Interested in adopting a dog, cat, or small animal? You've come to the right place! All of our animals available for adoption will be examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, combo-tested, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and will be spayed/neutered. Every dog is sent home with a martingale collar and ID Tag, and every animal will go home with a supply of the food they’re accustomed to eating.
When you walk out, you don’t leave RBARI. We continue to offer support post-adoption by calling our new families to check and see how their new companion is adjusting home and offering guidance if needed. We, of course, love to see how our alumni are doing so we ask for photos and stories to be shared at adoptlove@rbari.org.
What kinds of pets are available for adoption?
RBARI houses not only dogs and cats up for adoption, but now has small animals! At our physical location and in foster, RBARI houses on average ~45 dogs and puppies, ~65 cats and kittens, and ~18 small animals at any given time.
Where do I start?
View our available dogs, our available cats, and our available small animals here on our website, and if you think they might be the right match, apply for them through their pet profile using Adopets, which makes it easy for you to track your adoption application and complete your adoption agreement and payment all online or on your smartphone! All you will need to do is click the pink "Adopt Me" button to start the process!
*Not sure which animal to apply for? That's okay! Apply for multiple animals or the animal who looks like the best match for your family.*
Having questions or issues filling out the application? Click the pink “help center” button and chat live with Adopets support. If you have further questions or would like a status update on your application, please email adoptlove@rbari.org or call 201-337-5180 ex. 113.
*Haven't created an account yet? Just click the 'sign up' tab and follow the steps to complete our application.*
Please answer each question to the best of your ability. Remember, this is not a "pass or fail" test. It’s designed to help us get to know you and your family, and which type of pet to match with you and your family. Because adoption and pet ownership is a long-term commitment, don’t hesitate to think it through and sleep on it. If you’re at all unsure about your choice, simply let our staff know and we can guide you through the process.
Application Process
RBARI is currently open for appointment only for approved applicants. Please see our adoption process below.
1. Submit Application
Once your application is sent, you will receive an email with instructions/next steps. Please allow our dedicated team up to one week to process your application! If you have further questions or would like a status update on your application, please email adoptlove@rbari.org or call 201-337-5180 ex. 113.
2. Approve Application
Our team will perform all relevant veterinary and landlord references and will notify you if we have any questions. Please look out for an email from Adopets for any relevant notifications.
3. Meet the Pet
Once your application is approved, our staff will call your family and schedule a time for you to meet the animal of interest. All humans and necessary animals in the household should plan on meeting the new pet. This ensures that everyone - 2 legs or 4 - get along!
4. Take the Pet Home
Once all family members meet with our team, and everyone approves of the match, you can take home your new family member home at that time!
5. Sign Adoption Contract
You will be sent the adoption paperwork, and further information that is needed to complete the adoption.
Please note, we are unable to put animals on hold/reservation. Applicants are approved based on meeting the needs of the animals. If you have any further questions, please email adoptlove@rbari.org.
Adoption Fees
- Puppies (1 year & under) - $325
- Adult Dogs (over 1 year) - $300
- Senior Dogs (over 8 years) - $100
Adoption fees for dogs include: General wellness exam, Spay/Neuter, Flea and Tick prevention, Deworming, Heartworm prevention/testing, Distemper, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, Microchipping
- Kittens (1 year & under) - $150
- Cats (over 1 year) - $125
- Senior Cats (over 8 years) - $100
- Two Kittens / Cats - $250
Adoption fees for cats include: General wellness exam, Spay/Neuter, Rabies vaccine, FVRCP, Microchipping, Deworming, Flea and tick prevention, Retroviral testing.
- Rabbits - $50
- Guinea Pigs, Ferrets, & Other Small Animals - $25
RBARI is a non-profit organization, dedicated to animal welfare and providing a safe refuge for animals in need. 100% of your adoption fee goes back into the shelter to assist in covering the cost of an animal's stay. Individuals independently may spend on average $350 - $955 for a cat, and $430 - $1,120 for the services we provide. RBARI is never afraid to help animals who often are overlooked such as those who are elderly or require more extensive medical care and hospitalization; these rescues often cost our non-profit thousands of dollars in addition to standard medical costs to provide the animal the care that they need. Please consider making a donation to keep our lifesaving work going.
Adoption Perks
When you adopt an animal, you are not only saving a life, but are also eligible for many perks through our partnerships!
GoodPup - RBARI has partnered with GoodPup! A 24/7 positive based virtual training program that offers live chat and video training sessions to all of our adopters. They are offering the first week of training FOR FREE and 20% off for life if you sign up! If you use our specific QR code given at adoption when signing up, GoodPup will also donate $50 back to RBARI.
PetSmart - Adopters who take their adoption contract to a store are eligible to get a booklet with $475 worth of coupons!
