Adopt a Pet from a Russian Shelter
Give a loving home to a pet in need. We partner with verified shelters and rescue organisations across Russia. Find dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals looking for their forever families.
Adopt a Pet from a Russian Shelter
Give a loving home to a pet in need. We partner with verified shelters and rescue organisations across Russia. Find dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals looking for their forever families.
- •Catalogue of pets from partner shelters
- •Lifestyle-based matching help
- •Supervised meet-and-greet visits
- •Adaptation guidance for the new home
What's included
- Catalogue of pets from partner shelters
- Lifestyle-based matching help
- Supervised meet-and-greet visits
- Adaptation guidance for the new home
- Volunteer support after adoption
- Foster (temporary care) programmes
When to use
- Ready for a 10–15 year commitment
- Want to help an animal in need rather than buy
- Looking for an adult, already-trained pet
- Open to a pet with a difficult past
- Considering fostering without full adoption
What happens step by step?
What to expect from your visit, step by step.
- 1
Application and call
Shelter asks you to fill in a form: family, housing, experience with animals, capacity to spend. Then a 15–30 minute call.
- 2
Meet-and-greet
In-person at the shelter or foster home. Watch how the animal reacts to your family and other pets.
- 3
Contract
Adoption contract sets out conditions: spay/neuter, follow-up reports, the curator's right to home visits.
- 4
Adjustment
The first 2–4 weeks are an adjustment period. The curator stays in touch to help with issues.
Adoption budget (2026)
| Service | Moscow & St. Petersburg | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter fee (includes spay and vaccines) | ₽0 – ₽3,000 | ₽0 – ₽1,500 |
| Starter kit (bowls, bed, harness) | ₽4,000 – ₽12,000 | ₽2,500 – ₽7,000 |
| First vet visit and treatments | ₽2,500 – ₽5,000 | ₽1,200 – ₽2,800 |
| One month of food (medium dog) | ₽3,000 – ₽6,500 | ₽2,000 – ₽4,500 |
Preparing your home
- Remove toxic plants and hazards
- Set up a quiet room for the adjustment period
- Secure cables, install window screens for cats
- Agree house rules with the whole family
- Plan 1–2 weeks of leave or flexible hours
Warning signs at a "shelter"
- Hands over the animal with no contract or form
- No vet records or history
- Asks for a large fee without explanation
- Will not show the housing conditions
- Releases puppies and kittens younger than 8 weeks
Regional notes
The largest shelters operate in Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Kazan. Many will transport animals to other regions with a trusted courier. State shelters usually need only a passport; private foundations require a fuller application.
Frequently asked questions
How much does adoption cost in Russia?
Most shelters adopt out for free or a symbolic fee (₽500–₽2,000) covering spay/neuter and vaccinations.
What paperwork is needed?
Passport, often a questionnaire and interview. Some shelters do a home visit before handover.
What is a foster programme?
Temporary care — you host an animal for weeks or months while a permanent home is found.