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Sue Sternberg

1. You have the right to adopt the best dog/cat you have ever met
2. You have the right to adopt a dog or cat that has not bitten and broken skin on a human
3. You have the right to adopt a dog that will be safe with passing children in the neighborhood
4. You have the right to adopt a dog that has not killed another dog
5. You have the right not to be blamed if the dog you adopt turns out aggressive
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. You have the right to be treated with respect, courtesy, and professionalism
10. You have the right to inquire and receive as much prior behavioral and medical history on the dog that is currently available
11. 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
12. 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.)
13. 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