My name is Smiles!

PRAS supports the Adopter’s Welcome Philosophy in removing unnecessary barriers in the adoption process, and trust that our adopters have come prepared. Our dedicated Adoption Specialists are more than ready to answer any of your questions about the animal you are looking to adopt. We will provide you with the appropriate education for the best success as they transition from our shelter to your home.

Check In
Once you have seen an animal you would like to meet and possibly adopt; you must check in with our front desk team.

Fill out Animal Questionnaire
If you haven’t already done so- you will then be asked to fill out an Animal Interest Questionnaire. Once this is complete hand it back with our front desk staff who will then place your name on our Meet and Greet Board. PRAS does it’s very best to accommodate as many adoptions as we can during our open Adoption Hours.

Once your name has been placed on the board and we have confirmed your meet and greet, you can walk freely through the building until your Adoption Specialist is available to meet with you.

Meet with our Adoption Specialists
You and your Adoption Specialist will then sit down to discuss the animal and it’s known history while housed at PRAS. Then the Specialist will bring the animal in to meet with you. If you and your Specialist agree that this is a good match for you and your family, you will then be able to finalize your adoption the same day.

Make it official
After you have met the animal you are then ready to make them an official member of your family. You will sit down with a guest services staff member to finalize your adoption contract and receive all of the animal’s records.

Find more information about the adoption process and fees here: https://www.nnva.gov/2335/Animal-Adoption

Please visit the shelter to see if there is an adoption special!

https://www.nnva.gov/2335/Animal-Adoption

PRAS is excited to welcome guests to our facility.

No Appointment necessary to come and adopt your new best friend.

We do ask that guests adhere to the City of Newport News recommendations regarding Covid-19 and facial coverings.

Seating is available inside and outside of our adoption center while you wait. Please be mindful of others for appropriate social distancing. Hand sanitizer and restrooms available.

Ready to Adopt Your New Companion?
Our PRAS Adoption center is open every day from 12 PM until 5 PM. Saturdays we open at 11:00 AM to allow for guests to adopt a new companion. Tuesdays our Adoption Center is Closed.

When you come into our Adoption Center you are greeted by staff and volunteers who are eager to help you through our adoption process. After you have had a chance to look around at all of our amazing animals for adoption you will then need to complete an Animal Interest Questionnaire if you would like to interact to adopt a particular animal. These forms can be found at the front desk when you enter or can be filled out online prior to coming.

Filling out an adoption survey head of time does not serve as an adoption hold for that animal. PRAS Adoptions are on a first available basis.

PRAS does it’s very best to meet with every interested guest, however time can become a limiting factor. So, if you are serious about adopting, you should plan to arrive when we first open to accommodate for a member of our Adoption Team to sit down with you for an animal meet and greet and complete your adoption in the same day.

Please come visit us at
5843 Jefferson Ave
Newport News VA

We look forward to helping match you up with your next lifetime companion.

The Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (PRAS) is a collaborative venture supported by four separate Hampton Roads communities: Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, and York County. This 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is managed and operated by the City of Newport News on behalf of the four jurisdictions. This "open-admission" shelter contains a full service veterinary clinic and has capacity for approximately 100 dogs and 180 cats, as well as pocket pets and other small companion animals. The shelter's primary responsibilities include holding stray animals until they can be reunited with their owners, rehoming owner-surrendered pets, and facilitating pet adoptions. The shelter also houses animal control offices for the participating jurisdictions.