Adopt a Pet and Save a Life
Each year, about 1.5 million dogs and cats are killed annually in our nation’s shelters. An estimated 17 million people will add a new pet to their families this year. If more of them would choose to adopt a pet, instead of buying one, we could reduce the number of animals killed in shelters significantly.
Reasons to Adopt and Answers to Your Questions:
- You will save a life.
- If you adopt an adult pet, there’s a possibility you can avoid some of the hassles related to house-training and teething, which are associated with puppies and kittens. Of course, if you prefer a puppy or kitten, rescue groups and shelters have plenty of those available as well. You just may have to look a bit longer.
- You can save money because adoption costs less than buying a pet from a shop or breeder, and they include the spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchip.
- Perfectly “perfect” animals of all breeds, shapes, ages and sizes are available at shelters and rescue groups. Just because an animal ends up there doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with them. Some of our dogs and cats come from shelters where they are scheduled to be killed, some come in as strays and others are surrendered by people who no longer want them.
- We are a group of volunteers who work to find temporary foster homes until a permanent home is found. We are not a shelter and all of our pets 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. We do rely on fosters to provide as much information as possible on each pet.
- The exact amount of time to complete an adoption will vary, but we try to move this process along quickly. After you complete an online application, you will receive an acknowledgement that your application is being processed. Next your veterinarian will be called to verify your current pets have been spayed/neutered, and are current on vaccinations (please be sure to let your veterinarian know someone will be calling), and that both cats and dogs are seen at least annually. We will ensure that dogs are on heartworm medication. After the veterinarian check, references will be called. A home visit will follow, arranged at a convenient time. 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.
- Home visits are performed to ensure we are placing pets into safe environments, as many have been removed from horrible conditions. In addition, we want to meet the adoptive family to ensure this is a great match. We try to consider all factors that will help make a FOREVER placement. A volunteer, either from our organization or another rescue (depending on distance) will schedule a time to meet, asking where the pet will sleep, kept when you’re not home, and check the condition of outdoor fencing (as applicable), etc.
- If you have work eight hours a day, adopting a puppy probably isn’t best. Puppies take loads of time, attention and training. Therefore, we require that puppies under six months will not be alone for more than four hours at a time in an eight-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. Most often an older animal has already gone through 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.
- Please be leery of ‘free’ pets, because they are going to need veterinarian care that you will have to pay for anyway. Our adoption fees guarantee that the animal has been seen by a licensed veterinarian and has been given all necessary medical care.
- Indoor cats will need to be current on their vaccinations, as it’s a misconception that indoor cats are not at risk for infection. You, your family, or even your dog can bring in Parvo and Distemper 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. Finally, a current Rabies shot is the LAW. New vaccination standards for cats mandate vaccinations every three years. Some veterinarians still follow the annual vaccination regiment.
- These pets simply need a second chance, please strongly consider adopting.