Broward County Animal Shelter Adoption Fee Explained
- 01. Broward County animal shelter adoption fee explained
- 02. Current Adoption Fee Structure at Broward County Animal Care
- 03. Regular (Non-Promotional) Adoption Fees by Category
- 04. What's Included in Your Adoption Fee
- 05. Promotional Campaigns and Fee Waivers
- 06. Shelter Hours and Contact Information
- 07. Important Fees Beyond Adoption: Pet Registration
- 08. Why Adopt During Promotional Periods?
- 09. Comparison: County Shelter vs. Humane Society
Broward County animal shelter adoption fee explained
The standard adoption fee at Broward County Animal Care & Adoption Center is typically waived entirely during frequent promotional campaigns, with adopters paying only a $25 pet registration fee required by the county; however, regular (non-promotional) adoption fees range from $50 to $150 depending on the animal's age and species, while the separate Humane Society of Broward County charges $80-$350 based on age and type.
Current Adoption Fee Structure at Broward County Animal Care
Broward County Animal Care operates the county's primary public animal shelter located at 2400 SW 42nd Street in Fort Lauderdale, with ongoing promotions that significantly reduce or eliminate adoption costs for residents. During the "Fall in Love - Empty the Shelters" campaign running October 1-15, 2025, all adoption fees were completely waived for dogs and cats, leaving adopters responsible only for the mandatory $25 county registration fee.
The shelter's December 2025 "Holiday Hope" initiative continued this pattern, partnering with the Bissell Pet Foundation to cover adoption costs through December 15, 2025. Zackary Rinkins, a representative with Broward County Animal Care, stated: "It's an opportunity to extend adoption waivers to our community. All our residents have to pay is a $25 pet registration fee, you get a lovable pet". During August 2025's "Clear the Shelters Month," the shelter placed 175 pets including 130 cats and 45 dogs while waiving fees.
Regular (Non-Promotional) Adoption Fees by Category
When no promotional waiver is active, Broward County Animal Care typically charges standard fees that vary by animal age and type, though exact non-promotional pricing fluctuates based on the animal's age, breed, and current shelter promotions. The Humane Society of Broward County, a separate private organization, maintains published standard fees that provide useful reference points for typical shelter pricing in the county.
| Animal Type | Age Category | Typical Fee Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Puppies (5 months or younger) | $50-$150 (county); $350 (Humane) | Spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip |
| Dogs | 6 months and older | $50-$150 (county); $200 (Humane) | Spay/neuter, vaccines, heartworm test |
| Cats | Kittens (5 months or younger) | $50-$100 (county); $150 (Humane) | Spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip |
| Cats | 6 months and older | $50-$100 (county); $80 (Humane) | Spay/neuter, vaccines, FeLV test |
| Rabbits | All ages | Varies; $75 (Humane) | Spay/neuter, wellness check |
| Small Pets | Guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets | $25-$55 (Humane) | Wellness check, basic care |
Note: The county shelter frequently waives fees entirely, while the Humane Society maintains consistent published pricing with services including spaying/neutering, flea/tick treatment, preliminary vaccinations, de-worming, overall wellness checks, and species-specific testing.
What's Included in Your Adoption Fee
Whether paying regular fees or adopting during promotional periods, every animal from Broward County Animal Care comes fully prepared for their new home with comprehensive medical care and identification. The $25 registration fee that remains during waived-adoption promotions is the county-mandated requirement for pet licensing in Broward County.
- Spaying or neutering for every animal, including puppies and kittens, before going home
- Full vaccination series appropriate for the animal's age and species
- Microchip implantation with registration information
- Flea and tick treatment applied before adoption
- Overall wellness check by a licensed veterinarian
- Heartworm test for dogs 7 months or older
- Feline Leukemia test for all cats
- De-worming treatment as needed
Some adoptions through the Humane Society also include limited follow-up care at participating VCA Animal Hospitals (up to $250) and a bag of Purina ONE pet food.
Promotional Campaigns and Fee Waivers
Broward County Animal Care partners regularly with the Bissell Pet Foundation to run national "Empty the Shelters" campaigns that waive adoption fees for two-week periods. The fall 2025 campaign ran from October 1-15 and specificallyTargeted Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.
- October 2025: "Fall in Love - Empty the Shelters" (Oct 1-15) - all fees waived
- December 2025: "Holiday Hope" campaign (Dec 1-15) - all dog and cat fees waived
- August 2025: "Clear the Shelters Month" - entire month fees waived, 175 pets adopted
- November 2016: Grand opening special - free adoptions Tuesday through Sunday
These campaigns respond to shelter overcrowding concerns; December 2025's initiative specifically aimed to relieve capacity issues with kennels at full capacity. The foundation covers the full cost of adoptions during these promotions while the county's $25 registration fee still applies.
