Adoption FAQs

Where can I view adoptable pets?

You can view all of our adoptable DogsCats, Rabbits, and Other Pets online. We update their availability and location in real time. If you see them, they are still available for adoption, and when you click on their photo it will show their location. We have three locations to adopt from in the metro area as well as 10 Petco Cat Habitat locations to adopt cats. We also partner with Whiskers Cat Café where you can adopt KC Pet Project kitties. There is no appointment needed to visit our pets. You can also use the search function to look for certain breeds, sort by location, ages, etc.

How long does it take to process an adoption?

The adoption process takes about an hour and does not require you filling out any paperwork ahead of time – you’ll do that once you’ve met someone and decide it’s a good fit. Please note: If we are currently running an adoption special, the wait to adopt may be longer than an hour, so please allocate additional time in your visit. If you have met a pet and believe it will be a great fit for your home, you will fill out some paperwork and sit down with one of our adoption counselors for a quick interview. If all is approved, in most cases you will be able to take home your new pet that day. They will have been spayed/neutered, microchipped, have age appropriate vaccines, have been heartworm tested or FeLV tested, and have received intestinal dewormer.

Do I need an appointment to see a pet?

No, you do not need an appointment. You may visit any of our locations during normal business hours. You can visit any of our three locations seven days a week and find a pet that you’re interested in, or meet someone in foster at a mutually agreed upon location.

The pet that I want to meet is in foster, how do I set up an appointment to meet them?

Please email [email protected] with the pet that you are interested in meeting to see up meet n’greet or get additional information.

Do you do out-of-state adoptions?

Our adoptions are first come, first serve. If you are interested in visiting our shelter, we recommend looking at the available pets on our website as close to your travel date as possible to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information regarding the animals in our care.

Can I place a hold on any of your adoptable pets?

Small dogs, puppies, and specialty breeds go quickly here at KC Pet Project. If your schedule allows, you are encouraged to visit our dogs here at the shelter, as we often have these dogs but they are on stray hold. If you see a pet you are interested in but they are not currently available, you have the option of putting down an Early Bird hold.

The Early Bird hold is $50 – $25 of that goes toward your adoption fee and the other $25 is a non-refundable donation to KC Pet Project that gives you first right of adoption if the dog is not reclaimed. If the pet is reclaimed or otherwise determined to not be prepared for adoption prior to the end of its stray hold, you have the option of selecting another pet to adopt or put the early bird hold on at a later date. If there are currently no other pets available for an Early Bird Hold or adoption, you also have the option to keep the $25 as a credit under your name with us till you are ready to use it.

I have another pet at home, can I bring them to meet the pet(s) I’m interested in adopting?

If you need to introduce your dog(s) to a pet in our shelter: We recommend if you have other dogs in the home, to bring them to meet the dog you are interested in adopting. We can facilitate a dog-to-dog introduction with our staff to make sure it’s a good fit. Please note: some of our adoptable dogs require a meet with potential other dog(s) in the home.

We do not do cat-to-dog meets at KC Pet Project. Instead, our team will talk with you and provide resources on how to successfully transition your new dog or cat into a home that has cats.

What are your adoption fees?

  • Adult mixed breed dogs: $75-$150
  • Small breed dogs and puppies: $150-$300
  • Cats (6 months or older): $50
  • Kittens: $75
  • Rabbits: $45
  • Chickens: $25
  • Other Pets: Price depending on species.

Do I need to plan for any other expenses for my pet other than my adoption fee?

All of our adopters are expected to have a proper leash and collar for their dogs or a carrier to take home cats, which can be found in the retail section of any of our locations. If you live in Kansas City, MO, you should also expect to purchase a city license tag for $12 – this is something you’ll renew each year upon vaccinating your pet. We offer a wide variety of retail items including wire kennels, beds, litter trays, cat and dog toys, and KC Pet Project merchandise.

When you opt in to receive communications from our partners, adopters who adopt at the KC Campus for Animal Care, Zona Rosa Adoption Center, and pets from foster homes will receive a 3 pound bag of food to transition your pet into your new home. Dogs receive a 3lb bag of Pedigree brand and cats receive a 3lb bag of Iams. This is thanks to our partnership with Mars products. They will also receive coupons and information on promotions and services from other Mars brands. Receiving a bag of food helps adopters to transition their new pets over to their preferred brands slowly, if you wish to feed a different brand, and avoid stomach distress caused by a sudden dietary shift. Pedigree and Iams products can be purchased at most pet stores and grocery stores.

