Having a pet really makes a house feel like a home. There are plenty of pets in need of adoption in the Cayman Islands, which can be done so through the rescue centres or elsewhere. If you are renting your home, ask your landlord to confirm their pets policy or get permission from them, as many places do not allow pets or may require a hefty pet deposit to do so.
When looking for a new pet, we recommend that you adopt rather than shop for one, as there are so many dogs, cats, and newborn animals that need loving homes. The first place to look for a pet in Cayman is the Humane Society located on North Sound Road.
Adopting a Pet
The Cayman Islands Humane Society has a large variety of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens that need loving homes. They are also happy for you to foster a dog or cat, whether for a sleepover or a long weekend, and they will lend you a pet carrier, blankets, food and toys. The shelter is always in desperate need of foster parents, either to care for sick or injured animals, dogs that are suffering from kennel stress or cats/kittens that need some extra care.
They also provide support for individuals looking to provide a pet on Island with a forever home overseas. The shelter is always open to volunteers who can either walk the dogs in the vicinity of the shelter or take them to the beach for a fun outing. They also appreciate donations such as dog or cat food, toys, sheets, towels, and of course monetary donations.
Visit their website or shelter (during adoption hours) to start the adoption process. Once you’ve found a match and completed the adoption form, your information will be reviewed by the adoption team, who will contact you to schedule a home visit. Requirements for the adoption process at the Humane Society include, but are not limited to:
- Being at least 18 years of age.
- Being granted landlord/strata approval for pet ownership
- Proof existing animals (if any) have been sprayed/neutered unless advised otherwise by a professional.
Their adoption fees for dogs start at CI$100 and CI$70 for cats. These fees include but are not limited to:
- Spray/neuter surgery
- Routine veterinary examinations and Deworming/parasite preventatives until the animal is adopted
- Microchipping costs
To help raise funds for the Humane Society, which is a not-for-profit organisation, you may volunteer to work in the Claws It thrift shop or the Book Loft book store.
One Dog at a Time (ODAAT) organises the rescue and rehoming of animals locally, as well as transporting dogs to rescue partners in Miami, Tampa and Toronto. They are always looking for donors, adopters and people to accompany dogs on flights.
To adopt from ODAAT you will need to get in contact with them and schedule a meet and greet with the dog you are interested in. If successful, a home check will be carried out, followed by an all equipment provided sleep over trial. If all goes well, you can sign the adoption papers and welcome your new pet into your home!
Remember when adopting a pet that your property should be fully fenced-in to prevent the new pet from getting lost.
Pet Stores
Smaller animals like hamsters, rabbits, birds and fish can be found at Animal House.