Q: Why is this animal in your program and can I get more information about it?
A: Animals are in our program for various reasons. Some come from shelters where they are scheduled to be killed, some come in as strays and some are surrendered by their families who no longer want them. We place them in foster care and rely on their foster parents to provide as much information as possible on them. If you have questions about a particular animal, please send us an email at generalinfo@furryfriendsnetwork.org and we will get a response from the foster family.
Q: Can I visit your shelter/animals to see available pets?
A: Furry Friends Network is a group of volunteers who work to find temporary foster homes for animals until a permanent home can be found. We are not a shelter and all of our animals are not kept in one specific place. However, upon successful completion and approval of your adoption application (including home visit), we will gladly schedule a visit between you and the pet(s) you wish to adopt.
Q: Why should I pay for an animal from your organization when there are so many “Free to a good home” animals available?
A: Because those “free” animals are going to need vet care that you will have to pay for anyway. Our adoption fees guarantee that the animal has been seen by a licensed vet and has already been given all necessary medical care. We pride ourselves on making sure that every animal we sponsor gets exceptional care. Before entering our program, most of the animals have never even been to a vet before. To bring their medical care up to date costs a considerable amount of money. In fact, our veterinary bills normally add up to much more than we are able to recoup through the adoption fee alone.
Q: How long will the adoption process take and what do I have to do?
A: The exact amount of time varies with each adoption, but we try to move the adoption process along as quickly as possible. After you complete an online application, you will receive an acknowledgement from us that your application is being processed. Next your vet will be called to verify that your current pets have been spayed/neutered, are current on vaccinations (please be sure to let your vet know someone from our organization will be calling), and that both cats and dogs are seen by the vet at least annually. We also ensure that all dogs are on heartworm medication. After the vet check is completed, your references will be called. A home visit will follow, arranged at a convenient time for you and the volunteer who will visit you. If all requirements are met, it is just a matter of choosing a date when your new forever friend will be happily placed into your waiting arms.
Q: Why do you perform home visits, and what is involved?
A: We perform home visits to ensure we are placing our animals into safe environments. Many of them have been removed from horrible conditions. It is our mission to place them in better situations where they will be loved and live happy lives. In addition, we want to meet the adoptive family to ensure this animal will be a good match for you. We try to consider all of the factors that will help make a FOREVER placement. A volunteer, either from our organization or another rescue (depending on the distance) will schedule a time to meet with you and will tour your home asking where the animal will sleep, where the animal will be kept when you’re not home, check the condition of outdoor fencing (as applicable), etc. We are not checking for your style or preference of décor, but rather checking to see if your household will be a good match and provide a safe environment for the adoptive animal!
Q: Do I have to fill out a 2nd application if someone else adopts the animal I’m interested in?
A: No, you are given the option on the application to list specific names of animals in our program or the breed of animal you are looking to adopt.
Q: I submitted my application a few days ago. Why haven’t I heard anything back yet?
A: Furry Friends Network is a group of volunteers who help out in our spare time. Although we are very dedicated to the animals, we all work, have children or other commitments in our lives. Since the processing of applications could take a week or more, please understand that we do try to process applications and facilitate adoptions as quickly as humanly possible.
Q: I applied for an animal that you say isn’t good with children, but I really like this animal. If I promise to supervise my kids around this animal, could I adopt it anyway?
A: We strive for good matches when it comes to pets and their potential new families. Some animals have certain issues that must be taken into consideration. Although you might have good intentions, it would not be fair to you or the animal for a “mismatched” adoption to occur.
Q: I would like to take the puppy/kitten home for a few days to see if it fits in well with my family first. Could we do this if we’re not sure we will be able to keep it?
A: It is very stressful for animals to be moved from place to place. Keep in mind the “furry friends” in our program have been moved at least once already. In order to limit the stress the animals will incur, we allow pets to move to their approved homes after the adoption agreement is signed with the commitment to help the animal adjust to its final move into its forever home. Time can certainly be spent with any animal in our program at its foster home or during the home visit.
Q: I have to work 8 hours each day; does this disqualify me from adopting a puppy?
A: Puppies take loads of time, attention and training. Therefore, we require that puppies under 6 months of age will not be alone for more than 4 hours at a time in an 8 hour workday. We highly encourage working families to consider older puppies and adult dogs, but if your heart is set on a puppy, please consider doggie daycare.
Q: Why do my inside cats have to be current on their vaccinations?
A: It is a misconception that indoor cats are not at risk for infection. Did you know that you can bring Parvo and Distemper into your home on your shoes from outside? Parvo and Distemper live in the ground and are very hardy. Therefore, any exposure to an unvaccinated cat is a risk factor. In addition, even though you may want to adopt a dog, your dog goes in and out as well and can potentially carry something into your home. Finally, a current Rabies shot is the LAW. New vaccination standards for cats mandate vaccinations every three years. Some vets still follow the annual vaccination regiment. No matter what your vet recommends, yearly exams are beneficial to your cat in the event that a problem can be detected and treated before it’s too late. You take your children to the doctor for vaccinations and check-ups, why not your cats too?
Q: Can we speak directly to the foster family of the pet we hope to adopt or are we limited to email?
A: Arrangements can/will be made for you to speak to the foster family of your soon-to-be pet.
Q: Are there any advantages to adopting an older animal rather than a puppy/kitten?
A: Most often an older animal has already gone through the chewing, house soiling, and overactive baby stages. An older animal may adjust to your routine more quickly and, of course, will give you a great deal of loyalty and love. There are SO many reasons why you should consider an older animal. Contact us, we’ll tell you why!
Q: What are your adoption fees and what do they cover?
A:Cat Adoption Fees:
Adoption fees cover the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and microchipping.
$125.00 to adopt a kitten up to one year of age.
$100.00 to adopt a cat over 1 year of age to 8 years of age.
$80.00 to adopt a cat over age 8.
Dog Adoption Fees:
Adoption fees cover the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and microchipping.
$450.00 to adopt a puppy up to one year of age.
$425.00 to adopt a dog over 1 year of age to 10 years of age.
$250.00 to adopt a senior dog over age 10.
