Legend
Animals labeled Urgent are in immediate need of adoption or rescue placement. These animals are at high risk, often due to serious medical conditions, behavioral concerns, or limited kennel space, and may face humane euthanasia soon if not placed.
Sub-Status: A secondary status that gives more detail about an animal’s current situation.
Type of Sub-Status
| EVAL PEND | Designation used when an animal needs further evaluation before an outcome can be determined. |
| MEDICAL | Designation used when an animal has a documented medical issue, and adopters must sign a waiver acknowledging the condition and agreeing to take responsibility for any future medical treatment. |
| BEHAVIOR | Designation used when an animal has documented behavioral concerns of which adopters must be made aware prior to placement. |
| LOS (Length of Stay) | Designation used when an animal has been at the shelter for a prolonged stay but typically less than 30 days. |
| U-BEHAVIOR (Urgent Behavior) | Designation used for animals with documented behavior concerns that is time sensitive in nature which places them at high risk for humane euthanasia without immediate rescue or adoption. |
| U-LOS (Urgent LOS) | Designation when an animal has been at the shelter typically 30 days or more which places them at high risk for humane euthanasia without immediate rescue or adoption. |
| U- Medical (Urgent Medical) | Designation used for animals experiencing severe or time-sensitive medical conditions which place them at high risk for humane euthanasia without immediate rescue or adoption. |
Pet Search Tool
Adoption Requirements
Requirements:
- Be 18 years old and have a valid photo ID.
- Meet any requirements for the specific pet you are interested in adopting.
- Understand that we reserve the right to deny the adoption of any pet for any reason.
- Understand all adopted cats and dogs are required by law to be spayed or neutered before going home with you.
Return Policy:
- Animals can be returned for illness or behavior problems within 14 days.
- No cash refunds. You will have 30 days to make another selection.
- Original receipt required.
Free Pet Adoptions
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has allocated $30,000 to help cover pet adoption fees through June 30, 2027, or while funds last. This investment helps remove financial barriers to adoption, giving approximately 1,700 pets the opportunity to find loving homes while easing the strain on local shelters. Now is a great time to open your heart and your home to a furry companion.
When you adopt a qualifying pet from Big Bear or Devore Animal Shelters, each qualifying adoption includes spaying or neutering, a microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations. Additionally, all felines and canines are microchipped free of charge, thanks to the generous donations from the Animals aRe First Fund (ARFF). Our meet-and-greet areas provide the opportunity to interact with our pets and find the perfect match for you and your family.
Present, past, and future adopters from San Bernardino County Animal Shelters qualify for MetLife pet insurance—learn more at Animals aRe First Fund (ARFF).
* Adoption fees are waived for Veterans and for Seniors over the age of 65 for qualifying pets. If you are a Veteran, please bring a valid driver’s license or any type of identification with the word “VETERAN” printed on it.
Standard Adoption Fees
| Pet Type | Fees * | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies | $20 | 8 – 16 weeks |
| Dogs | $20 | over 4 months |
| Dog license fee if in our jurisdiction | $24 – $120 | over 4 months |
| Kittens | $10 | 8 – 16 weeks |
| Cats | $10 | over 4 months |
| Chickens and other fowl | $5 | N/A |
| Rabbits | $5 | N/A |
| Exotics – birds, reptiles, etc. | 50% of retail | N/A |
| Birds | 50% of retail | N/A |
| Pigs | Starting bid $20 | N/A |
| Horses | Starting bid $50 | N/A |
| Donkeys | Starting bid $50 | N/A |
| Goats | Starting bid $20 | N/A |