Adoption Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to bring a copy of my lease or letter from my landlord?

We ask for these items to make sure that your landlord permits pets. If you rent your home, the lease or letter must indicate the type, number and size of pets that you are permitted to have.

Is that dog still available?

Updates to our Animal List reflect all available animals at that time.  Updates are scheduled to occur at the close of each adoption day. You can find the date and time of the last update in the lower left hand corner below the menu on each web page.  If there have been no adoption hours since the last update, then barring unforeseen circumstances, the animal should be available at the start of the next adoption hours.  If there have been adoption hours since an update, there is a good chance that the dog may not be available when you can visit. 

Please note that many highly adoptable dogs that are made available at the start of adoption hours may appear for the first time on our Successful Adoptions pages. We encourage you to visit at the start of adoption hours and travel with an open mind.  The dog you saw on the web site may be meeting with an applicant ahead of you and there may be other dogs of interest to you.

Can I be contacted if the adoption on a particular dog does not go through or when a certain breed or dog is available?

We do not maintain waiting or wish lists on dogs because the dogs that would be on such lists place very quickly and easily.  Our rescuegroups.org web site host and several other pet list web sites to which our animals sync will provide an email contact service when you specify certain criteria.  While our email address accompanies these notifications, we do not generate the emails.  They are triggered when an animal is posted that matches your criteria.  Visit at the start of the following adoption hours when you receive an email notification.

How do you define "first come, first served" when processing applications?

A line forms each adoption day with applicants who visit our facility.  These potential adopters have submitted their application that day or had a previously completed application pulled from our files and placed in line.  We maintain applications for 60 days.  While you may access and complete an application online, that application does not get placed in line until you are at our facility at a time that an animal of interest to you is available.  If you are returning with the notification of your approved yard check, your application will be placed in the line that formed that day and you will have to wait until it is your turn to see the adoption counselor.

Why can’t I take my new pet home immediately?

Your new pet must be spayed or neutered if it is four months old or older. Surgery is scheduled with our veterinarians and is usually performed within a few days of your visit. We will inform you when you can pick up your new pet after surgery.

If the animal is younger than four months, you pay for the spaying or neutering at the time of the adoption and return for the procedure when the animal is old enough. If you choose to have spaying or neutering performed by your own veterinarian, the Society will reimburse you when you provide proof that the surgery was performed.

Why must I bring my children with me when I visit?

Animals are often turned in to the Society because a child in the family had a previously unknown allergy to pets. Bringing your children is important in determining if there are any allergies in your family. We also find it helpful to observe the interaction between children and an animal to determine if that particular animal is the best choice for the family.

Can I bring my new dog to meet a dog I am considering adopting?

We encourage you to bring your dog(s) with you to meet a new dog you are considering adopting. The meeting will take place after you meet with the adoption counselor.

When is the best time to visit?

You may find a shorter wait to adopt an animal if you visit on a Tuesday, early Wednesday afternoon, Thursday or Friday. Wednesday evenings and Saturdays can be our busiest times. If we are open on a school holiday, you can expect longer waits.

What basic supplies should I have on hand when I bring my new pet home?

Cats need food and water bowls, food, litter box, litter, a brush, a carrier and a few toys. Dogs need food and water bowls, food, a leash, carrier, toys and a brush. You may also want to buy a crate for your dog. Small animals need food dishes, water bottle, bedding, food, cage and toys. If you are adopting a rabbit, you may want to buy a litter box and litter, as rabbits can be litter trained. Avoid using pine bedding for small animals because it can cause respiratory problems.

How can I help ensure that my pet is returned to me if it ever becomes lost?

Buying a collar and identification tag for your pet is an important first step. While putting an ID tag on your pet is a very good idea, collars and tags can become lost. Microchipping increases the odds that you will be reunited with a lost pet. If you choose to have your pet microchipped, a tiny chip containing a numeric code will be implanted under your pet’s skin with a needle. When your lost pet is taken to a shelter or veterinarian’s office, a quick scan will reveal the presence of a chip. Your name, address and telephone number can be obtained from a database that links the microchip code to your name.  Microchipping is offered for a fee to new pet adopters and is also offered to the public in our veterinary clinic.

Where can I find obedience training classes?

Right here! Obedience training classes are offered at the Society several times per week, including Saturdays. Applications for classes can be obtained from the front desk or by clicking here.