Pet adoption in Palo Alto

Under a state law in effect since 2019 (AB 485), California pet stores may sell dogs, cats and rabbits only from shelters and rescue groups. That makes adoption the default route for most new pets here. The city's own shelter is one of the easiest places on the Peninsula to start. Pets In Need, a nonprofit founded in 1965, has run the City of Palo Alto Animal Shelter on East Bayshore Road since February 2019. Larger shelters in Burlingame and Milpitas and a cat rescue in Redwood City widen the choice.

This guide explains how adoption works at each one, using the fees and hours they publish. We checked every organization on its own website in early November 2026. We do not rank shelters. Adoptable animals change daily, so always check listings online before you drive over.

Pets In Need and the Palo Alto shelter

The Palo Alto shelter at 3281 East Bayshore Road sits near the Baylands, beside Highway 101 on the east side of town. Pets In Need's contact page lists it as open 12:30 to 6 p.m. every day, with a phone line at (650) 496-5971. Its second shelter, at 871 5th Avenue in Redwood City, is open Thursday through the weekend from 12:30 p.m. Its contact page shows slightly different days in two places, so call (650) 367-1405 before a weekday visit.

Pets In Need reported 1,313 animals adopted in 2025 and a save rate of 97 percent. Its site lists dogs and puppies, cats and kittens and small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

Adoption fees

A dog leash and a cardboard cat carrier each cost $10 if you do not bring your own. Cats must leave the shelter in a carrier.

How the process works

1. Browse. Look at available pets online or at the shelter. You can filter by species, breed, age and size.
2. Meet and greet. Staff and volunteers introduce you to the animal.
3. Interest form. Fill it out in person or online.
4. Counseling. The team talks through the animal's behavior and medical history to see if it is a good match.
5. Paperwork. Bring a photo ID to sign the adoption agreement and pay.
6. Go home. Pets In Need says it sends adopters home with a care package and offers support after adoption.

Some animals live in foster homes rather than the shelter. For those, the steps add a phone interview, a video introduction with the foster family and a meeting at the shelter. Our animal shelter guide covers lost pets and surrenders at the same building.

Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA

The Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA handles animal services for San Mateo County, including Menlo Park and East Palo Alto. Adoptions happen at its Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, 1450 Rollins Road in Burlingame, open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with adoptions until 5 p.m. Drop-in same-day adoptions are first come, first served and take at least an hour. Adopters must be 18 or older. The main number is (650) 340-7022.

The fee page also lists license fees for adopters who live where the society issues licenses. Palo Alto residents license dogs through the city instead. PHS also lists exotic and farm animals for adoption. See our exotic and bird vets guide before taking one home.

Humane Society Silicon Valley

Humane Society Silicon Valley's main adoption center is at 901 Ames Avenue in Milpitas, open Monday to Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday noon to 7 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It also runs a neighborhood adoption center inside the Petco at 500 El Paseo de Saratoga in west San Jose. The Milpitas center was damaged by a fire in December 2024. HSSV says it completed 4,698 adoptions in the year after the fire and that its dog adoption floor and lobby were set to reopen in fall 2026. Call 408-262-2133, extension 150, for adoption questions.

Nine Lives Foundation for cats

Nine Lives Foundation is a cat rescue at 749 Brewster Avenue in Redwood City. It is open for adoptions Wednesday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It reported 1,164 adoptions in 2026 through September 30, along with low-cost spay, neuter and vaccine services. The phone number is (650) 368-1365. Our cat care guide has more on cats.

Adoption events at pet stores

• Pet Food Express on Middlefield Road hosts rescue adoption events on Saturdays, according to its listing.
• PetSmart's San Carlos store at 1225 Industrial Road lists adoptions among its services.
• Petco says its Mountain View store does not sell dogs or cats but partners with local groups for adoptions at select stores.

Schedules change, so check the store or rescue group before you go.

Fostering, seniors and second looks

If you are not sure you are ready, fostering is a low-risk way to find out. Pets In Need, PHS and HSSV all recruit foster homes on their websites. Shelters often need extra fosters during kitten season in spring and summer. Ask what costs the shelter covers before you sign up. Many fosters end up adopting.

Older animals are worth a look too. PHS lists lower fees for dogs and cats aged 7 and older. Adult animals often arrive house-trained with known personalities. Ask staff about animals that have waited longest. Shy dogs and cats can look flat in a busy kennel but relax quickly in a quiet home. If you live in a small apartment near downtown, an adult cat or a calm older dog may suit the space better than a puppy.

Before you adopt

• Check your lease. Many rentals limit pets. Our moving with pets guide explains California rules.
• Budget for the first year. Vet visits, food, supplies and a license add up. Pets In Need's Wednesday vaccine clinic helps with routine shots.
• Plan the license. New dogs in Palo Alto need a city license, sold online or by mail. Proof of spay or neuter lowers the fee.
• Find a vet early. Our veterinarians guide lists local practices.
• Sign up for training. A class helps a new dog settle. See our dog training guide.

Frequently asked questions