Looking to add a furry, scaly, or feathered friend to your family? Durham Pet Shelter is dedicated to connecting wonderful animals with loving homes. Like Orange County Animal Shelter, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis and welcome you to visit us anytime during our opening hours to meet our available pets. No appointment is needed to explore our adoption areas and find the perfect companion.
When you visit Durham Pet Shelter, you’re welcome to request a 15-minute meeting with any pet that catches your eye. These meetings are a great way to see if a potential adoptee is the right fit for your household. Please note that pet meetings conclude one hour before closing time to allow our staff to prepare for the end of the day, but you are welcome to view animals in their enclosures until closing.
For those considering adopting a dog and already have a canine companion at home, we recommend reviewing our guidelines for introducing pets. While dog-to-dog meetings at the shelter may be subject to temporary adjustments for the health and safety of all animals in our care, understanding best practices for introductions at home is always beneficial. You can find helpful resources on introducing pets to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
If you have any questions about the pets currently available at Durham Pet Shelter or need information about visiting our facility, please don’t hesitate to call us. Our friendly team at the adoption desk is ready to assist you. If we are unable to answer your call immediately, please leave a detailed message with your name and contact number. We prioritize responding to all inquiries as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience. For information on our opening times and location, please visit our About Us page.
Adoption Information at Durham Pet Shelter
Thinking about adoption? Durham Pet Shelter strives to make the process as smooth as possible. Many animals are eligible to go home with their new families on the same day as adoption, depending on the time of day and individual animal needs. If same-day adoption is your goal, please speak with our adoption desk staff upon arrival to confirm if your chosen pet is ready to go home with you right away.
For comprehensive information on our adoption procedures, including adoption fees and what’s included, please visit our dedicated Adoption Fees and Information page. We believe in transparent and accessible adoption processes to help more animals find their forever homes in Durham and surrounding areas.
Caring for Your Adopted Pet
Bringing a new pet home is an exciting time! Durham Pet Shelter is committed to supporting you beyond the adoption process. We offer a range of resources to help you provide the best possible care for your new family member. Visit our Caring for Adopted Pets page for valuable tips and information on everything from initial home adjustments to long-term health and happiness.
Become a Foster Parent at Durham Pet Shelter
Can’t commit to adoption right now but still want to help? Consider becoming a foster parent for Durham Pet Shelter! Fostering is a wonderfully rewarding way to provide temporary care and love to animals in need, preparing them for their future adoptive homes. If you’re interested in opening your heart and home to a dog in need, please visit our Dog Foster Program page to learn more and submit an application.
Kitten Foster Opportunities
Kittens, especially very young ones, often require specialized care before they are ready for adoption. Durham Pet Shelter’s Kitten Foster Program is crucial in providing a nurturing environment for these vulnerable little ones, as well as for mothers with nursing kittens. If you have a soft spot for kittens and would like to help, please visit our Kitten Foster Program page and fill out our inquiry form to get involved.
Support Durham Pet Shelter Through Donations
Every contribution makes a difference in the lives of the animals at Durham Pet Shelter. If adoption or fostering isn’t possible for you right now, you can still make a significant impact by donating to support our work. Visit our Donations page to explore various ways to give, from monetary donations to in-kind contributions.
Want to directly help a pet get adopted? Consider sponsoring an adoption fee! It’s a simple yet powerful way to make adoption more accessible for someone looking to open their home to a deserving animal. To sponsor an adoption fee, just call us at [Durham Pet Shelter Phone Number] and press option 3 to speak with the adoption desk. Your generosity helps us continue our mission of caring for and rehoming pets in the Durham community.
