Adopting an animal is an exciting idea, but it is also a serious decision that can result in a commitment of up to 15 years. Take some time to consider all the different factors of pet ownership, such as financial responsibilities, your lifestyle, and pet-friendly housing.
Once you are sure you're ready to adopt, decide what criteria is important to you, and look for an animal that is well-matched.
Our adoptable animals have unique personalities and needs. Our goal is to find the most suitable home for them and the most suitable pet for you.
Our adoptable animals can be viewed at:
Interested in fostering? Please visit our How You Can Help page!
Adoption Process
View our adoptable pets online. This will save you time and disappointment if we don't have a pet that matches what you are looking for. Please be sure to read the profiles thoroughly, as we try to include as much information as possible about each animal. If after reading an animal's profile, you still have questions, feel free to contact us at shelter@newwestcity.ca
If you see an animal that you would like to adopt, please submit an adoption application via email. Our staff will review your application and be in touch as soon as possible.
Typically, only pre-screened applicants will be asked to schedule an appointment to meet the animal. If the meeting goes well, you may be able to bring the pet home the same day.
Adoption fees
| Dog | Puppy $400 1-3yr $350 4-8 yr $300 9+ yr $250 |
| Cat | Kitten $250 1-6 yr $225 7-10 yr $200 11+ yr $175 |
| Rabbit | $50 |
| Guinea Pig | $25 |
| Pocket Pet (rat, hamster, mouse) | $10 |
| Bird | $25 - $75 |
All dogs, cats, and rabbits are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption. Cats and dogs also receive parasite control treatment, and cats over 6 months old are tested for FeLV and FIV. Many animals have also received dental cleanings, bloodwork, and other care.
Adoption fees are subject to GST + PST.
The adoption fee for the second animal of a bonded pair is reduced by 50%.
Adoption application forms
Euthanasia Policy
The New Westminster Animal Shelter values each and every animal that enters our doors. Our first objective is to reunite lost animals with their rightful owners. For those animals who stay with us, our goal is to find loving adopters. Occasionally, we may transfer some animals to other shelters or rescue organizations.
Unfortunately, some animals arrive in our care with significant physical and/or mental suffering. If we cannot address this suffering, and/or the animal poses a significant risk to the public, we believe it is our responsibility to consider euthanasia. Typically, our euthanasia rate is 3-4% of all the animals who come to our shelter. This low rate meets the parameters of the commonly-used term "no kill". We do not euthanize animals based on factors such as age, duration of stay, or treatable medical conditions.
Impounded Animals
When an animal arrives in our care, we check for identification and attempt to contact the owner to inform them their pet has been impounded. After the stray hold period of 96 hours, the animal legally belongs to the shelter and can be put up for adoption.
Note: When coming to claim your pet, please be prepared to provide identification.
Dogs
If an Animal Services Officer picks up a stray dog and it is wearing a current New Westminster dog license, we will attempt to contact the registered owner. If the dog is returned without being impounded at the shelter, no fees will apply. This is a one-time courtesy.
Note: if the dog is unlicensed, we cannot contact the dog owner, or the dog has been loose before, we will impound the dog and fees will apply.
Cats
Impound fees for cats vary depending on if the cat is sterilized and/or identified.