About Adoption

Approved adoption questionnaires are good for one year. After 12 months has lapsed, you must fill out the adoption questionnaire again.

The adoption appointment can take an hour or even longer. Sometimes the process is spread over multiple days depending on the needs of the animal and the adopter. There will be meet-and-greets with potential pet(s), adoption counseling, and, prior to adoption, all animals must be spayed/neutered, microchipped, examined, and vaccinated. This comprehensive process ensures the best match for both the animal and the adopter.

The answer is often yes, but the animal must be spayed/neutered, microchipped, examined, and vaccinated before leaving the shelter. If the adopter opts for blood work, this also needs to be completed. So, it depends greatly on what the animal has already completed and what still needs to be done.

Your pet will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, have a current veterinary exam, microchipped, and you will take home any medications if needed. Cats and dogs receive a sample bag of food, toys, and treats (depending on food availability). Cats will also receive a break-away collar. You will have to purchase a separate leash and dog license for dogs. Additional services are available at the time of adoption; please see our About Adoption page for more information.

It’s normal for pets to feel stressed when transitioning into a new home. They may take a few weeks to acclimate. We follow the 3-3-3 rule: In the first 3 days, the animal may feel overwhelmed. After 3 weeks, they settle in. After three months, they are comfortable and bonded. You can explore our post-adoption resources for information on adoption aftercare and helping your new pet properly decompress and settle into their new home.

If you have any health, behavioral, or adjustment issues or any questions or concerns, please email us at info@ycspca.org or call us at 717-764-6109. We’re here to guide you through any issues you may have. 

There is no set time limit for our animals. If their health and temperament do not decline, we house them here as long as it takes for them to be adopted. Our longest-term resident was here for more than three years!

Maybe. Cats and kittens, by nature, will use a litterbox; however, a huge part of taking on a pet is training and socialization. That is why we need dedicated families who are willing to not only play and cuddle with the new pet but also spend the time necessary to train and learn good behaviors.

Yes, we will adopt to people outside of the county and even in other states.

Pit Bulls-type dogs are the most overbred dog breed in the country. They are also the most likely to be discriminated against by housing breed restrictions. This means you will always see them represent a large portion of our shelter population.

The York County SPCA supports the Adopters Welcome Philosophy, which was first
introduced by the Humane Society of the United States. Adopters Welcome removes the
barriers that often exist between customers and adopting an animal. It focuses on the
innate belief that people are more good than bad, and we need to trust their intentions
for adopting a York County SPCA Animal. This policy promotes adoption as the best way
to save animal lives. The intention is to attract adopters by removing barriers and
increasing adoption opportunities for the animals in our care.

We believe that adoption
counseling is important for success and having open and honest conversations with pet
owners will lead to increased adoptions and positive placements. Because of our belief in this philosophy, we do not call landlords, veterinary offices or reference checks when you adopt a pet from us. You can find more information on our Adoption Process and Adopters Welcome Policy page.