Adoption
Fees
Our adoption fees take into consideration the value of adoption when all of a pet's routine medical costs are included. In most cases, the cost of adoption does not cover the costs that are incurred for an animal. We proudly fundraise to help offset the costs and to ensure that our animals get a second chance at life!
Animal | Fee | |
---|---|---|
Cats & Kittens | $295 *Incl wet & dry food | |
Dogs | $365 *Incl dry food | |
Puppies | $665 *Incl dry food | |
Small Animals (Gerbils, Hamsters, Degus) | $15 | |
Guinea Pigs | $25 | |
Larger Animals (Rabbits) | $25-$50 | |
Birds | Depends on species | |
Mice | $10 |


What is included in our adoption fees
Cats:
- Medical: exam, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchip
- Other: 30-day trial pet insurance, $25 voucher to Ren's Pets (Kitchener Centre location only and while supplies last), adoption kit from Royal Canin (incl 2x sample bags dry food and 4 cans wet)
- Food: 1x 2.5lb bag of Royal Canin Appetite Control Spayed/Neutered; 24x 85g cans Royal Canin Spayed Neutered Thin Slices in Gravy
Kittens:
- Medical: exam, spay/neuter surgery, age appropriate vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchip
- Other: 30-day trial pet insurance, $25 voucher to Ren's Pets (Kitchener Centre location only and while supplies last), adoption kit from Royal Canin (incl 2x sample bags dry food and 4 cans wet)
- Food: 1x 2.5lb bag of Royal Canin Kitten Spayed/Neutered; 24x 85g cans Royal Canin Kitten Thin Slices in Gravy
Dogs:
- Medical: exam, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchip
- Other: 30-day trial pet insurance, $25 voucher to Ren's Pets (Kitchener Centre location only and while supplies last), adoption kit from Royal Canin (incl 4x sample bags adult food)
- Food: 1x bag of small, medium or large Royal Canin Dry Adult Food (13-18lbs)
Puppies:
- Medical: exam, spay/neuter surgery, age appropriate vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchip
- Other: 30-day trial pet insurance, $25 voucher to Ren's Pets (Kitchener Centre location only and while supplies last), adoption kit from Royal Canin (incl 4x sample bags puppy food)
- Food: 1x bag of small, medium or large Royal Canin Dry Puppy Food (13-18lbs)
Rabbits:
- Medical: exam, spay/neuter surgery
- Other: $15 voucher to Ren's Pets (Kitchener Centre location only and while supplies last)
Other small animals:
- Medical: exam
- Other: $15 voucher to Ren's Pets (Kitchener Centre location only and while supplies last)
Vet Services Included in Our Adoption Fees | Cat | Dog |
Veterinary Health Exam | $75 |
$75 |
Spay / Neuter |
$250 - 290 |
$350 - 500 |
First Vaccines |
$85 | $85 |
Deworming | $25 | $25 |
Microchipping | $65 | $65 |
Pet Insurance 30 Day Trial | $45 | $45 |
Total Value of Vet Services Included in KWSPHS Adoption Fees | $545* | $645* |
KWSPHS Adoption Fees | $210 | $300 |
Savings By Adopting at KWSPHS | $335 | $345 |
*Denotes average minimum costs and does not include Dog Behaviour assessments included in KWSPHS adoptions. The KWSPHS reserves the right to adopt specific dog and cat breeds at a higher fee.


If you have any questions at all regarding the value received by adopting a pet through the KWSPHS, please ask for our Senior Manager of Animal Care, Amanda Hawkins.
Transfer Dog Program
Please note that our Transfer Dogs have a slightly increased adoption fee.
Those deemed Transfer Dogs have been a part of our life-saving transfer program. As a result, they have a slightly increased adoption fee to allow us to continue our transfer program and help animals from areas in need of assistance. The additional fee helps to fund things such as airfare, import fees, mileage etc – anything that would help get the dogs to our shelter, and to their forever family! By adopting a dog from KWSPHS, you’re not only giving them a forever home, but helping us to pay-it-forward to the next one in need of assistance.
KWSPHS’ Transfer Program
In an effort to assist other shelters and groups in maximizing our mutual life-saving capacity, KWSPHS brings in dogs from other organizations, both locally and internationally. In many circumstances, we work alongside other shelters to provide a larger, collective assistance to those groups in need of a helping hand. Our primary focus remains on the animals within our community, and when we have space, time and resources, we will look to provide assistance out of area.
ONGOING Cat PROMOTION
Cats love company. Adopt more than one and we'll help with the adoption cost! This excludes kittens under four months of age. Ask an adoption staff member for details!

