Animal Shelter Adoption

We have many wonderful dogs and cats waiting to be adopted.  We find loving homes for stray and abandoned animals.  Until these homes are found we provide food, shelter and love for our animals. We take the time to talk individually with each potential adopter to ensure the perfect fit and educate them on the benefits of spay/neutering.

 

The Shelter would like to serve as your community resource for pets.  Adoption Counselors are available to determine which of our pets meets your needs and will make the right fit for you and your family.  Please review and complete our Adoption Application. Please note: If you rent, you will need to bring your lease stating it is ok to have pets.

 

We are also available to answer general pet-related questions regarding training, housebreaking, behavior, etc.  A low-cost Spay/Neuter program and the mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic are available.  For more information, visit the following site: 

 

Trying to decide whether adopting a dog is for you? Enjoy the article below.  

 

"A Match Made In Heaven" - by Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist 

 

• Take the time to consider if a dog is the right choice for you at this time. 

 

Sharing life with a dog can be a joyous experience. Dogs can be our best friends, they forgive our many mistakes, and they are always there when we need them to be. In return, dogs deserve the best from us. You need to make time in your schedule for exercising and playing with your dog, and devote time to teaching him what he needs to know to be an enjoyable companion. 

 

If you choose a puppy, the early stages of training are almost like having a toddler with teeth and no diapers. Puppies also require socialization, meaning you must give them the chance to meet many different people, take them to unfamiliar places, introduce them to other friendly healthy dogs, and expose them to the world in general. 

 

Before deciding to commit to sharing your life with a dog for the next 10 years or more, make sure you have the time, energy and financial resources to give your new friend the care that he deserves. 

 

• Be familiar with breed characteristics so you can choose the right dog for you. 

 

No breed is inherently good or bad. A Golden Retriever isn't guaranteed to be the best family dog, and Rottweilers aren't automatically dangerous. You should be aware, however, of what different breeds of dogs were bred to do. It is these behaviors that will be most easily and frequently triggered. 

 

For example, breeds that were bred to be protective might have a hard time in a setting that requires them to tolerate lots of comings and goings by people they don't know. Herding breeds will naturally want to keep track of what people are doing, and even attempt to control their movements by nipping or chasing, especially if people are moving quickly. 

 

The behavior of mixed breeds may be more like one breed in the mix than the other, something in between the two, or unlike either. 

 

• Listen to the recommendations of shelter staff. 

 

The staff who takes care of the dogs in shelters knows them better than you do. They've been able to observe the dogs and develop a sense of each dog's personality. If they steer you toward some dogs and away from others, take their recommendations to heart. They are keeping your best interests in mind, as well as those of the dogs they care for. The staff wants to help you take a dog home that's right for you, so everyone is happy. 

 

You should know however, that there are no tests or evaluations for either adult dogs or puppies that have been scientifically proven to predict future behavior in your home. No one can guarantee what the future behavior of any dog or puppy will be like. Be prepared for the unexpected, because the behavior of any dog can change over time. 

 

• Choose a dog who best fits your lifestyle. 

 

Choose a dog who matches your activity level. If you are a couch potato, consider a dog who doesn't require much exercise such as a Bassett Hound or mix. If you live in an apartment, a toy poodle or small mixed breed might best match your space. 

 

Think about how you like to spend your time, and how you will include your dog. If you are an outdoorsy, hiking, camping, biking kind of family, a sporting breed or mix might just suit you. Would you like to spend time brushing your dog? If so, you won't mind the frequent groomings that long-haired dogs need. If wash-and-go better suits your style, a short-coated dog might be better. Don't forget the climate your dog will be in when considering coat and body type. Short coated dogs with little undercoat, like Dalmatians, can't be left outside in cold, snowy weather. Dogs with thick heavy coats or snub noses, (like pugs and bulldogs) may be miserable outside when it's hot and humid and will need the comfort of air-conditioning. 

 

• Have realistic expectations about your dog's behavior. 

 

You should expect your dog to chew up, dig up, tear up, throw up on, poop or pee on, or track mud and dirt on valued possessions. Losing some personal belongings to your dog's behavior is part of sharing your life with a dog. If you are prepared for these sorts of things, you won't be as upset when they happen. No relationship      even those between people-is not without its ups and downs. 

 

The good and pleasurable parts of having a dog far outweigh the unpleasant times. Next time your dog damages something, just picture in your mind all those times your dog makes you laugh, what a comfort he is when you aren't feeling well, and how happy he always is to see you. 

 

• Encourage your dog to be friendly to everyone he meets. 

 

No, it's not your dog's job to protect your house, car or even you. Dogs do not have some sort of natural sixth sense that allows them to determine who has good intentions where you're concerned and who doesn't. Your dog is going to be meeting tons of folks who mean him-and you-no harm. Your dog needs to be automatically friendly to everyone he meets, unless the person's behavior gives him reason to behave otherwise. 

 

Choose a dog to be your friend and companion, not your protector. Help your dog be friendly to everyone he meets by carrying "socialization biscuits" with you when you are out together. Ask all people your dog meets to hold a treat in their open palm and offer it to your dog. Let your dog approach the person, not the other way around. This makes it much easier for your dog to make new friends. 

 

• Don't hesitate to ask for help with your dog's behavior. 

 

Studies show that behavior problems are one of the most common reasons why dogs lose their homes. Don't let that happen to you. If your dog's behavior concerns you, don't hesitate to ask for help. Talk to the animal shelter or your veterinarian. They may be able to help you or give you a referral to a certified behaviorist or dog trainer. The sooner you intervene to change your dog's behavior, the better. It's generally more difficult to resolve problems that have gone on for a long time. Don't put it off. Both you and your dog deserve the help professionals can give you. 

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Thinking of getting a cat? You're in good company - felines have been sharing homes with humans for at least 4,000 years. The first step to becoming a top-notch cat owner is making the commitment to care for an animal. You'll be responsible for food, shelter, grooming and medical care for his entire life. Next, determine what kind of cat will make the best match for you. The ASPCA recommends only getting a kitten if you are home during the day. These four-pawed bundles of energy demand lots of attention. They are also recommended as second cats if you already have another feline. If your cat is an adult female, consider a male kitten, and vice versa.

 

If you are away during the day, an adult cat is a better choice. They're often litter-trained, and have already graduated from the rowdier ankle-attacking stages of adolescence.

 

Do you want a long- or short-haired cat? While all felines required regular grooming, long-haired cats need to be brushed daily to keep tangle-free. Regular brushing will also cut down on hairballs. If you opt for a long-haired kitten, it's a good idea to get her used to grooming as soon as possible.

 

Is your heart is set on a purebred? Find out as much as you can about the breed before you bring one home. Congenital problems are now being seen in purebreds, some of which are born with a predisposition to upper respiratory disorders, hip dysplasia, allergies, glaucoma, and urinary tract disease, among others. These are most often seen in cats purchased pet shops.

 

Your best bet is a responsible breeder or, better yet, an animal shelter. You'd be surprised at the number of purebreds turned in.

 

For a truly unique cat, head to your local humane society or shelter. They are full of great cats, of differing personalities, in all sizes, shape and colors. Most animals there have been screened for major health and behavioral problems, and the price is right - many shelters include training materials, vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery with the adoption of a cat. Best of all you'll be saving a life!