Adoption Programs

Golden Paws Senior Program

Golden Paws Senior Program assists both senior shelter animals with placement into a new home and also gives senior adopters over the age of 65, an opportunity to adopt a new companion at reduced or no cost. Look for the Golden Paws logo on eligible animals.

All senior pets over seven years of age will have adoption fees reduced by more than 50% of the regular cost of $75 to $35. This reduced fee of $35 will also apply to any adoption by a senior adopter who is 65 or older. We'll waive the entire adoption fee if a senior adopts a senior pet. How's that for some great motivation to come on down and find a mature, house-trained and well-behaved companion?

  • Senior pets over seven years of age and older are just $35 for any age adopter.
  • Senior adopters over the age of 65 and older can adopt a pet of any age for just $35.
  • Senior adopters may adopt a senior pet at no cost.

This program is made possible by the Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center. If you'd like to support this program, please visit their website for more information.

Pets for Patriots

The Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center and Pets for Patriots, Inc., a not-for-profit that connects loyal adult shelter pets with our country's loyal service men and women, joined forces to increase the adoption of adult and other at-risk shelter pets. An estimated four million shelter dogs and cats are put to death every year, in spite of numerous studies proving the emotional and physical benefits of companion pets. Working with Pets for Patriots, Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center gives our veterans, service members, and their families the gift of unconditional friendship and love while providing millions of dogs and cats a second chance at life.

Eligible Adoptions

Individuals are eligible from any United States Armed Forces and at any stage of their careers – active, reserve, National Guard, retired, or veteran. Eligible adoptions must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Dogs or cats two years and older
  • Dogs 40 pounds or larger regardless of age
  • Special needs dogs and cats

Half Fees

All eligible adoptions will be half off of the regular $75 adoption fee. Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center will help any veteran in the community in the Pets for Patriots program find a needs and lifestyle-appropriate pet. Joining Pets for Patriots is free to veterans and service members.

Service men and women interested in the program must first apply through Pets for Patriots and provide proof of their military service. Approval typically takes one or two business days, after which the military member can visit the Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center for assistance in choosing a new pet friend.