Adopt
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Small Mammal Training & Care
Pet Coalition of Greater Cincinnati (PCGC)
Dog Training & Care
COVID-19 Resources
Sponsorships are $425 a month or $5,000 a year. If you prefer to pay for your sponsorship online, click here to donate and select Veteran Pet Adoption Program in the "Donate to" drop-down list.
Please provide any information or questions you may have in the Special Notes Section and we will get back to you! Thank you for helping out both our animals and those who serve.
Other Resources
Horse Training & Care
Holiday & Weather Safety for Pets
Obedience Training
Humane Investigations
Education
Dog Licensing
Cat Training & Care
Adoptions
Pets for People
TQL is an invaluable community partner to the SPCA Cincinnati. They have guaranteed that our organization will continue to thrive in its mission of saving more animals’ lives by sponsoring ONE FREE dog adoption every day for the entire 2024 calendar year! Their commitment and contribution undoubtedly make a huge impact on animal welfare in Greater Cincinnati. The SPCA Cincinnati will randomly pick a lucky dog each day.
Looking to adopt? It's easy, just click on Adoptions on the menu to the left to learn how the process works (or click here). We look forward to matching you with your next best friend!
The SPCA Cincinnati thanks TQL for supporting our cause, and for their incredible compassion!
Foster Opportunities
Raising Cane's Dog Adoption Sponsorship
MAY 2021
Veteran Pet Adoption Program
Happy Tails! Check out some of our furry alumni who found a happy fur-ever home.
The “Pets For People” program is about matching SPCA Cincinnati Senior Pets (dogs and cats 5 years or older) with Senior Companions. Adoption Fees are waived for seniors aged 55 or older who do not yet own a companion animal. This program is funded through the generosity of the Josephine Schell Russell Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee.
More information is included in the video below:
If you or a loved one is interested in finding out more about this program, please call SPCA Cincinnati at (513) 541-6100, email Denise Jones at dejones@spcacincinnati.org, or stop by. We'd love to find a good fit for you and a pet looking for a family of their own!
We are offering adoptions at our shelter from 12 noon - 6 p.m. daily. Our dog and cat adoption areas are open for walk-throughs every day. We are dedicated to making our shelter a pleasant environment for the animals and our guests.
If you are interested in adopting, check out the available animals on this website by using the tabs to the left or by clicking here for up-to-date information on pets currently available for adoption.
Adopters must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license or government-issued ID, provide payment, and be required to sign the adoption contract.
We cannot finalize adoptions over the phone or online. This is a family decision; everyone in the adopter’s household is encouraged to meet the animal at the shelter. The actual adoption visit takes place in designated areas and typically lasts 10-15 minutes. During this time, you will be able to spend some quality time getting to know the animal and deciding if they are a match for your home. At the end of the visit, if it’s a match, GREAT! In keeping with the desire to limit visits, our expectations are that you are prepared to take the animal home the same day. If you are interested in adopting a dog, and you have a dog (or dogs) at home, they must successfully meet each other before completing the adoption.
We want to spread our mission!
Part of SPCA Cincinnati’s goal is spreading the word. The more our community is educated, the more soldiers we have to fight for our furry friends. To do this, we offer group classes explaining our services and how you can help.
Volunteers visit area schools and organizations to talk about responsible animal care and safety around animals, to promote spaying/neutering, raise awareness of the positive benefits of animal companionship and promote the keeping of companion animals as a lifetime commitment. Presentations, question/answer sessions and animal interaction make the classes fun and interactive for all ages. We’ll even bring in featured pets, as available, to play with!
If you would like a humane education visit, please email volunteer@spcacincinnati.org or call (513) 541-6100.
Please note!
To report an emergency or an animal cruelty situation, please CALL instead of emailing so we can respond to the situation as quickly as possible. Call 513-541-6100 between 8am and 6pm, and 513-825-2280 after 6pm.
Have you witnessed animal abuse? Or a stray roaming the neighborhood? SPCA Cincinnati is responsible for investigating animal cruelty cases and for securing the necessary additional action from the appropriate enforcement, inspection, and/or legal department.
Full-time Humane Agents investigate (and prosecute if necessary) the multitude of cases of mistreatment or neglect of animals that are reported to us each year. Contact us at (513) 541-6100 if you are concerned and we’ll send a Humane Agent to look into the situation.
Good dog!
Have a four-legged friend that is in need of manners? Behavioral Obedience Training Class to the rescue!
