Adopt through C.A.R.E., a No-Kill Animal Shelter in Ruskin, FL

find your perfect
furry match

We take the time to find the right home for every animal and the right animal for every home.

find your match

Pets looking for love

All our adoptable animals are listed on Petfinder, updated regularly as new pets come into our care.

Ready to meet your new best friend?

Browse dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens looking for a loving home right now.

the process

How adoption works

We take the time to understand each pet’s behavior and needs so we can place them in a safe, loving, and lasting home.

Meet in person

Visit and meet the animal with a staff member or volunteer. We encourage all household members to meet the pet.

Submit Application

Fill out an application covering your living situation, pet experience, other pets at home, and a vet reference.

We review carefully

Adoptions are based on best fit — not first come, first served. Decisions typically take 1–2 weeks.

Welcome Home

Approved applicants are contacted within 14 business days. Then it’s time to bring your new family member home.

A few important things to know:

We do not offer same-day adoptions.

transparent pricing

Adoption fees

Every adoption fee includes everything your new pet needs to get started on the healthiest foot.

Every adoption includes:

Spay or Neuter
Distemper vaccine
Deworming
FELV/FIV test (cats)
Feline Lukemia/ Distemper Vaccine (cats)
Heartworm test & Medication (dogs, medication administered while with C.A.R.E.)

type of pet

adoption fee

Adult Dogs

$200 (Senior discount: $190)

Puppy (under 6 months)

$250

Small Breed Dogs

$225

Senior Dogs (7+ years)

$100

Specialty Breeds

$500 (determined by Animal Care Manager)

Kittens (under 6 months)

$125

2 Kittens

$190

Cats

$100 (Senior discount: $90)

Senior Cats (6+ years)

$65

* All microchips are initially registered to C.A.R.E. Animal Shelter. Adopters must complete and mail in the AVID form to transfer registration to the new owner. There is NO CHARGE to change ownership.

got questions?

Adoption FAQ

Everything you need to know before starting your adoption journey.

How do I adopt a pet from C.A.R.E.?

Adopting a pet is a big decision, and we’re here to help make the process as smooth,
welcoming, and transparent as possible. Visit our Adopt page to learn about the process.

caN i adopt the same day i visit?

No, we do not offer same-day adoptions. Applications are carefully reviewed to ensure the best match for each animal — decisions typically take 1–2 weeks. Approved applicants will be contacted within 14 business days.

Is it first come, first served?

No. We often receive multiple applications for the same animal. Adoptions are based on best fit for both the pet and the family — not the order in which applications are received. We take the time to understand each pet’s needs and match them accordingly.

Do all household members need to meet the pet?

We strongly encourage all household members to be part of the process. Some animals may also require multiple visits to ensure a good fit. The more we can observe the interaction beforehand, the better chance of a lasting, happy adoption.

I already have a dog at home. Does that affect the process?

Yes — if you have a dog at home and are adopting a dog, a meet-and-greet between your current dog and the potential adoptee is required. This helps ensure both animals will be comfortable together and sets everyone up for a successful transition.

Can you hold an animal for me?

No. We do not “hold” animals for adoption. We want to find the “best fit” for each animal, so it is important for us to go through the full adoption process with each animal and potential adopter. For a successful placement, C.A.R.E.’s goal in the adoption process is to consider any behavioral tendencies and environmental needs for the animal that have been identified. Potential adopters must first meet the desired animal with a staff/volunteer at the shelter to discuss the adopter’s interest and to determine the best fit for both. Potential adopters can complete an application for review, providing a veterinarian reference as indicated on the application. C.A.R.E. does not offer same-day adoptions.

Can I request that the adopted animal not be spayed/neutered prior to adoption?

No. Our mission is to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted dogs and cats.

What's included in the adoption fee?

All adoption fees include spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella), Heartworm test and medication for dogs, FELV/FIV test and Feline Leukemia vaccine for cats, deworming, and an AVID microchip. See the Adoption Fees section for a full breakdown.

What does "transparent with adopters" mean?

We share any known medical or behavioral information about each animal to help ensure a successful adoption. We take the time to understand how each pet made its way to our shelter so we can give you the full picture before you commit.

How do I register the microchip in my name?

All microchips are initially registered to C.A.R.E. Animal Shelter. Once you adopt, you’ll need to complete and mail in the AVID form to transfer ownership to your name. There is no charge to change ownership.

How long will dogs and cats remain in the shelter?

Our mission is to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted dogs and cats through adoption, sterilization, and education. Cats and dogs will stay at the shelter until adopted or for their lifetime.

I am not able to keep my pet and need to surrender him/her. Can I bring it to you? Does C.A.R.E. take in stray animals?

We are a small shelter and space is often limited. You should first call the shelter to
define the animal type/age/size. If space is not available in our shelter, we will supply a
list of other organizations that may be able to help.

SUCCESS STORIES

Happy Tails

Every adoption is a new beginning. Here are a few stories from families who found their perfect match through C.A.R.E.

Eevee

"She was listed as 'a quiet cat' — she is an absolute chatty motorboat. She survived a house fire, rescued by Hillsborough County firefighters. We are forever grateful, and so lucky to still have her."

Arlee

Gemma

"As soon as we opened the door, she wrapped herself around us with love. I adopted her for my daughter's 8th birthday — Katelyn is now in college and still comes home every weekend to see Emma."

Shannon

Archie

"Archie just warms our hearts as we see him enjoy the little things in life. He's been through a lot, yet you'll always catch him smiling — he seems to be smiling all the time."

James Family

find your perfect furry match