Q: What is the adoption process like?
A: When you visit the Humane Society, you can walk through the adoption area to meet animals looking for a new loving home. However, all potential adopters are required to complete an adoption application and meet with an adoption counselor. Once you complete an application it will be reviewed by our adoption counselor. They may need to ask you some additional questions, contact your landlord or current veterinarian before you will be approved to adopt.
The Humane Society strives to match people with animals that fit their lifestyles. We take our mission to care for these animals very seriously, and that includes taking the time to find loving, responsible and life-long homes. Suitability (which includes dwelling size, children and other animals in the household and size of animal) is carefully considered during the interview.
Q: Can I take an animal home today?
A: Probably not. We require the completion of an application and then review by our adoption counselor. This can take a few days depending on how many applications are currently being processed. Also, all animals adopted from our Shelter must be spayed or neutered in accordance with State Law prior to going home, therefore if the animal you have selected is not, time will be required for this procedure before you can take them home with you.
Q: Why do the animals have to be spayed or neutered before going home? Can’t I do it later after they are adjusted to my home?
A: West Virginia State Law now requires that all animals adopted from a Shelter or Humane Society MUST be spayed or neutered if they are old enough and healthy enough for the procedure. Most dogs and cats over the age of 3 to 4 months are able to be spayed and neutered.
Q: I work full time, does that mean I can’t adopt an animal?
A: If you are not home eight to nine hours a day, there are still many animals who will do fine in your family. We do not recommend getting puppies under 6 months of age if they will be alone for more than 3 to 4 hours at a time. Instead, consider a dog older than 6 months, or a cat of any age. As long as you are able to provide several walks a day for a dog, and spend plenty of quality time with your pet when you are home, as well as care for its emotional, nutritional and medical needs, you will make a fine “parent.” Those individuals who are away from home more than eight or nine hours a day should consider getting a cat or hold off on adopting an animal until the situation changes.
Q: What’s DSH?
A: This acronym stands for Domestic Short Hair, which is the most common type of cat to come into our shelter.
Q: What is a mixed mean after the breed?
A:These are basically mix-breed animals who come in all shapes and sizes. Only animals arriving with papers will be labeled as purebred.
Q: Some animals are housed together in the same kennel. Do they have to be adopted together?
A: While there are times that dogs come into the shelter together and we would like them to remain together, we do not require this. It is in the best interest of the animals to be adopted even if it means they will be separated.
Q: Can I foster an animal in my home before I decide to adopt it?
A: No. Fostering is for the purpose of helping us keep animals, especially kittens and puppies, healthy until they are old enough to be placed up for adoption or until we have space for them in our shelter. While some fosters have been known to ultimately adopt a fostered animal, that is not the intent of the foster program. Fostering also requires an application and approval process, not unlike adoption. However, the animals do not belong to the Foster and can be adopted out by the Humane Society at the discretion of the Humane Society.