Shelter Hours and Contact Information
Broward County Animal Care's Adoption Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM and closed on Mondays. During special promotional events, hours often extend to 6:00 PM daily.
The facility is located at 2400 SW 42nd Street in Fort Lauderdale, directly across from the long-term parking lot for Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. For information about adopting, fostering, or supporting shelter pets, residents can visit Broward.org/Animal or call 954-357-9758.
To view available adoptable pets online, visit the Virtual Shelter at petadoptions.broward.org where you can browse listings of dogs and cats and select pets to meet in person. No appointment is necessary to visit the shelter during operating hours, though scheduling a meeting with a specific pet is recommended.
Important Fees Beyond Adoption: Pet Registration
Even when adoption fees are completely waived, all Broward County residents must pay a mandatory $25 pet registration fee mandated by county ordinance. This registration is separate from the shelter's adoption fee and ensures your pet is legally licensed within Broward County.
The Humane Society of Broward County requires adopters to be at least 21 years old with separate applications for in-state and out-of-state adopters, though puppies and kittens cannot be adopted out of state. Both organizations accept adoptions seven days a week during their operating hours with open, non-judgmental policies.
Why Adopt During Promotional Periods?
Adopting during fee-waiver campaigns provides maximum value while helping shelters relieve overcrowding and place more animals in permanent homes. During August 2025's Clear the Shelters campaign alone, Broward County Animal Care placed 175 pets including 130 cats and 45 dogs in new homes.
Every adopted pet receives the same comprehensive care regardless of whether you adopt during a promotion or regular period, including full medical preparation before going home. The Bissell Pet Foundation's funding ensures that adoption waivers don't compromise the quality of veterinary care, vaccinations, or surgical procedures included with every adoption.
"It's an opportunity to extend adoption waivers to our community. All our residents have to pay is a $25 pet registration fee, you get a lovable pet." - Zachary Rinkins, Broward County Animal Care
Comparison: County Shelter vs. Humane Society
Broward County has two primary adoption options: the public Broward County Animal Care & Adoption Center and the private Humane Society of Broward County, each with different fee structures and services. The county shelter more frequently offers completely waived fees through national partnerships, while the Humane Society maintains consistent published pricing with comprehensive medical packages.
Both organizations provide spay/neuter services, vaccinations, microchipping, and wellness checks as standard inclusions with every adoption. Contact the county shelter at 954-357-9758 or the Humane Society at 954-989-3977 extension 6 for specific questions about their current fees and available animals.
For the most current adoption fee information and active promotions, regularly check the official Broward County Animal Care website at Broward.org/Animal or browse available pets at petadoptions.broward.org. Staff at both organizations are ready to help you find your perfect companion through their open adoption process.
Expert answers to Broward County Animal Shelter Adoption Fee Explained queries
What animals are covered by fee waivers?
All dogs and cats at Broward County Animal Care are covered during promotional periods, including puppies, kittens, adult dogs, and adult cats; the waivers apply to the full adoption fee but not the separate $25 registration.
Do waived fees include vaccinations?
Yes, every adopted pet comes spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to go home the same day even during fee-waiver promotions.
How often are adoption fees waived?
Fee waivers occur multiple times annually, typically during national campaigns in August, October, and December, plus occasional special events; check Broward.org/Animal for current promotions.
Do I need an appointment for adoption?
Appointments are recommended but not required; you can make one online at Broward County Animal Care's website or call 954-359-1313, though walk-ins are accepted during operating hours.
What ID do I need to adopt?
You must be 21 years or older and bring a valid photo ID to complete the adoption process at either Broward County Animal Care or the Humane Society.
Can I adopt if I just moved to Broward?
If you don't have a Pre-Adoption Application on file within the past year or have recently moved, you must complete a new application online before adopting.
Is the $25 registration fee refundable?
No, the $25 registration fee is mandatory and non-refundable as it's the county's pet licensing requirement, separate from adoptable deposits.
What about the $20 dog deposit?
The Humane Society requires a $20 non-refundable deposit to hold any dog under 25lbs, which can transfer to another dog within 30 days if the pet is returned.
Which shelter should I choose?
Choose based on current promotions, animal availability, and location; the county shelter frequently waives fees while the Humane Society offers consistent pricing with detailed inclusions.