Your Guide to Adopting a Pet in Metro Denver
Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Metro Denver's animal welfare community offers hundreds of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals looking for loving homes — from puppies and kittens to seniors who still have plenty of love to give. MDAWA member organizations work hard to ensure every animal is ready for their new home before adoption.
Starting the journeyBy carefully choosing where you adopt, you can ensure your new companion has been well cared for and is a great fit for your family.
Every adoption from an MDAWA member changes not just one animal's life — it supports a network of organizations committed to compassionate, ethical animal care throughout Metro Denver.
Use the resources below to prepare for your journey.
Checklists & Key Takeaways
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Why Adopt from a MDAWA Member?
When you adopt from a member of MDAWA, you know your decision will not only change one pet’s life but will also support compassionate and ethical animal adoption.
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Ready to Adopt? Here Are the Questions to Ask
When you find a pet you're interested in, consider asking the shelter or rescue these important questions:
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Top 5 Questions to Ask Before You Adopt
A distilled version of the full checklist, here are the top 5 questions to ask before you adopt your next pet.
Where to Start
Adopting a pet is a wonderful, life-changing decision, and it’s important to approach it thoughtfully, including when choosing which shelter or rescue to adopt from.
Choosing where to adopt matters more than you might think.
Not all shelters and rescues operate the same way. Reputable organizations take time to match animals with the right adopters — considering your lifestyle, experience, and the specific needs of each animal.
Profit-driven operations, by contrast, often rush the process, prioritizing quick placements over thoughtful, lasting matches.
A healthier pet from day one.
When you adopt from a reputable shelter or rescue, your new companion arrives having already received thorough medical care — vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and behavioral support included. That foundation means fewer surprises down the road and a better start for everyone.
A partner for the long haul.
The relationship doesn't end at adoption. Reputable organizations offer ongoing resources and support to help you navigate any challenges that arise. Less ethical groups may leave you on your own — or worse, refuse to take an animal back if the fit isn't right.
A ripple effect in your community.
Choosing wisely means your decision reaches far beyond your own home. The organizations worth supporting also provide essential community services: sheltering homeless animals, lost and found programs, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, pet food pantries, and much more.
These shelters and rescues often collaborate with one another, multiplying their impact across Metro Denver.
When you find a pet you're interested in, consider asking these important questions:
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Pre-adoption care
What is the pet’s history?
What vaccines has the pet received?
Is the pet spayed/neutered?
Has the pet received any other medical care?
Has there been any behavior support or issues?
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Adoption fees
What are the adoption fees? (This is a red flag if the answer is unclear.)
Do these fees support the cost of:
vaccinations
spaying/neutering
a microchip
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Policies & contracts
What is the return policy if the pet is not a good fit? (This is a red flag if there is no return policy.)
Will there be a written contract that clarifies that I am the pet’s official owner? (This is a red flag if the answer is no.)
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Post-adoption support
Do you offer resources and guidance if issues arise, such as medical or behavioral concerns? (This is a red flag if the answer is no.)
Are there any follow-ups for adopters to ensure the pet’s long-term welfare?
Do you offer any behavioral support or classes?
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Community outreach
Do you provide lost and found services, low-cost vet care, public spay/neuter clinics, and pet pantries?
If not, do you collaborate and support other local groups that do? Hint: MDAWA members collaborate and support each other with these community services!
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Facility experience
Was the facility clean and well-maintained with healthy animals? (red flag if the answer is no)
Were the staff members knowledgeable and open to answering questions? (This is a red flag if the answer is no.)