Classes offered:
- Basic Level
- Transitional Level
- Advanced Level
Learn all the basics of obedience training plus all the behavior “secrets” your dog doesn’t want you to catch on to that will make your life easier!
Classes are $110 for 6 weeks (reduced rate of $100 when class is paid in advance). SPCA and Sheltered Paws Dogs are eligible for a reduced training rate (proof of adoption required) as well as multiple dogs from same home. All classes must be paid for in advance to guarantee a slot in class.
For more information or to sign up, please call or text Shana Bockelman at (513) 607-9755
Please register your pet
For Hamilton County pets, visit this page for information on how to obtain a license. Dog Licenses help the animal return to its home in the event it becomes separated from its owner.
SPCA Recommends Spaying or Neutering Your Pet!
You can call Ohio Alley Cat Resource at (513) 871-0185 for a cat spay/neuter or UCAN at (513) 721-7387 for a low-cost dog or cat spay/neuter. If you’re not in the Greater Cincinnati Area, click here for a locator to find a clinic which will assist you and your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spay?
A spay (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries from the abdomen of a female animal.
What is the purpose of a spay?
Spaying is the only foolproof method of birth control for female dogs and cats. It is a permanent method.
Will spaying stop the animal from going into heat?
A spayed animal no longer goes through heat cycles. Female dogs normally come into heat about twice a year. Cats come into heat more often. Spaying ends several problems associated with heat, including spotting and the necessity of confining females to prevent the approaches of persistent males.
Are there other good reasons for spaying a pet?
The risk of mammary cancer is reduced if a dog is spayed before its first heat. Also, spayed pets cannot develop pyometra, a serious uterine infection.
Do pets gain weight after a spay?
Your pet will not gain weight if you provide a balanced diet.
Should dogs have at least one litter before being spayed?
Your dog does not need to have a litter to mature, learn obedience or become a good hunter.
What is a neuter?
A neuter (castration) is the surgical removal of the testicles from the scrotum of a male animal.
What is the purpose of a neuter?
Neutering is the primary method of sterilizing male dogs and cats.
What are the other benefits of a neuter?
The neutered dog is usually more compatible with people and easier to train. Neutering an immature cat usually prevents development of mating behavior and the obnoxious habit of spraying urine to mark territory around the house and yard. An un-neutered male dog or cat cannot control its mating instincts. If given the freedom to wander, such an animal may become hurt or lost and is almost certain to be responsible for unwanted litters.
Pet Overpopulation
Pet overpopulation is a serious problem. It costs the lives of millions of pets and costs communities millions of dollars a year.
Nationwide, the number of pets entering animal shelters is estimated to be 6 to 8 million. Only about 30 percent of dogs and 2 – 5 percent of cats are reclaimed by owners. Only about half of those remaining are adopted to new homes. The number of pets euthanized in shelters across the country is 3 to 4 million. (Estimates provided by The Humane Society of the United States.)
SPCA Cincinnati is working with other shelters and animal welfare organizations to reduce the number of unwanted litters that are born, increase the number of lost pets that are rehomed and increase the number of relinquished pets adopted to new homes.
Here are some of the things we are doing:
- We spay/neuter cats and dogs that we adopt to new homes – more than 7,000 surgeries every year. We can spay/neuter as early as 8 weeks of age.
- We provide humane education programs in schools, stressing the importance of spaying/neutering family pets.
- Working with community partners, we help create comprehensive solutions to the problem of pet overpopulation through various community initiatives.
- We collaborate with local, state and national organizations to save the lives of all healthy or treatable cats and dogs that.
Here’s what you can do to help:
- Spay and neuter your own pets and make sure they wear identification.
- Give generously. Your donations to SPCA Cincinnati are appreciated and are the basis for everything we accomplish on behalf of the animals. We are a private, nonprofit organization. We spend an average of $150 on every pet adopted, over and above the fee paid by the patron. Click here to make a secure online donation.
- Tell friends and co-workers that the best place to adopt a pet is at a shelter. Wonderful animals, training opportunities and one-on-one behavior advice are available.
- Never buy a pet from a pet store or sight unseen from an Internet site. These pets may come from large-scale breeding operations.
- Support legislation to control commercial breeders.
- Only purchase pet supplies from sources that do not sell animals, including small mammals, birds and reptiles.
- Be informed about local laws and tell others.
