Pasadena Humane Waives All Adoption Fees Saturday in Statewide Push to Place 5,000 Pets

Every adoption fee at Pasadena Humane disappears Saturday — for every available dog, cat, and small animal in the shelter’s care.

The one-day waiver is part of California Adopt-a-Pet Day, a statewide event now in its third year. Organized by the California Animal Welfare Association, the San Francisco SPCA, and the ASPCA, the event placed 4,979 animals in homes across the state last year, up from 3,609 in its 2024 debut. This year, organizers are aiming for 5,000. ASPCA grants underwrite the adoption fees at most participating shelters, according to an ASPCA press release.

At Pasadena Humane adoptions run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis with standard screening. Every animal goes home spayed or neutered, microchipped, and with age-appropriate vaccinations. Shelter staff work closely with adopters to help match them with a pet that fits their home, lifestyle, and experience level, according to a Pasadena Humane press release.

“This event comes at the start of one of the busiest times of year for animal shelters,” Chris Ramon, Pasadena Humane’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “With so many wonderful animals currently in our care, this is a great opportunity for families to meet their new best friend while also helping create space for pets who still need our support.”

Statewide, 148 shelters and more than 200 adoption sites are participating, according to the event’s website, caadoptapetday.org. Nearly half of last year’s adopters — 46 percent — were bringing home a pet for the first time, according to the ASPCA.

“California Adopt-a-Pet Day gives people a reason to walk through the door, and once they do, the rest takes care of itself,” Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the San Francisco SPCA, said in a statement.

Pasadena Humane 361 South Raymond Avenue founded in 1903, helped more than 71,000 animals in 2025 through adoptions, wildlife rehabilitation, lost and found services, veterinary services, training classes, and surrender prevention assistance, according to the organization. Available animals can be viewed at pasadenahumane.org. For questions, call 626-792-7151.

Saturday’s fee waiver lasts six hours. For the animals still waiting on the other side of the kennel doors, that may be enough.