Lake County Animal Services

Our Adoptable Pet List

Who We Are

We are a group of public and private citizens who have come together with the sole objective of saving lives. While working closely with Lakeport Animal Control in an ongoing effort to lower the overall number of companion animals put to sleep, we welcome the participation of individuals who share our common goals. These common goals include putting aside personal differences and focusing only on the job at hand: saving lives.

Why are you helping a "Kill Facility"?

That is a question that we get a lot and one that warrants an answer, which is mostly an opinion, but it's at the heart of why this website was created.

It would be much easier to help a "no kill facility" and list animals whose lives were not in danger because the facility they were housed in could keep them indefinitely. It's a known fact that people would prefer to donate to a "no kill facility", or adopt from a "no kill facility". Our jobs, overall, would be much more pleasant and we wouldn't even have to worry about a "unhappy endings" page. But before you pass judgment, consider this:

Many "no kill facilities" will only accept a limited number of animals, which means that they can say "NO" to someone who needs to rid themselves of their pet. And there's nothing wrong with being able to say "No", this is not in any shape or form a criticism, it's just a truth. The local County Animal Control division cannot say NO, they are bound by the laws of the county to pick up stray animals and accept those being signed away by their owners for one reason or another.

Diseases run rampant at county shelters.

While not a question, this is something else we hear a lot of. Again, some shelters have the good fortune of being able to pick and choose who they help, and again, that is great and any person involved in animal welfare should be blessed. But, again, your local County Animal Control does not have that latitude and so yes, on occasion, a disease will hit the shelter and in many cases, hit it hard. When it happens many fingers are pointed and blame is placed on the shoulders of those whose only fault is simply doing their job. If we all stopped to think, it wouldn't be so hard to place that blame correctly. Where you ask?

On the shoulders of those who prefer not to vaccinate or properly care for their pets and help only in the spread of preventable diseases. Your County Animal Control does not propagate the disease, it arrives there in the form of all those unwanted animals who were callously cast out of their homes and to whom County Animal Control cannot say NO to.

Adopting a friend

Are you sure??

While there is nothing we'd like better than to send everyone home with a new pet, we have to make sure that a new pet is really what you need.

Have you thought about it? Really thought about it?

Most people who have had pets as welcomed family members wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world, but pet ownership is a big responsibility and one that should not be taken on lightly.

All puppies and kittens are adorable but they don't stay puppies and kittens forever, and while they are, there is housebreaking and litter training to deal with. Chewing is a favorite activity of puppies and they don't readily distinguish between their chew toy and your shoe. Kittens feel the need to conquer the world...or maybe just their surroundings but exploring the top of the Christmas tree or climbing up the drapes may not be what you had in mind.

If you're sure you can get past pet adolescence, have you considered that having a pet in your life will undoubtedly change it? Budgeting your vacation will also mean budgeting in a pet-sitter or a boarding kennel. Don't forget that your pet will also need routine medical care, preventive care (vaccinations, heartworm, etc.) in the beginning care but maybe more as your pet ages, (dental procedures, yearly blood panels, etc.). What about if you have to move? Will you commit to taking the time to find another home that allows your pet to move with you? Don't forget that your pet also needs to be licensed, and better yet, micro-chipped. This alone could save his life.

And what about time? Do you have enough of it? Some pets require more than others, large dogs need regular exercise and socialization with their peers, all dogs benefit from training, and while cats may seem to not need as much attention, they also thrive on spending time with you, maybe playing with a paper bag or a little ball.

So do you still think you want a pet? We can only hope that you do and are more than happy to help you make the best choice for your family. You can apply online or click here to print out an adoption application for Lake County Animal Control.

And if you don't, well we understand that also.

When you bring a pet into your life you should be willing to make a commitment that lasts as long as that life. If you think about it, it's only fair. Pets give us unequivocal and unconditional love, the very least we can do is promise to love them and care for them while they live. If you can't make that commitment and choose not to adopt a pet it doesn't make you a bad person, it just makes you an honest one.

"Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.

You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."

-- Antoine de Saint Exupery

Adoption Fees

Adoption fees will vary depending on the shelter or foster situation. Below are the latest fees available for Lake County Animal Services (for the animals listed in Foster Care) and Lake County Animal Control

Adoption Fees for Lake County Animal Services

$180.00 per puppy regardless of sex. $150.00 per adult dog regardless of sex. Every dog adopted through Lake County Animal Services will be current on vaccinations, be on heartworm preventative (and tested for heartworm disease if over six months of age) and have already been altered. All puppies will have received routine and necessary medical attention and will have been heavily socialized.

What comes next??

So you've adopted your new best friend, now what? Here are a few tips and suggestions for you to consider.

1. A visit to your local vet.

Every shelter/foster family will have different guidelines and will have provided different levels of care. Some can give you a complete health guarantee and others cannot but ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure that the new puppy, kitten, dog, or cat sees a vet and has a complete physical as soon as possible.

A complete physical should include verification of vaccination and administration of such if none have been given, a heartworm test and subsequent preventative as necessary, and a fecal exam on puppies and kittens to ensure the absence of worms.

2. A little bit of time

Chances are your new pet will need a "settling in" period. He may have seemed friendly and outgoing, or shy and remiss, at the shelter and then exhibit the exact opposite at your home. Depending on the length of his shelter stay, and regardless of the pleasantness or lack thereof, it had become his "safe place". A new home, the best of homes, will still seem foreign and frightening.

Chances are he's not ready to tackle an agility course or maybe even a tennis ball. Give him some time to adapt and get used to his new environment. Animals have an innate sense of adaptation and will shortly begin to shine and become a star in your life.

Come Visit Us!

http://www.lakecountyanimalservices.org

Email: Karen

Click here for a list of pets at this shelter

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