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The City of Sierra Vista, the veterinarian or their representatives shall not be held responsible for any illness or damages caused by an adopted animal. Our intention is to adopt only healthy animals, however, there are times when illnesses are not detected. The veterinarian will use a general anesthetic during the sterilization process to prevent pain and control anxiety. Even though the most modern and safest procedures are used, there is always some risk involved in any surgical procedure. Any dog or cat held at the Animal Control Facility for the assigned period and not reclaimed by its owner may be released for adoption. Adoption will be based on its suitability for adoption as determined by Animal Control Staff. Any person desiring to adopt an animal may do so upon paying the assigned fees and acceptance of the established conditions of adoption. The Animal Control Staff will have the discretion to determine if the animal and the new owner are suitable for the proposed adoption. All adoptions will be considered on a first come, first serve basis, when the animal becomes available for adoption. A reasonable hold period may be placed on a desired animal for proper documentation to be obtained for the adoption of an animal to be completed. At the end of the hold, the animal will go back up for adoption and the second in line will be contacted if the person who put the animal on hold does not/cannot produce the requested documentation. We reserve the right to investigate any information provided by a potential adopter as well as conduct a “home inspection” if necessary, for any animal. Any information provided will be considered when processing the application. Home inspections are required for the adoption of Pit Bull- type dogs. Home inspections may also be required for certain animals or circumstances. Temperament evaluation will be done on a case-by-case basis before placing the pet up for adoption. Pet meet and greets will be required prior to the completion of the adoption. Cats will be required to do meet a greet on a case-by-case basis. When the adoption is completed, the Animal Control Staff will make an appointment and transport the pet to the veterinarian. Pets will not be released to the adopter until the pet has been vaccinated, sterilized, and micro-chipped. It will be the adopter’s responsibility to pick up their new pet from the veterinary clinic as directed by the Animal Control Staff. If the animal has the above requirements completed, the animal may be released to the adopter the same day or sent to the vet for a check-up at adopter’s request. Once the animal is in the adopter’s custody, any veterinary care will be at owner’s expense prior arrangement have been made. If the veterinarian determines the animal is unsuitable for the required medical procedure(s), the veterinarian will contact the Animal Control Staff. Staff will advise the adopter who will have the option of rescheduling the appointment, choosing another animal, or having the adoption fee refunded. If the veterinarian determines the pet to be less than three (3) months of age or too young to be vaccinated for rabies, the adopter will be responsible for any additional cost other than the rabies vaccine. It will be the adopter’s responsibility to transport the animal to the veterinarian to complete any procedures. The fee for the rabies vaccination is included in the adoption fee as well as the license. The adopter shall bring the rabies certificate to the shelter to receive their complimentary city license. Any pet may be returned to the Animal Control Facility. There will be no refunds of the adoption fees unless it is determined by a veterinarian that the adopted animal was harboring a life-threatening disease or condition at the time of adoption. Sierra Vista residents are required to purchase a dog license following the expiration date of the complimentary city license. All adopted dogs must be provided with access to shelter of proper size while outside with clean water available at all times. The City of Sierra Vista has a leash law for dogs. The leash law requires all dogs be kept on a leash while off the owner’s property. In the City of Sierra Vista city limits, cats will not be adopted to homes where they will be allowed unsupervised access to the outdoors. Cats are required to be vaccinated for rabies and if they go outside, they are required to wear identification. Rural residents will be allowed to adopt cats for indoor and outdoor purposes except a cat that has been de-clawed or determined to be an inside cat only. Though it is not required by law, we recommend cats be kept indoors for their health and safety. All cats are required to be vaccinated for rabies. All owners are responsible for providing follow-up vet care, as necessary for their adopted pet. **See full document at the Sierra Vista Animal Shelter**