- Don’t support the greyhound racing industry. This cruel and inhumane “sport” is now illegal in 35 states.
- Promote SPCA Cincinnati through your professional association, service club or your child’s Scout troop or 4-H Club. We welcome the chance to present educational programs.
Become A Foster Parent
Foster parents provide temporary homes for animals prior to adoption. Providing foster care is a wonderful and personal way to contribute to saving and improving the lives of homeless pets.
"Hi there! I just wanted to share with you some pictures of our puppy we adopted from you a few weeks ago! He was a Dunkin' Donuts featured dog of the week and we decided to name him “Duncan”! He happens to look almost exactly like our little 14-year-old Pomeranian that passed away on New Year’s Eve. My 10-year-old loves him just as much! #Duncan is doing great and has such a sweet and fun personality! Thank you for all that you do!"
Pets can bond with us in ways that humans sometimes can’t. They also have the power to improve mental well-being.
The SPCA Cincinnati would like to give back to those who served and protected our country. For veterans and active service members, a pet adoption at the SPCA Cincinnati is free. We can help pair you up with a shelter animal, be it a dog, cat, or perhaps even a rabbit or hamster.
Please call to make an appointment or stop by so we can find the perfect match for you. Present your DD214 or military ID at the counter when adopting. Thank you for your service.
Click here if you would like to donate to this program. Thank you!
Get ready to fall in love! This Valentine’s Day, Upstream 360 teamed up with us to help a PAW-SOME bunch of doggos find their FUREVER homes. On February 14th, we unleashed the cuteness on Facebook every hour, showcasing each adoptable pup. You can also view them all below!
And the best part? Upstream 360 is covering all the adoption fees, so all you need is love (and a cozy couch for snuggles).
How do I adopt? It's easy, just click on Adoptions on the menu to the left to learn how the process works (or click here). We look forward to matching you with your next best friend.
The SPCA Cincinnati thanks Upstream 360 for all of their hard work, talent, and generosity with this Pup Connection Valentine's Day Adoption Event!
Why Do Pets Need Foster Care?
There are several possible reasons:
- Newborn animals that need to be bottle-fed, or mothers with nursing babies. Very young animals who are weaned but not old enough for adoption also benefit from the care of a foster parent.
- Dogs with mild to moderate behavioral issues who require some behavior modification and work, such as shy dogs who need socializing, and/or Long-time residents at the shelter.
- Some animals need time to recover from an illness or injury before adoption and may need more attentive and personal medical care which can be more easily provided in a foster home.
- Short-term care for animals who will be going to a rescue group.
Whatever the reason, these animals need some extra love and care before they can be adopted. Providing foster care for a week, a month, or more can be a lifesaving gift for an animal. To read more about the SPCA Cincinnati foster program and opportunities, click here. You can also click here to explore all our foster-related resources in one convenient place!
Raising Cane’s is an invaluable community partner to the SPCA Cincinnati, and has been since 2018. They have guaranteed that our organization will continue to thrive in its mission of saving more animals’ lives by sponsoring ONE FREE dog adoption every day for the entire 2021 calendar year! Their commitment and contribution undoubtedly make a huge impact in animal welfare for Greater Cincinnati.
The SPCA Cincinnati will pick a lucky winner each morning and provide an appointment. Should the potential adopter be a no-show or cancel, the opportunity will be passed to the next appointment scheduled for the day.
How can you get a chance for a free dog adoption? It's easy, just click on Adoptions on the menu to the left to learn how the process works (or click here). All you need to do from there is complete the application for the dog you're interested in to be considered for this offer. We look forward to matching you with your next best friend.
The SPCA Cincinnati thanks Raising Cane’s for supporting our cause, and their incredible compassion!
- Schools
- Scout groups
- Other groups
How to Become a Foster Parent
All foster animals are the responsibility of the SPCA located in Sharonville. Please call 513-541-6100 or email us at foster@spcacincinnati.org whenever you have a question about your foster pet; or about becoming a foster parent.
Interested? Please fill out this Foster Application, below.
APRIL 2021
Bruce's former owner loved him very much but could no longer take care of his ever-growing health needs. He thought it would be best for Bruce to be surrendered to us so his life could be saved. Bruce came to the SPCA Cincinnati with severe dental disease. Not only did his gums bleed to the touch, he had multiple decaying teeth with one canine tooth that was so rotten, it turned sideways. Bruce’s dental procedures were completed at the SPCA, with a total of 18 teeth pulled. Bruce’s bravery and strength allowed him to recover successfully from surgery. Not long after his recovery, his loving personality warmed the hearts of a family and was taken into a new forever home! Click here to view a video of Bruce, he was featured in one of our Tails on the Trail 2021 Success Stories!