What happens if I need to return the pet that I adopted?

We understand that not all adoptions are the best fit once they get to their new home. We do allow returns of our pets at the KC Campus for Animal Care and ask that you follow the procedure in your adoption packet that you receive. If you have any questions on the return process, you can call our Pet Helpline at 816-683-1383.

How can I sign up to be alerted if a pet that I would like to adopt comes in?

Sign up for our Pet Alert System to be emailed when a pet matching your desired criteria comes into our shelter. You can sign up for breed, age, etc, and you may sign up for as many alerts as you would like.

Do you provide any post-adoption training or behavior classes?

Through our partnership with GoodPup, the nation’s leading dog training service over live 1-on-1 video chat, every KC Pet Project community member will receive 1 FREE week of training + 20% Off for Life, and GoodPup will make a generous donation to help us care for more animals. Go here for more information. 

GppdPup

Adoption Process for KC Pet Project’s Zona Rosa Adoption Center

What is the adoption process for dogs?

If you’re visiting the Zona Rosa Adoption Center, please check in with a staff member so we can direct you to what you are looking for. You may look around freely at our adoptable pets. Our dog kennels are all located in the center of the room as you enter. Once you have found a pet you are interested in, staff will inform you on that particular pet’s background. If she or he is a good fit for your household, we will facilitate a meeting between you and the dog outside or in one of our meet and greet rooms. We encourage you to bring the whole family to meet your new potential pet! If you have a dog at home and have chosen your new family member, we will set up a time for the dogs to meet each other. If you do not have another dog, we can start the adoption process. The adoption process takes about 30 minutes and includes going over available resources, medical and behavior history, retail purchases and processing the adoption. Each adoptable dog comes with age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, heartworm testing and are spayed or neutered! Each dog adoption requires a leash and collar to go home, along with a license if you are a Kansas City, MO resident. We have plenty of fun leashes and collars available, along with everything your pet needs, in our retail department!

What is the adoption process for cats?

If you’re visiting the Zona Rosa Adoption Center, please check in with a staff member so we can direct you to what you are looking for. You may look around freely at our adoptable pets. Our cat kennels are located beyond the sliding glass door at the back of our adoption center. Once you have found a pet you are interested in, staff will inform you on that particular pet’s background. If she or he is a good fit for your household, we will facilitate a meeting between you and the cat in the cat room! Once you have chosen your new family member, we can start the adoption process. The adoption process takes about 30 minutes and includes going over available resources, medical and behavior history, retail purchases and processing the adoption. Each adoptable cat comes with age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, FeLV testing and are spayed or neutered! Each cat adoption requires a cat carrier to go home, along with a license if you are a Kansas City, MO resident. We do have carriers available for purchase, along with everything your pet needs, in our retail department!

Can I bring my own dog to meet another dog?

If visiting the Zona Rosa Adoption Center, please do not bring your dog into the kennel area. Instead, have someone you trust hold onto your dog and notify a staff member that you are here for the introduction, or you can leave them in your car if it is weather appropriate. Once you have met and chosen your new family member, Zona Rosa Staff will facilitate a meeting between your dog and our dog.


FOR ALL OTHER kc pet project locations

KC Pet Project Adoption Center at Petco

KC Pet Project at the Petco at 95th and Quivira in Overland Park is back open! Our area is on the back wall of the store next to Grooming. If you are interested in adopting, we currently have dogs, cats, and small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs!

When you come in, a staff member will greet you and can show you the animals available for adoption and answer any questions you may have.

Once you have chosen your new family member, we can start the adoption process. The adoption process takes about 30-60 minutes and includes going over available resources, medical and behavior history, retail purchases and processing the adoption. Each adoptable cat comes with age-appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, FeLV testing (cats) and are spayed or neutered! Each cat adoption requires a cat carrier to go home, along with a license if you are a Kansas City, MO resident.

Petco Cat Habitats and Whiskers Cat Café

KC Pet Project currently partners with 11 Petco stores in the metro area. For more information on adopting cats at these locations, visit our Petco Cat Habitat page. Volunteers are also needed for these locations.

For more information on making a reservation to visit Whiskers Cat Café, check out their website at http://whiskerskc.com.