What happens at a Petco adoption event
Petco adoption events are in-store gatherings where rescue organizations and shelters bring adoptable animals to a Petco location for a set number of hours. The animals stay in temporary enclosures or pens inside the store, and potential adopters can meet them, ask questions, and complete adoption paperwork on the spot. Most events run on weekends, typically Saturday or Sunday, though some stores host events on weekday evenings.
The rescue or shelter organization running the event handles the adoption process directly — Petco provides the space and foot traffic but does not process the adoption itself. This means the organization sets its own adoption fees, conducts its own background checks or reference calls, and decides which animals go home with which people. You are working with the rescue, not with Petco.
Events usually last between four and eight hours. The number of animals present varies widely depending on the organization and the store's capacity — some events feature five or six animals, others bring twenty or more. Petco does not charge rescue organizations to use the space, which is why many groups use these events as a primary way to find homes.
Key Takeaways
- Petco adoption events are run by rescue organizations or shelters, not by Petco itself, so you work directly with the rescue to complete an adoption.
- Most events happen on weekend afternoons and last four to eight hours, with the specific schedule posted by the rescue organization ahead of time.
- You can meet animals in person, ask the rescue staff about each one's history and behavior, and often take an animal home the same day if approved.
- Adoption fees, background checks, and approval decisions are set by the rescue organization, not Petco, and vary by group.
- Finding out which events are happening near you requires checking Petco's event calendar, calling your local store, or contacting rescues directly.
How to find Petco adoption events in your area
Petco's website has an events calendar that lists adoption events by location and date. Go to petco.com, search for "adoption events" or "pet adoption near me," and enter your zip code. The calendar shows which Petco locations are hosting events in the coming weeks, the name of the rescue organization running each event, and the date and time.
You can also call your local Petco store directly and ask when adoption events are scheduled. The store staff can tell you which rescues partner with that location and when they typically hold events. Some stores host events every weekend; others host them monthly or less frequently.
Contacting rescue organizations directly is another route. If you know of a specific rescue in your area, visit their website or call them to ask whether they hold events at Petco locations. Many rescues list their upcoming events on their own websites and social media pages, sometimes with more detail than the Petco calendar provides.
What to bring and what to expect when you arrive
Bring a valid photo ID and proof of your address — a utility bill, lease, or recent mail with your name and current address. Some rescues ask for references (usually two people who can vouch that you are a responsible pet owner), so you may want to have phone numbers or email addresses ready. If you have other pets at home, be prepared to answer questions about their age, size, and temperament, since the rescue will want to know whether a new animal is a good fit for your household.
When you arrive at the event, staff from the rescue will be stationed near the animals. You can walk around, look at each animal, and ask questions about their background, behavior, medical history, and any special needs. Many animals at adoption events come from shelters or were surrendered by previous owners, so the rescue may have limited information — they will tell you what they know and what they do not.
If you are interested in a particular animal, let the staff know. They will ask you questions about your home, your experience with pets, and your plans for the animal. This conversation is part of the rescue's screening process. Some rescues make a decision on the spot; others ask for time to check references and may contact you later.
Adoption fees and what is included
Adoption fees at Petco events vary by rescue organization and typically range from $50 to $300 or more, depending on the animal's age, breed, and medical history. The rescue sets the fee, not Petco. Ask the staff what the fee covers — most include spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and a microchip, but some do not, and a few include additional items like a collar, leash, or initial bag of food.
Payment methods vary by rescue. Some accept cash, credit cards, and checks; others accept only certain methods. Ask before you commit to adopting so you know how to pay.
After you are approved and pay the adoption fee, the rescue will give you paperwork that includes the animal's medical history, vaccination records, microchip number, and any behavioral notes. Keep this paperwork — you will need the microchip number if the animal is ever lost, and the vaccination records if you move to a new state or need to board the animal.
The adoption approval process
Rescue organizations use adoption events to meet potential adopters in person, which speeds up the approval process compared to adopting from a shelter or rescue website. However, approval is not automatic. The rescue will ask about your living situation, whether you rent or own, whether your landlord allows pets, how many people live in your home, and whether you have other animals.
Some rescues call or email references you provide. Others do a quick verbal check at the event and make a decision within minutes. A few rescues take your information and contact you within a few days with a decision. The timeline depends on the organization's policies and how busy the event is.
If the rescue has concerns — for example, if you have a history of animal neglect or abuse, or if your home situation seems unsafe for the animal — they can decline to place the animal with you. Rescues prioritize the animal's welfare over completing a sale, so a rejection means the organization believes the placement would not work out.
Taking your new animal home the same day
Many animals adopted at Petco events go home with their new owners the same day. If you are approved and the animal is healthy and ready, you can leave the event with your new pet. Bring a carrier or crate if possible — the rescue may have one, but it is safer to have your own for the car ride home.
Before you leave, ask the rescue staff about the animal's diet, feeding schedule, and any medications or special care it needs. If the animal is on a specific brand of food, ask whether you should continue that brand or whether you can switch gradually. Ask about litter box habits, house training, or behavioral quirks that might help you settle the animal into your home.
If the rescue needs time to complete background checks or reference calls, they will tell you when to expect a decision. Some rescues ask you to wait a few days before picking up the animal; others will hold the animal for you and contact you when everything is approved.
Differences between Petco events and other adoption routes
Petco adoption events are faster and more personal than many other routes. You meet the animal in person before committing, and you can often take it home the same day. Adopting from a shelter website or a rescue's online portal usually involves more waiting — you submit an process, the organization reviews it, they contact your references, and you may not meet the animal until after you are approved.
Adoption fees at Petco events are often lower than fees at brick-and-mortar shelters or rescue offices, though this varies by organization. The rescue saves money on facility costs by using Petco's space, and sometimes passes that savings to adopters.
One trade-off is that Petco events are temporary. If you miss an event, the animals present that day are gone, and the next event may feature completely different animals. Shelter websites let you browse available animals anytime, though you cannot meet them until you visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adopt an animal at a Petco event if I rent my home?
Yes, but you will need to show proof that your landlord allows pets. Bring a copy of your lease or a letter from your landlord stating that pets are permitted. Some rescues ask for the landlord's contact information so they can verify directly. If your lease does not mention pets, ask your landlord for written permission before the event.
What if I want to adopt but the rescue says no?
You can ask the rescue why they declined and whether there is anything you can do to change their decision. Some rescues will reconsider if you address their concerns — for example, if they worried about your yard, you might offer to install a fence. Other rescues will not budge, and you will need to look for a different animal or a different rescue.
Do I have to take the animal home the same day?
No. If you are approved but not ready to take the animal home when ready, ask the rescue whether they can hold it for you for a few days while you prepare your home. Some rescues will; others will not. Ask before you commit to adopting.
What happens if the animal does not work out after I take it home?
Most rescues have a return policy, usually within 14 to 30 days. If the animal is not a good fit, contact the rescue and ask about returning it. You may lose your adoption fee, or the rescue may refund it depending on their policy. Ask about the return policy before you adopt so you know what to expect.
Are the animals at Petco events already spayed or neutered?
Usually, but not always. Ask the rescue staff before you adopt. Most rescues spay or neuter animals before placing them, but some place young animals and require the adopter to have the surgery done within a certain timeframe. The adoption fee may be lower if the animal has not been spayed or neutered yet.