Adoption Process

At the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, an approved application is required to visit directly and interact with the animals. Please check our website for animals available for adoption or come in to view them through the glass. If you are interested in a specific animal or a kitten, adoptions can be facilitated through appointment only. You can get an application at the shelter or use the link below to download the form.

Application Timelines

Generally, applications take a minimum of 24 hours to process. Once the staff has approved your application to adopt, we will call you and set up an appointment to come in and meet your potential new family member. A second appointment can be made during this visit to arrange pick up. 

1. View the animals online or at the shelter

2. Fill out and turn in application

3. Schedule a visit when contacted by the shelter

4. Visit and interact with the animal

5. Schedule an adoption appointment

6. Pick up

Spay & Neuter

Iowa code law requires all dogs and cats adopted out by a licensed animal shelter to be spayed or neutered.

Application Form

If you have an animal you'd like to adopt, you may call us at 319-356-5295 to have us email an application or stop in to get a physical copy. You can also download the pdf form from here:

Adoption Application


Please email the completed form to us at: icanimalcenter@iowa-city.org and feel free to contact us with any questions.