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CATS When placing a cat into an adoptive home, our primary goal is to ensure that the adopter is the right match for that particular cat.  It is very traumatic for both the cat and the adopting family if the cat has to return to the shelter. We also want to be sure that the adopter is ready for this responsibility and commitment. We feel it is already very positive that you are choosing to adopt rather than buy a cat from a pet store (which is more often than not from a kitten mill). Our Procedure for Adopting a Cat The adoption/inquiry process starts by either sending us an email or by contacting our adoption coordinator directly by phone. During the initial contact we can answer your questions, and we will have some of our own as well, such as what type of home you can provide and what kind of cat you are looking for--energy level, types of activities you do, length of time the cat would be alone during a typical day, other animals in the house, children and age of children, male/female preference, and any other of your important criteria for choosing a specific cat. Some of our potential adopters are interested in meeting a particular cat while others prefer to come to the shelter to meet a few of our adoptable cats and choose among them. Either way, prior to your visit, you may want to have a conversation with our adoption coordinator and then make an appointment to visit the cat(s). We also offer an Open House every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10 to 12 when people can drop by the shelter and meet some of our cats. We like to talk to each potential adopter because we know our cats, and through conversation we can get a feel as to whether or not the cat you are interested in will be a match. If you aren't sure what type of cat is best suited to your lifestyle, we can often help narrow it down. Our preference is that all family members attend the adoption visit and if younger children live in the home, they should be present as well. DOGS When placing a dog into an adoptive home, our primary goal is to ensure that the adopter is the right match for that particular dog. It is very traumatic for both the dog and the adopting family if the dog has to return to the shelter. We also want to be sure that the adopter is ready for this responsibility and commitment. Depending on the dog's age at the time of adoption, dogs are a 10-15 year commitment. We feel it is already very positive that you are choosing to adopt rather than buy a dog from a pet store (which is more often than not from puppy mills) or from a breeder ! Our Procedure for Adopting a Dog The adoption/inquiry process starts by either sending us an email or by contacting our adoption coordinator directly by phone. During the initial contact we can answer your questions, and we will have some of our own as well, such as what type of home you can provide and what kind of dog you are looking for--energy level, types of activities you do, length of time dog would be alone during a typical day, other animals in the house, children and age of children, male/female preference, and any other of your important criteria for choosing a specific dog. Some of our potential adopters are interested in meeting a particular dog while others prefer to come to the shelter to meet a few of our adoptable dogs. Either way, prior to your visit, you'll want to first have a conversation with our adoption coordinator and then make an appointment to visit the dog(s). We like to talk to each potential adopter because we know our dogs, and through conversation we can get a feel as to whether or not the dog you are interested in will be a match. If you aren't sure yourself about which dog is best suited to your lifestyle, we can often help narrow it down. Following the phone conversation(s), we will arrange a visit to our shelter so you can meet the dog(s). You will have an opportunity to take the dog(s) for a walk and interact with them in our fenced-in dog park. If you already have a dog, we will ask that you bring him or her with you. Our preference is that all family members should attend the adoption visit and if younger children live in the home, they should be present as well. First Visit Adoptions We try to discourage first visit adoptions, because adoptions should not be an impulsive or emotional decision. It must be a well thought out, rational decision. You also need to prepare your home for the new pet. If a first visit adoption is anticipated (for example adopters living a distance away from the shelter), then reference checks must be made beforehand. Home checks are scheduled on a case by case basis.