California Veterans Adopt Pets Free Under SB 245

The Pets for Vets Act waives standard adoption fees at public shelters for veterans holding a valid California ID marked "Veteran."

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Pet Health

California Veterans Adopt Pets Free Under SB 245

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Veterans with a California driver's license or ID card marked "Veteran" can adopt dogs and cats from public or municipal animal shelters without standard adoption fees under SB 245. Each veteran may adopt one animal for free every six months, though licensing and microchipping costs may still apply.

Why it matters

The state program is designed to make pet ownership easier and cheaper for former service members. Federal Representative Lou Correa has proposed extending the approach nationally, arguing it could support veterans' mental and physical health.

Eligibility requires a valid California driver's license or ID card with a "Veteran" designation, and the one-animal-per-six-months limit applies. The VA's National Center for PTSD reports that 23% of veterans using VA care have had PTSD at some point in their lives.

The players

Lou Correa

Lou Correa is a Democratic U.S. Representative from California who introduced the federal bill to create a national veterans pet-adoption grant program.

The details

Under SB 245, approved in 2019 and effective in 2020, public and municipal shelters waive standard adoption fees for dogs and cats when veterans show the required ID. The Irvine Animal Care Center also voluntarily waives adoption fees for rabbits. Correa's separate bill, introduced Oct. 22 and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, would create a Department of Veterans Affairs grant program for nonprofits providing companion animals to veterans.

2019: SB 245, the Pets for Vets Act, is approved.
2020: The Pets for Vets Act takes effect.
Oct. 22, 2026: Correa's national bill is introduced to the House and referred to committee.
November 2026: National Veterans and Military Families Month.

Roadmap

California's Pets for Vets Act, which took effect in 2020, established a state-level fee waiver for veterans adopting from public shelters. Correa's proposed federal grant program would extend that model nationally through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans adopting under the Act should expect fees for licensing and microchipping even though the adoption fee is waived. The one-animal-per-six-months limit means eligible veterans can plan adoptions around that schedule.

The takeaway

Veterans in California can take advantage of waived adoption fees at participating shelters by presenting a valid ID marked "Veteran." Budgeting for licensing and microchipping costs will help ensure the adoption goes smoothly.