Sarge came to us in poor shape, a victim of a hoarding case. We weren't sure how to help him... He was starving, anemic, and full of worms. Sarge's stomach bothered him immensely and he had persistent, bloody diarrhea. Even after treating his worms and stomach issues, he still had problems with anemia and kept getting worse and worse. We worked frantically to find out what was wrong with this sweet pup. Finally, we discovered Sarge had a rare blood parasite. After further treatment, Sarge got better! Our SPCA Cincinnati Vet knew he was healthy enough to be adopted when she walked in the recovery room to find that he unlocked his dog-proof kennel and was lounging on the floor! Click here to view a video of Sarge, he was featured in one of our Tails on the Trail 2021 Success Stories!
An 8-week-old kitten named Izzy arrived at the SPCA Cincinnati with a litter mate. Both were near death and starved, weighing only one pound each... Sadly, Izzy’s litter mate lost the battle and did not make it through the night. But Izzy proved to be quite the little fighter! She was anemic, had worms, and an upper respiratory infection. Her road to recovery was going to be challenging but this little fur ball was determined to win her battle. The SPCA Cincinnati Vet Team aggressively treated Izzy with medication and extra nursing. They noticed she was getting stronger when she would jump out of the cage and into their arms when they fed her. It wasn’t long before Izzy was paired with a loving SPCA Foster Family to help her gain weight and prepare her for adoption. However, Izzy’s Foster Family could not part with her, so they officially welcomed her into their home as a member of their family. Izzy is thriving and happy! Click here to view a video of Izzy, she was featured in one of our Tails on the Trail 2021 Success Stories!
Chance came to the SPCA Cincinnati with matted fur, a few lumps, and a small limp but took it all in stride with his sunny disposition. He was immediately groomed and x-rays were taken by the SPCA Veterinarian Staff who found a few big surprises. Chance’s happy exterior did not match the internal pain he accepted as normal. Along with painful bladder stones and a tumor on his hip, blood work confirmed Chance had bone cancer, which often carries a terrible prognosis. His bladder stones were removed to alleviate some pain but his limp got much worse. The tumor had fractured his hip, making his health prognosis much grimmer. A biopsy showed that the cancer was very slow-spreading and amputation was the best decision for improving Chance’s quality of life. Happily, a loving Foster Family who had experience with special needs animals became Chance’s Forever Family and he is doing exceptionally well today! Click here to view a video of Chance, he was featured in one of our Tails on the Trail 2021 Success Stories!
MARCH 2021
Anna, now Maggie – "Hello! I have an update on Maggie (formally known as Anna). Since adopting her back in November, she has been thriving! She completed her heartworm treatments thanks to your Veterinary staff. She absolutely loves her new brother Ralphie, along with any other dog she meets. She's the sweetest girl and I'm so thankful you allowed me to take her home."
Sugar, now Gunny – "We are so happy with our rescue! We rescued Gunny (formerly Sugar) the day after Thanksgiving 2019, so we have had him for a little over a year. He was a surprise for my husband who had been asking for a dog for several years... As you can see in his before-and-after picture, he is fat and happy now, and we love him. We've been very fortunate that he has not had any accidents in the house, and has been through training classes. He is a wonderful addition to our family. Thank you for all that you do."
Morris – “Hi! I adopted Morris last Sunday, and I wanted to give you guys an update on him since he’s been home! We cannot thank you enough for letting us take him home. He’s been a wonderful man to our family! He’s getting along with my cats and my kids! So, thank you again.”
Deuteronomy, now Peanut – "I adopted "Deuteronomy" from your Sharonville shelter on Saturday, and I just wanted to give you an update. We renamed her Peanut and she is fitting in so well with our other cats! She loves snuggles and lap cuddles and she makes such a great addition to our family. She even tolerates all the affection from my 3-yr-old son. Thank you so much!"
Trico, now Shelby – "Hi! I adopted Trico, now Shelby, [about] four weeks ago. Thought you might enjoy an update. She is a wonderful dog. She's become pretty good on the leash and loves her daily walks. She is a big ham and loves all the tummy rubs. She is very much a family member now!"