every dog in our care we were determined to find her a wonderful home. This recent message from her new family just made our hearts explode.

“23 days since we were blessed with Xena coming into our lives and 19 days since she came home with us. She is the happiest little girl and has already brought so much love and happiness into our lives. She is the best cuddle partner, walking buddy, nap accomplice, and has not lost her madness when it comes to a tennis ball being thrown in the park. We went up to the DSPCA looking to adopt a kitten but turns out fate had brought us there for this gorgeous girl and we are so grateful to the team at the shelter who kept her spirits high until we could welcome her into our home. Queen Xena has found her forever home”

Read more

Adoption Page - DSPCA (2024)

FAQs

How to pass a dog adoption interview? ›

Ask a Lot of Questions

The rescue wants to know that you're committed to providing a forever home. Put together a list of questions you have about the animal. You'll want to ask about any behavioral or health issues that will need to be addressed and be prepared to explain how you'll handle them.

How to answer cat adoption questions? ›

Be honest in your answers and don't lie about anything that you're asked. It's tempting to write down what you think the rescue wants to hear, but this could lead to you matching with a cat or dog who won't fit well in your home environment.

Can you just visit the DSPCA? ›

Normal Weekly Opening Hours: The shelter is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday from 12-4pm. You do not need an appointment to visit the shelter on days we are open to the general public. It is open on Mondays for scheduled appointments ONLY.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for adopted pets? ›

Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule for Adopting a Rescue Dog

It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.

Why do dog adoptions fail? ›

Most lack training or socialization. If they were feral or lived on the streets, they can have emotional issues. It's understandable that they need instruction and patience. An adopted pet can become a wonderful member of the family, but they can at first require extra attention, time, and training.

What circ*mstances would cause you to give up a pet? ›

Pet owners may lose their job, get divorced, move into a rental property that does not allow pets, have a baby, or develop health problems (allergies is one of the most common reasons people have for giving up their pet).

What are the red flags when adopting a cat? ›

Some red flags when adopting a cat from an animal shelter would be if they have a poor track record of adoption or repeat instances of adoption returns. While this doesn't mean that they are “bad,” you might want to ask why they have this in their history.

Why do I want to adopt a cat answer? ›

According to Research Gate, owning a cat, or any pet you adopt from a shelter, has been shown to have positive effects on humans' ability to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Taking a cat home from a shelter can improve your sense of happiness and general well-being.

How do you handle adoption questions? ›

There is no one perfect or correct response to intrusive adoption questions or comments. It is more important that you as the parent(s) pre-plan and have a discussion with your child about comments they might encounter, present options, ask your child about their ideas, and let them choose who will respond.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog from the DSPCA? ›

Complete The Adoption

Adoptions are carried out by appointment only. An adoption consultant will arrange a suitable day with you after you have met the dog and your application has been approved. The adoption fee for a puppy is €295 and €245 for adult dogs.

What does the DSPCA do? ›

The DSPCA are committed to making it socially unacceptable to mistreat any animal. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, our team of authorised inspectors rescue animals from situations of cruelty, neglect and abandonment.

Can you do work experience in the DSPCA? ›

The DSPCA offers Work Experience for Transition Year Work Experience or Community Service students as well as Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) and 3rd Level College Students. Work experience is Block Weeks Only and takes place on site at the DSPCA shelter in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.

How do I prepare for a dog interview? ›

Consider a doggy diaper if concerned, especially for older dogs. Take the dog to doggy day care or a run through the park before the interview. Make clear that you will pay for any damages the dog might ever cause. Check with your vet if you are considering using a sedative.

What questions do they ask references for dog adoption? ›

Have you personally witnessed their care and treatment of animals, and do you feel that they would be a good and responsible pet parent for the pet's entire life? Do they currently have any other pets and how many of each type? Are you aware of any history of rehoming or abuse/neglect to animals?

What questions are asked at the dog foster interview? ›

Do you have any experience working with canine behavior? How many hours a day would the dog be alone? Would you plan to crate the dog? Do they own a crate?

What is a pet adoption interview? ›

First, adoption counselors want to understand how experienced you are as a pet owner. There will be questions about the type of pets you've had and if you've ever had to re-home any. Second, they want details about your current pets, including species, age, size (for dogs), and spay/neuter status.

References

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