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All animals adopted from HSCC are eight weeks of age or older, current on vaccinations, microchipped, altered, and dogs tested for heartworms. Dogs testing positive for heartworms may be placed in a home in a ‘foster to adopt’ status until the treatment is completed and the dog no longer tests positive before an adoption can be finalized. The goal of HSCC adoption program is to place as many animals as possible into suitable homes and prepare adopters for the responsibilities of pet ownership. This is accomplished by screening all potential adopters for past Animal Control or contractual violations, reviewing adopters’ and family members’ histories in the HSCC database, requiring identification and proof of address, confirming the animal is permitted in rented homes or apartments, performing a background check in all states listed on the application, confirming current vaccination records and spay/neuter with the current family veterinarian, and requiring adopters to be at least 18 years of age. Potential adopters complete an application which is used to determine eligibility for adoption and to provide information to ensure an appropriate match. The adoption counselor goes over all medical history for the pet including vaccinations, medications, and follow-up care. Animals are surgically altered prior to leaving the shelter. If an animal is not sexually receptive or mature or is not able to be altered prior to going home, approval may be given for foster placement with the adoptive family on a case-by-case basis. If approved, the adoption counselor will make an appointment for the animal to come back for surgery and will then follow up on that animal’s progress until it is altered. No adoption may be finalized until the animal is altered unless determined unfit for surgery by the Veterinarian. Educational handouts, medical history, and an adoption agreement are provided to the adopter. HSCC utilizes adoption promotions throughout the year to increase public awareness and encourage responsible people to adopt. The adoption program is evaluated on a periodic basis to ensure the needs of the animals and the adopting community is met.