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Pet Adoption
Adopting a Pet at the Shelter
You can adopt a pet at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter. Stop by during shelter hours to find out more about the pets looking for homes, or check out our Animals for Adoption page.
Any individual(s) interested in adopting an animal from the Shelter must:
- Fill out an application form:
- Bird Adoption Application (PDF)
- Cat Adoption Application Form (PDF)
- Dog Adoption Application Form (PDF)
- Small Animal Adoption Application Form (PDF)
- We do not do same-day adoptions, ship animals or adopt outside of British Columbia.
- Applications take 24 to 48 hours to be reviewed and a shelter attendant will be in contact with you. Applications can be submitted via email, fax or in person.
- Applications can be submitted via email to adoption@coquitlam.ca
- Provide some general answers to questions regarding their ability to care for the animal
- Acquire a licence (for dogs only)
- Pay an adoption fee
The City reserves the right to refuse adoption to any family where staff do not believe that there is an appropriate fit between the family and the animal.
Here are a few things you can do to ensure that adopt the best pet for you:
- Research an animal before you adopt. There are books at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter that provide information on different breeds.
- It is best to adopt an animal that fits your family, home and lifestyle by considering breed factors such as:
- Some are good with kids
- Some will require a lot of exercise
- The space you have available
- Level of activity
- Talk to shelter staff who are happy to provide information about different breeds and the animals up for adoption.
- It is a good idea to tattoo or have microchip implants as identifiers for your pets as they are a great means of tracking lost pets. However, tattoos and microchips are only effective if owners keep their contact information accurate. If you move, please ensure you update your contact information with the organization that provided the tattoo or microchip.
It is a big responsibility to own a pet:
- You must provide basic care which includes food, water, shelter, veterinary care and exercise for your pet.
- You must abide by the City’s bylaws around pets and animals. This means your dog/s must be leashed at all times unless you’re in a park that has dog off leash areas and times.
- You must clean up after your dog.
- Your pets must not cause a nuisance to the community.
- You must licence your dog.
- You must ensure your cat is identified either with a collar and tag, tattoo or microchip and is spayed or neutered if it goes outside.
- Owning or keeping of an exotic animal in the City of Coquitlam, such as a snake or reptile is prohibited. The City of Coquitlam Wild or Exotic Animals Prohibition Bylaw 3838, 2009 (PDF) prohibits the keeping, selling, exhibiting or the display of any wild or exotic animal, including snakes and venomous reptiles, exotic cats, and other classes of animals as listed in the bylaw.