Sue Sternberg
- You have the right to adopt the best dog/cat you have ever met
- You have the right to adopt a dog or cat that has not bitten and broken skin on a human
- You have the right to adopt a dog that will be safe with passing children in the neighborhood
- You have the right to adopt a dog that has not killed another dog
- You have the right not to be blamed if the dog you adopt turns out aggressive
- You have the right not to be blamed for NOT adopting a dog that has been at the shelter for too long/ to choose not to adopt a dog and not to be made to feel guilty because the dog has been sheltered long-term
- You have the right not to be pressured to adopt an incompatible or dog you don’t readily connect with because/even though the alternative is euthanasia
- You have the right to be educated, and explained the reasons why you are refused an adoption, so that you can make changes in order to become a conscientious pet owner
- You have the right to be treated with respect, courtesy, and professionalism
- You have the right to inquire and receive as much prior behavioral and medical history on the dog that is currently available
- You have the right to be informed of the dog’s actual age, and if the actual age is not known, to receive the best guess from a shelter professional
- You have the right to be informed of the dogs actual breed or breed mix, and if not known, to receive the best guess from a shelter professional, with no euphemisms or avoiding breeds that may conjure up public fear (e.g. Pit-Bull type dog, Chow Chow, etc.)
- You have the right to expect the shelter to stand behind its dogs/puppies, and accept them back AT ANY TIME, for ANY REASON, should the need ever arise in the dog’s lifetime