The adoption process is one that should begin before you come to the Humane Society. We recommend researching the type of pet you are interested in. The Internet has volumes of information and the library also serves as a great resource. By doing so, you will know - before your new pet arrives home - its diet, exercise, and medical needs, as well as general behavior characteristics.

This is very important when considering adopting a dog. There are so many breeds to choose from and the variety in size, temperament and exercise needs can be overwhelming. When exploring different breeds of dogs, keep in mind your lifestyle.

Do you run 5 miles a few times a week and are looking for an active dog to run with you? Do you have children and are looking for a dog that will be tolerant and playful with them? (Bring your children in with you so they too can visit with the adoption candidate. Many people want to surprise their children, but if the match is not appropriate, their hearts may be broken.)

Are you a couch potato looking for a companion to lounge around with? If you rent, there may be restrictions regarding the type of pet(s) you can have in addition to weight, height and breed qualifications. The Humane Society requires you to have permission from your landlord before bringing any pet home. Imagine how difficult it would be giving up a pet because it was never allowed.

Making a choice

The decision is made! You want a pet and have a good idea of the type that would best suit your home. You reviewed our adoptable pets on-line and decide to head to the shelter for a better look.

You are welcome to visit the shelter and view the pets available for adoption anytime during regular adoption hours. Plan to allow at least one to two hours to complete the adoption procedure. It may take longer, depending on how many animals you wish to get aquainted with, your previous experience with pet care, and the number of other visitors to the shelter. The busiest times are Friday after 3pm, Saturday, and Monday morning.On the door of each animal's enclosure is a card bearing the pet's breed,age, sex, neuter status, reason it was surrendered and other basic information along with their name and an ID number. It is by this ID number that a staff person can look up and provide you with more information about that animal.

Getting acquainted

Once you have found an animal that you are interested in adopting, a CCHS staff member or volunteer adoption counselor will take it to a "Get Aquainted Room" where you can interact with it. It is important that everyone in the household interact with the animal before the adoption is finalized.

The paperwork

If you decide to apply to adopt an animal, you will be given an adoption application to fill out. At the same time, a blue sticker will be placed on the pet's cage card to notify others that an adoption is pending. CCHS will accept a second application for an animal in case the first is not finalized. Animals cannot be "held" for anyone, unless an adoption application is filled out.

After you have completed the adoption application, a staff adoption counselor will review it with you. During this time the counselor will talk with you about the care that individual pet requires. The counselor may ask you additional questions about your home and lifestyle in order to help him or her determine whether or not to approve the adoption.

Once the counselor has discussed the application with you, the adoption will be either refused or tentatively approved. Final approval will be determined by the close of the next business day pending the final health exam on the animal and possibly some other factors, such as verification of landlord approval.

If the application is tentatively approved, you will be instructed to call the shelter the next day to find out about final approval of the application and given some important written material to review. The written information is designed to help you think through the responsibilties that come with a new pet and to help you prevent common problems.

The mandatory 24 hour waiting period allows you time to think over your decision and to prepare your home for the new pet. In getting a pet you are making a 10 to 20 year committment; this should not be done impulsively! This time also allows us time to do a final physical exam on the pet and to finish processing the adoption application.

Asking questions

On the day of pick up, you should call the shelter to check on final approval of your application. At this time, the receptionist will tell you about any health problems that have been identified, and what kind of follow- up care will be needed. If you have doubts or questions regarding the health status of the pet, you are encouraged to speak with the staff veterinary technician or veterinarian, or to consult your own vet prior to finalizing the adoption.

Going home

When you arrive at the shelter to pick up your new pet, you will be given an adoption contract to sign. At this time the adoption fee will be collected. The fee for cats is $75.00 and dogs $85.00. Included in these fees are vaccines, collar and ID tag and a microchip. CCHS accepts Master Card and Visa as well as cash or checks. If you are adopting a cat, you should bring a carrier or other container in which to transport it home. Inexpensive cardboard carriers are for sale at the shelter. All dogs must leave on a leash and cats must be in a carrier.

An important note

You are free to withdraw your adoption application at any time during the adoption process. While we want to find homes for the animals, we do not want you to feel any pressure to adopt. If you decide that you are not prepared to meet the needs of the animal you intended to adopt, you are doing the best thing you can do by cancelling the adoption before you take the animal home.

The Humane Society thanks you for considering adopting a shelter pet. We receive so many wonderful animals everyday! If the right match is not here for you on your first visit, come again. You will be surprised at the diversity of animals we receive. Our goal is to help you make the right match so you can enjoy each other's company for many wonderful years.