|
|
Adoption Info
Adopting a dog or cat from the DBCHS is not only very affordable, it is also an opportunity to provide a home for an animal who needs one. Very few of the animals that come to the shelter are there because they’ve been bad pets. More often, their owners are the ones who’ve been bad -- either because they didn’t neuter their pet and as a result ended up with more puppies or kittens than they could handle, or because they were not willing to invest the time and expense involved in owning a pet. (View our adoption application form.) Fees and What They Cover Should you decide to choose a pet at the DBCHS, you will pay an adoption fee of $75. This fee includes the spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations (including rabies) and de-worming. For cats, feline leukemia testing is also included, and for dogs, a Boyle County license tag for Boyle residents. Other procedures such as declawing or additional tests may be scheduled at the time of adoption. You will pay for these additional procedures at the time you pick up your new pet from the veterinarian. The shelter staff does its best to ensure the health of the animals available for adoption, but the nature of a rescue shelter allows for exposure to potential infections. Watch your pet closely during its first few weeks at its new home and, should an infection develop, consult your veterinarian. Your should also work out a vaccination schedule with your veterinarian, as your new pet will need boosters to keep him in good health. Though shelter animals are de-wormed, this does not cover all parasites and worms. Make sure your veterinarian checks your pet and, if necessary, treats him for any parasites. Spay-Neuter Surgery Because spay/neuter surgery is mandatory for all animals adopted from the DBCHS, we schedule the surgery at the time of adoption and take the animal to the veterinarian’s office for the procedure. You may choose any of the veterinarians in Boyle County. Your new pet is usually ready to go home in one to two days. Pets adopted on Fridays and Saturdays are ready to go home in three to four days. Getting Ready for Your New Pet The time delay is an ideal opportunity to get ready for your new pet. He’ll need food, bowls for water and food, toys to chew or play with, bedding, a collar and other items. For cats, you’ll also need a litter pan and litter. For dogs, a crate is a great device for house-training and to give your new dog a secure place all his own. If your dog will be staying outside, you’ll need a dog house filled with straw or bedding. And make sure you have a safe, fenced area where your new dog can get his exercise. Dogs that run at large are breaking the law. (See our Local Ordinances page.) We do not recommend chaining or tying dogs. They can easily get tangled, resulting in serious injury or death. If you are not able to fence an area, keep your dog crated or closed in a room in the house while you are not home. Exercise him by walking him on a leash at least twice each day. |