Denver Pet Adoption Guide: Find Your New Best Friend

Published on October 9, 2025 by Denver Paws Team

Table of Contents

Why Adopt a Pet?

Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization is a rewarding experience that offers numerous benefits:

Saving a Life: You provide a loving home to an animal in need, often rescuing them from difficult circumstances.
Health & Behavior: Most adopted pets come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Many shelters also provide behavioral assessments.
Cost-Effective: Adoption fees are typically lower than purchasing from a breeder and often include initial veterinary care.
Variety: Shelters and rescues have a wide variety of breeds, ages, and personalities, making it easier to find a pet that fits your lifestyle.

While the exact process may vary slightly between organizations, here are the general steps to adopting a pet in Denver:

Research: Determine what type of pet (dog, cat, etc.), breed, age, and temperament best suits your lifestyle and living situation.
Application: Complete an adoption application, providing information about your home, family, and pet care experience.
Interview: Many organizations conduct interviews to ensure a good match between pet and adopter.
Meet & Greet: Spend time with potential pets to assess compatibility. If you have other pets, a supervised meet-and-greet may be required.
Home Visit (Optional): Some rescues may conduct a home visit to ensure your living environment is suitable.
Adoption Agreement & Fee: Sign an adoption contract and pay the adoption fee.
Take Your Pet Home: Welcome your new family member!

Denver is home to many wonderful organizations dedicated to pet rescue and adoption. Here are a few prominent ones:

Denver Animal Shelter: The primary municipal shelter for Denver, offering a wide range of adoptable animals.
Dumb Friends League: A large, well-known animal welfare organization serving the Denver metro area.
MaxFund: A no-kill animal shelter that takes in injured animals and those from euthanasia lists.
Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue: Dedicated to the rescue and adoption of cats.
Local Breed-Specific Rescues: Many organizations focus on specific breeds (e.g., Colorado Shiba Inu Rescue, Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue).

It's always a good idea to check their websites for current adoptable pets and specific adoption requirements.

Before bringing your new pet home, ensure your living space is ready:

Pet-Proofing: Remove any hazards (toxic plants, chemicals, small objects) and secure trash cans.
Supplies: Have food, water bowls, a bed, toys, leash/collar, and a litter box (for cats) ready.
Designated Space: Create a comfortable and safe space for your new pet to acclimate.
Introduce Existing Pets: Plan for a slow, supervised introduction if you have other animals.

Many adoption agencies offer post-adoption support, including:

Behavioral Advice: Resources or referrals for common behavioral issues.
Training Classes: Discounts or recommendations for obedience classes.
Veterinary Resources: Information on local veterinarians and follow-up care.

Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, and with the right preparation and support, you can provide a loving forever home to a deserving animal.