How to adopt

Pets that are ready for adoption have their very own profile here on our website, so please look to see if you can find your new best friend.

Adopting

All AWL animals are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and health checked ready for their new home (yes, even the kittens and puppies!)

If you see a pet that interests you, check their location as the adoption process changes depending on where the animal is located. If you wish to adopt a cat or dog from Wingfield, you are welcome to visit us any time between 10 am and 3 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. If you wish to adopt a cat from Edinburgh North, you are welcome to visit us any time between 10 am and 3 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. If you wish to adopt a dog from Edinburgh North, a rabbit or any animal in foster, you currently need to fill out an application form on their profile. Please note that completing the form does not mean the animal is on hold and our team will be in contact to discuss a time for you to meet the animal.

Once you have met an animal you would like to adopt, you can take them home the same day.

Adoption prices vary depending on the age and type of animal, so please check each pet profile for pricing.

Even if you don’t see a pet on our page today, there are many more in our shelter and foster care getting ready for you to take them home. It's a good idea to check back often to search for your paw-fect match.

What do I need to bring with me when adopting a pet?

Please bring ID showing your current name and address (ie driver’s license, concession card, proof of age card, passport).

We also recommend bringing a lead or carrier with you to transport your new pet home.

How old do I need to be to adopt?

You need to be over 18 years old to adopt your new pet from us.

Plus, you'll need to bring ID.

I have kids, should I bring them with me?

If you have kids, we recommend they meet the dog, cat, puppy, kitten or rabbit before you take them home.

I have dog at home, should I bring them with me?

If you already own a dog, you need to organise a dog-to-dog introduction to make sure they’ll get along with a new dog.

Before bringing your dog to our shelter, look at our website to choose the dog you would like to adopt, then call our team on 8348 1300.

We’ll need to see your dog’s current vaccination records before their meet and greet.

Can I put an animal on hold?

You can place an animal on hold for 24 hours for a non-refundable fee of $20. But first, you need to visit AWL and meet the animal. We don't place a hold on animals over the phone.

This fee is taken off the adoption fee when you choose to take that animal home.

We do not place kittens on hold, sorry.

You don’t have many or any kittens or puppies on the website, when will you get kittens or puppies?

Being a shelter we never know what animals are going to need rehoming before they arrive so it’s best to keep an eye on our website.

There are no small dogs on the website, when will you get small dogs?

Being a shelter, the animals we help to rehome come in all shapes, sizes, breeds and personalities. We do get small dogs and when we do, they generally get adopted really quickly.

The adoption fee is higher than I thought, what's included in the price?

All animals are desexed, microchipped and health checked ready for their new home—yes, even the kittens and puppies.

The adoption fee for an animal helps to cover the costs involved in the services we provide for that animal. This includes microchipping, desexing, health checks that every animal undergoes before being made available for adoption.

Why are some animals available by 'Adoption by Application'?

Sometimes animals have unusual or ongoing health issues or need extra help with their behaviour. In these particular cases, we ask you to fill in an application form to help us decide who the most suitable match is. We want to get a good indication that the pet is going to fit in with your home and lifestyle.

Animals might also 'adopt by application' if they're in foster care or, in the case of dogs available from our Edinburgh North shelter, if we do not have the staff to facilitate walk-ins.

How long do dogs and cats stay in the shelter?

We don't have a time limit on any of the animals that are available for adoption.

They're in our care until we find the right home for them, no matter how long that takes.

Hot Weather

If it's too hot to take your pet home, some restrictions may apply in line with the South Australian Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals 2017.

We often close for adoptions on hot days. If in doubt, call us on 8348 1300.

Further questions?

Call us if you have any further questions on 8348 1300 between 10 am and 3 pm daily.

Search term