Adoption FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Adopting from VIDA Rescue
Thinking about welcoming a new furry friend into your family? We're here to help! Below, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about our adoption process, fees, and meeting our rescued animals.
At VIDA Rescue, our priority is finding safe, loving, and suitable forever homes for every animal in our care. We encourage interested adopters to apply as soon as possible. Applications are reviewed based on the best fit for each animal, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where are your adoptable pets located?
Most of our adoptable animals are located at our shelter at 19142 E Walnut Dr N, Rowland Heights, CA 91748. Others are cared for in loving foster homes throughout Southern California.
You may see animals listed in nearby cities, such as Pasadena or Irvine, to help them reach more potential adopters. These listings do not necessarily reflect the animals' physical locations.
Please note that our shelter operates by appointment only.
How much does it cost to adopt?
Our adoption fees are:
- Adult Dogs: $350
- Puppies: $475
- Adult Cats (over 1 year): $189
- Kittens: $225
These fees help cover essential veterinary care and other rescue expenses.
View our Adoption Fees for more information.
How do I adopt a pet from VIDA Rescue?
We're excited to help you find your new companion! Here's how to get started:
- Browse our available dogs and cats.
- Complete an adoption application as soon as possible.
- Our team will review your application to determine whether your home may be a suitable match.
- If selected, we will contact you to discuss the next steps and schedule an appointment.
- Meet your potential new family member and, if approved, complete the adoption process.
Our priority is finding the best possible match for each animal, rather than approving applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
How long does the adoption application process take?
We aim to review adoption applications within approximately 24 hours. However, response times may vary depending on application volume and the needs of individual animals.
We encourage interested adopters to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications are evaluated based on compatibility, not submission order.
Submitting an application does not guarantee adoption approval.
How old do I need to be to adopt?
Our minimum adoption age requirements are:
- Dogs and Puppies: 25 years old
- Cats and Kittens: 19 years old
All applicants must meet VIDA Rescue's adoption requirements and complete the application process.
What is included in the adoption fee?
Our adoption fees help ensure that rescued animals receive essential veterinary care before joining their forever families.
Adoptions include:
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Deworming and flea treatment
- Microchipping
- Current rabies vaccination for dogs, when applicable
- One month of pet insurance (adopter registration required before veterinary visits)
- Complimentary veterinary exam at a participating VCA hospital
- Leash and collar for dogs, or collar for cats
Services and benefits may vary depending on the animal. Please confirm the details with our adoption team.
How can I meet an animal I'm interested in?
To meet an animal, please complete our adoption application first.
Our team reviews applications and contacts potential adopters whose homes appear to be a suitable match. We may also contact backup adopters if needed.
Important: Our shelter operates by appointment only and is not open for walk-in animal viewing.
Can I adopt if I live outside Rowland Heights?
Yes! VIDA Rescue welcomes adoption applications from eligible residents of the following California counties:
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
- Ventura County
- San Diego County
- Kern County
- Santa Barbara County
- San Luis Obispo County
All adoptions are subject to application review and approval.
Can I apply for more than one animal?
Yes! Your adoption application can be considered for other available animals in our care.
Applications remain valid for three months. If you would like to update your preferred animal, please use the editing option in your application confirmation email or contact our adoption team.
Can I adopt an animal on the same day as my appointment?
Same-day adoptions may be possible depending on the animal, your approved application, and the outcome of your adoption meeting.
Our goal is to ensure that every adoption is a good fit for both the animal and their new family.
Trial periods or foster-to-adopt arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis.
What if the animal I applied for has already been adopted?
Don't worry! There may be other wonderful animals waiting to find their forever homes.
Our team may be able to recommend other available pets that match your lifestyle and preferences.
Some animals in our care may not yet be listed online, so we encourage you to remain open to finding another suitable companion.
What should I expect after bringing my adopted pet home?
Bringing home a rescue animal is an exciting experience, but every pet needs time to adjust to a new environment.
Many adopters find the Rule of 3s helpful:
- 3 Days: Your pet may feel overwhelmed and need time to decompress.
- 3 Weeks: Your pet may begin learning routines and feeling more comfortable.
- 3 Months: Your pet may feel more settled and secure in their new home.
Every animal adjusts at their own pace. Patience, consistency, positive reinforcement, and a loving environment can help your new companion thrive.
Why can't I see the adoptable pets on the website?
If our adoptable pet listings aren't displaying correctly, try refreshing your browser or reopening the page.
If the problem continues, you can visit our adoptable pets page or contact our team for assistance.