The purpose of our Adoption Program is to place animals in responsible, caring, lifetime homes. These are our guidelines:

1. Because of the abundance of unwanted pets, the pet you adopt from us will be required to be spayed/neutered. If you select an adult pet or juvenile, we will make an appointment with the veterinarian for future surgery. Failure to have the surgery performed could results in legal action.

2. We encourage you to make a lifetime commitment to this pet. Animals will not be placed to be used exclusively as working animals. Adopters must be at least 18 years old.

3. If you wish to give someone the gift of a pet, please ask the staff for a gift certificate. Because of the highly personal relationship between pets and their owners, animals will not be adopted as gifts.

4. All members of the family are encouraged to come to the Shelter to meet the pet(s) prior to adoption. For the safety of children and pets, families with children under the age of six are encouraged to choose a pet older than four months.

5. If you rent, we will contact your landlord to ensure his/her permission to bring a pet into the rental.

6. Pet overpopulation is a serious problem in our community. Make sure, all pets you now own, are spayed and neutered, before adopting a new one. All of your animals should be current with vaccinations, to protect the new pet.

As required, pets at home should be licensed.

7. Legal ordinances are written to protect you, your pet and your neighbors, and must be obeyed. If you would like more information about local laws regarding pets, please ask the staff.

8. We would like to adopt every pet that comes to the Shelter. However, in fairness to the animals, we must reserve the right to refuse adoption to people who have shown a lack of responsibility for their pets or to homes that do not meet our standards.

9. We recommend that dogs be kept in the house, a kennel or a fenced yard. We will not adopt a dog to a home where the primary method of restraint is long-term tethering or lying out.

10. We encourage you and your pet to be model citizens. To ensure a successful adjustment to each other, adoptions are on a four month trial basis. During this time, Society representatives may visit the new home as needed to check on the pet's physical condition, shot records, living conditions, behavior and personality. The adoption contract will be voided if the animal is not receiving proper care. More than two citeable complaints during that period could result in voiding the adoption agreement.

11. Very few animals come to the Shelter wearing identification. To be certain we can return your pet to you if lost, your dog or cat will receive a microchip at the time of adoption.