What Are the Requirements for Adopting a Pet?

One of the most common complaints from potential pet adopters is that there seems to be a frustratingly long list of requirements to bring home a new pet. Adoption requirements are in place for the animal’s protection, as well as your own. These requirements can vary depending on which shelter or rescue you visit. Below, we’ve outlined the requirements, from minimum age to proof of residence, so you know exactly what to expect.

When you’re ready to adopt, we’ll make sure you’re prepared for the process.

Criteria for adopting a pet

The first step in the adoption process is, of course, the adoption paperwork. You’ll fill out a detailed application to ensure you’re a good match for your potential pet. Much like an application for housing or employment, this document gathers important information about you, ascertaining your lifestyle and living situation, employment and financial status, and other criteria to determine that you’re well-equipped to welcome a new pet. Here are some requirements detailed in that paperwork.

Age requirements to adopt a pet

At most shelters and rescues, the minimum age requirement to adopt a pet is 18 years of age. This is because 18 is the legal age of consent in the United States, and only adults can enter into contracts such as an adoption agreement. However, this age may vary, with some places requiring you to be at least 21 years old to adopt a pet.

• How old do you have to be to adopt a dog? In most cases, you have to be at least 18 to adopt a dog. But to be safe, check your local shelter or rescue to see if they have different age requirements.

• How old do you have to be to adopt a cat? As with dogs, you need to be 18 years or older to adopt a cat. Still, it’s a good idea to check with your local shelter or rescue in case their age requirements differ from the norm.

Some shelters may take into consideration whether or not there are appropriately aged children in your home. For example, the Animal League in central Florida has a “6 Under 6” rule, meaning puppies and kittens under 6 months are generally placed with families whose youngest child is at least six years old. These types of rules are there to avoid accidents by protecting puppies and kittens from rough little hands — and protecting kids from getting jumped on, scratched, or nipped by a mouthy pet.

Similarly, for seniors, even though there isn’t typically an age limit on adopting, shelters may suggest pairing a senior animal with a senior adopter, because older animals are less energetic, require less physical activity, and often exhibit calmer behavior. 

Valid identification

You will need to present your current driver’s license or state-issued picture ID as part of the adoption process to verify your age and where you live. (You may present a passport if you don’t have a license.) Some shelters may also use it to perform a background check. A second form of ID, such as a utility bill, may also be required.

Proof of residence

Most shelters and rescues will request proof of home ownership (a property tax statement, mortgage statement, deed, or homeowner’s insurance document), or if you’re renting, a lease agreement or landlord approval letter.

Requiring ownership or rental approval confirms that your potential new pet has a suitable home. If you’re a renter adopting a pet, it also ensures you have landlord approval for a pet-friendly apartment with enough space for your new companion to thrive. 

Home approval

The adoption application will typically ask about home life to get a sense of your pet’s soon-to-be living environment. They may ask if you have a fenced yard for a high-energy dog or if you have enough space for a cat. They’ll also want to know if there will be other pets or young kids sharing space with your new animal. This information is crucial to establishing the right match for you and your family.

The last step is typically a home visit. While it may seem fun to surprise your kids or significant other with a puppy, shelters want to know that everyone in the home is a good fit for your pet, to reduce the risk of needing to rehome them.

Pet adoption fee

Pet adoption fees vary by organization, typically ranging from $50 to $500. These fees cover the cost of caring for the animal while they were in the shelter, as well as preparing them for their new home. This can include basic veterinary care such as vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, deworming, flea/tick medication, food, and training classes. Adoption fees also support the shelter itself, maintaining the staff and facility.

Some shelters may offer reduced pricing during certain events, but adoption is rarely free. If a potential adopter struggles to pay the adoption fee, that may indicate that they’ll also struggle to provide adequate care for the animal.

Ready to adopt? Find your BFF on Adopt a Pet. If you don’t see your perfect match, sign up for New Pet Alerts, so you’ll immediately know when your dream pet goes up for adoption.

Commonly asked questions

Why is it so hard to adopt from a rescue? 

While the requirements may seem tedious, adopting a pet is not hard. As long as you’re prepared, the process will move along smoothly. Although it may be faster to buy a pet, it’s important to remember the animal’s origins. Pet stores charge to make a profit, often keeping cruel puppy mills in business, while shelters charge to ensure they can rescue even more animals and find them loving homes.

What is the youngest age at which you can legally adopt? Can you adopt at 16? 

The youngest age at which you can legally adopt a pet is when you’re 18 years of age. However, you may be able to adopt a pet as young as 16, with parental consent or a co-signer. Check the age requirements at your local shelter, and beware of scammers.

Do adoption age requirements vary by state or county?

Pet-adoption age requirements can vary by state and by county. In the U.S., most states have a minimum age requirement of 18. However, some states, such as Colorado, Delaware, and Oklahoma, require adopters to be at least 21.  

If you have a child and want a dog, what must the child’s minimum age be?

Your child’s age will be taken into consideration if you want a dog. Some shelters will not allow puppies to be adopted by people with toddlers, for example. Young children have not yet learned impulse control, and a young pet may come to associate kids with fear. You may be encouraged to adopt an adult dog or cat instead.

Do I have to reside in the same county as the shelter I want to adopt from?

No, you do not have to reside in the same county as the shelter you want to adopt from. Some shelters may have distance restrictions, but as long as you can fulfill their requirements and be physically present at the time of adoption, the county you live in should not matter.

What are common red flags in cat adoptions?

Some common red flags in cat adoptions that can cause applications to be denied include: unsuitable living space, inadequate finances, frequent travel, too many other pets, an inability to offer a long-term commitment, plans to declaw, and more. Make sure you’re 100 percent ready to adopt a cat and commit to their needs before filling out an application. 

References

“Adoption Policies - the Humane Society for Hamilton County.” Hamilton Humane, 21 Mar. 2025, www.hamiltonhumane.com/adopt/adoption-policies. 

“Age Guidelines for Adopting Our Pets - the Animal League.” The Animal League, 2025, theanimalleague.org/adopt-a-pet/age-guidelines-for-adopting.

“Background Checks for Potential Adopters | Animal Welfare Professionals.” Maddiesfund.org, 2024, forum.maddiesfund.org/communities.