Adoptable Pet Search

Local homeless pets will be listed in the Petfinder database. Calaveras Shelter listings are updated daily by Animal Services staff.

Please click the links below to view adoptable pets.

5 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Pet ~ From Pasadena Humane

1. They’re no longer teething

4 November 2022

1. They’re no longer teething

Puppies and kittens are in the teething stage until all their adult teeth are in place – around six months of age – and are more likely to have the urge to chew. And although there are many ways to encourage appropriate chewing, you’ll need to take extra care to discourage chewing on electrical cords, shoes, or other unsuitable items. Since adult dogs and cats are no longer teething, your valuables are less at risk of being gnawed on. 

2. They can be calmer

4 November 2022

2. They can be calmer

Anyone who’s had a kitten knows that 3 a.m. “zoomies” can be a common occurrence. And puppies seem to have boundless energy, no matter what time of day it is. Adult pets can still be active and love to play, but are less likely to wake you up in the middle of the night for playtime. 

3. Their personality (and size) is set

4 November 2022

3. Their personality (and size) is set

Whether you’re looking for a furry friend who’s a couch potato or one who’s a hiking buddy, you’re more likely to find that perfect match with an older pet whose personality is already established. Additionally, determining exactly how large younger pets are going to grow up to become (and whether they’re the right fit for your living situation) can be a bit of a guessing game – but adult animals are already fully grown.

4. They’re more likely to be trained

4 November 2022

4. They’re more likely to be trained

Puppies need to be potty trained and kittens need to be taught the appropriate places to scratch, but most adult animals already have this knowledge under their belt. They may even know commands or be experts at walking on a leash! 

5. They’re more often overlooked by adopters

4 November 2022

5. They’re more often overlooked by adopters

Adult animals tend to have longer shelter stays than puppies or kittens. And although puppies and kittens are certainly adorable, it’s important to remember that this baby animal stage is temporary. Adopting an adult or senior pet gives a second chance to an animal who’s less likely to be adopted simply due to their age. 

 

According to most veterinarians, a dog falls into the “senior” category around age seven. The size of a dog, however, affects this categorization. Smaller dogs mature slower and become seniors later in life than larger dogs. Animal shelters are filled with healthy and active senior dogs that are in need of a home.  When you’re thinking about adopting a dog, don’t look past the older dogs. They make great pets for a number of reasons.

10 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat ~ Adapted from MEOW Cat Rescue

1. What you see is what you get

4 November 2022

1. What you see is what you get

Adult cats already know who they are. Kittens are undeniably cute, but you never know what the future holds, how large they may get, what their personality will ultimately be, etc. An adorable little kitten will be an adult in the blink of an eye.

2. Adult cats aren't as "Chewsy"

4 November 2022

2. Adult cats aren't as "Chewsy"

Kittens have a tendency to chew things, lots of things. Whether teething or just exploring bits of the world around them, kittens chew on shoes, the corners of books, ear lobes and fingers, carpet tassels, electrical cords, drapery strings, plants, and much, much more. Most adult cats don't chew inappropriately at all.

3. If you have an older cat in your home and are looking for a friend for him or her, another adult cat may be the best choice

4 November 2022

3. If you have an older cat in your home and are looking for a friend for him or her, another adult cat may be the best choice

Kittens can be too playful and may upset your cat instead of providing companionship. A kitten may cause your resident cat to be more annoyed than amused.

4. After a long day at work, you may just want to come home and curl up with your furry friend

4 November 2022

4. After a long day at work, you may just want to come home and curl up with your furry friend

Most kittens prefer an action-packed evening with lots of tousling, frolicking, and plenty of running and jumping. An adult cat will greet you at the door and be more than happy to curl up and watch your favorite shows on TV. They've already learned about the unconditional love thing.

5. Adult cats may sleep at the foot of your bed, under the bed or in a cozy spot somewhere else in the house

4 November 2022

5. Adult cats may sleep at the foot of your bed, under the bed or in a cozy spot somewhere else in the house

While a kitten will most likely run around all night, doing anything possible to wake you up for more games. Adult cats are generally happy to sleep when you do and don't try to attack your toes through the blankets in the middle of the night.

6. Adult cats are calmer

4 November 2022

6. Adult cats are calmer

Unlike kittens, they won't be climbing up your leg or your curtains, they won't be swinging from your chandeliers, knocking down knick-knacks or just running full speed ahead for no good reason.

7. Adult cats are usually a better choice for families with small children

4 November 2022

7. Adult cats are usually a better choice for families with small children

Kittens often play rough and are constantly underfoot. They're sharp--they can't help it, but kittens are all teeth and claws. Generally speaking, adult cats are more mellow, and often more patient with young children. The experience should be a good one for both the cat and the child. Ask to meet the shelter's best "kid cats."

8. Adult cats require less attention and supervision

4 November 2022

8. Adult cats require less attention and supervision

They're quiet companions. They have well-developed manners, use the litter box and the scratching post without constant reminders.

9. Many adult cats end up in shelters due to no fault of their own

4 November 2022

9. Many adult cats end up in shelters due to no fault of their own

Separated from their loved ones, surrounded by other cats, confined, confused, and sometimes frightened, many are emotionally devastated by their misfortune. Sadly, most people gravitate toward the cute, bouncy, big-eyed kittens. Older cats sit by and watch, as one loving family after another passes them over for a cute kitten. Adopting an adult cat is a way to say to a deserving animal "I believe in you."

10. For the abandoned, forgotten, and heartbroken adult cats, you just might be their last chance to have the love and warmth of a home where they can live out their years in comfort

4 November 2022

10. For the abandoned, forgotten, and heartbroken adult cats, you just might be their last chance to have the love and warmth of a home where they can live out their years in comfort

When properly cared for, cats often live well into their late teens or longer. Typically, they will remain active and even playful throughout most of their lives. Once a cat adjusts to a new home where they can feel safe and secure again, they'll offer years of faithful companionship and unconditional love.

What should we name our new pet? What are the meaning of names?
Find out using the links below.

  Cartoon image of dog head    Most popular dog names and most popular cat names     Cartoon image of cat head