How to adopt a pet
How to choose, meet, and safely transfer a pet from a shelter
How to adopt a pet
From choosing a card to a safe transfer of the animal
Choose a pet
Browse Qaz.pet cards and filter pets by species, city, and size. Compare the pet's temperament and needs with your household.
Find a petContact the shelter
Use the Apply button or call the shelter directly. Tell them about your home, pet experience, and other animals.
Meet the pet
Visit the shelter to meet the pet in person. Some shelters offer a 1–3 day trial foster period.
Sign the transfer agreement
Sign an agreement for the free transfer of the pet. It protects both you and the animal.
Transfer the microchip
Ask the shelter and a veterinary professional about transferring identification and records. The process depends on the region and service used.
Welcome the pet home
Give the pet 2–4 weeks to adapt. The shelter can help with advice during the first weeks at home.
Official sources: Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan · Model walking rules · Gov.kz microchipping guide
What adopters should be ready for
What to consider before deciding to adopt
Housing
Owned or rented housing with the landlord's consent. For large dogs, a yard or a nearby park is preferable.
Finances
Be ready for ongoing costs: food around ₸8,000–15,000 per month, planned veterinary visits, and unexpected treatment.
Time
A dog needs at least two walks a day. A cat needs attention and play. A pet cannot be left alone for long periods.
Other animals
Tell us about other pets. This helps find a compatible match and plan a safe introduction.
Responsibility
Be ready to care for the pet for its whole life: 10–18 years for dogs and 12–20 years for cats.
Microchipping
Requirements depend on national and regional rules. Confirm them with the veterinary service before the procedure.
Legal framework
The law and model rules regulate the registration and identification of domestic animals. Confirm the current process against the official version and with your local veterinary service.
TANBA database
The official information system for pet registration. Before a transfer, verify the microchip number and record status together with the shelter or veterinary organization.
Check TANBA →When transferring a pet through Qaz.pet
Microchipping and ownership-transfer terms depend on the shelter and the individual pet. Before transfer, confirm who pays for the procedure and who updates the registry record.
Cost and terms
Owner responsibility
Do not use this page as legal advice: rules and local requirements can change.
Health and prevention
The owner and veterinarian should decide together on prevention and treatment.
Sterilisation
Sterilization status should be backed by veterinary records. Compare the card status with the pet passport before transfer.
Vaccination
Check vaccination and booster dates in the veterinary passport. A card status is useful orientation, but it does not replace the document.
Planned veterinary visits
The frequency of checkups is individual. If behaviour, appetite, or wellbeing changes, visit a clinic sooner than planned.
Walking rules
Model rules apply alongside local rules. Check your city's requirements before a walk.
A leash is required
In public places, dogs must be on a leash up to 2 metres; near roads and when crossing streets, use a short leash up to 1.5 metres.
Clean up after your pet
Owners must clean up after their dogs during walks. Always carry bags.
Leash and muzzle
Animals that require extra owner responsibility may be subject to stricter rules. A muzzle is also required where local rules and signs say so.
Walking after dark
Use reflective collars and vests. They make walks safer for you and your pet.
Walking and training areas
A selection of places to start. Confirm opening hours, access, and rules before your visit.
Astana
- Zhetisu Park – fenced dog area, Kabanbay Batyr Street
- Botanical Garden – confirm current pet access rules with the administration
- Aral Park – training area, Mangilik El Avenue
Almaty
- First President Park – confirm current dog-walking rules on site
- Botanical Garden – confirm current pet access rules with the administration
- Almaty dog-training areas – verify the address and access before travelling
Shymkent
- Abai Park – confirm current dog-walking rules with the administration
- Dendropark – confirm current pet access before travelling
This list is for orientation only. Check opening hours, permitted areas, and local walking rules before visiting.
What to do after a bite
First aid does not replace medical advice. Seek professional help immediately after a bite.
A dog has bitten you
- Rinse the wound under running water with soap for 10–15 minutes.
- Treat the wound edges with an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine.
- Apply a sterile dressing, but do not stitch the wound.
- Go to an emergency trauma centre or call emergency services immediately; a medical professional will decide what happens next.
- Report the attack to the local akimat or veterinary service and, if possible, photograph the dog.
Your dog has bitten someone
- Do not run away. Help the injured person give first aid.
- Exchange contact details with the injured person.
- Provide the dog's vaccination documents and veterinary passport.
- Have the dog examined by a veterinarian within 10 days.
- If the dog is not vaccinated against rabies, tell the injured person and the veterinary service immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Agree the transfer terms, possible costs, and support format with the specific shelter in advance. Ask for a clear written confirmation of the arrangements.
The veterinary passport and vaccination history must be checked with the specific shelter before transfer. If records are missing or inconsistent, ask the organization to verify the status with a veterinarian.
Some partner shelters offer a trial foster period of 1–7 days. Ask about the terms: return process and responsibilities should be clear beforehand.
Contact the shelter and describe the situation. Volunteers can advise you and discuss a safe return in difficult cases. Do not leave the pet outside or hand it to strangers.
The process for updating records depends on the regional service and veterinary clinic. Ask the shelter which documents and confirmations you will need.
Yes. Age alone is not a restriction. Consider health, family support, and daily care. Calm adult pets are often a good fit for older owners.
Ready to choose a pet?
Open a card, check its status and contact the organization.