About the missing details
Why it's missing: We only list public shelter adoption fees published by an official source. We haven't yet verified a public shelter in District of Columbia that posts its adoption fees on an official page. Fees are set by each city or county shelter, so there is no single statewide fee.
General information
Not specific to District of Columbia
- Across the 32 public shelters we verified, the standard adult dog fee runs from free to $150 and the adult cat fee from free to $90. Puppies, kittens and small dogs usually cost more; seniors and long-stay pets often cost less or are free.
- Of the 23 shelters that list what the fee covers, 22 include spay/neuter, 21 include vaccinations and 19 include a microchip.
- A local pet license is often extra and is set by your city or county.
Closest place with verified data
Fairfax County, Virginia: Fairfax County Animal Shelter (about 15 miles away): dogs $100–$200, cats $50–$150
Call or visit the official office
Your city or county animal services in District of Columbia
Search your county or city government website for "animal services" or "animal shelter", or call your county's main information line (311 in many cities). Ask for the current adoption fee and what it includes.
Know the current fee? Tell us. We check every tip against an official source before publishing it.
State rules
Not yet verified We haven't confirmed whether District of Columbia has a statewide spay/neuter-before-adoption law. Ask the shelter whether sterilization is required or included. Know the rule? Tell us.
District of Columbia counties
Counties marked ✓ have verified shelter fees; the others show general info and the closest verified shelter.