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Pet
Adoption
The
placement of our adoptable animals into loving, caring homes and
thereby enhancing the bond between animals and people is the
primary goal of the Montgomery Humane Society Adoption Program. We
focus on education so that every pet owner benefits from their
contact with the shelter, whether or not they adopt an animal from
us. Matching the needs of the animal and the potential owner, as
well as educating potential owners about responsible pet
ownership, helps to ensure successful pet placements of shelter
animals.
FAQ’s
How
do I adopt a pet?
What is
involved in the adoption interview?
What do I need to adopt
a pet?
How long does it
take to adopt a pet?
Is there
a chance I can be denied an adoption?
Why
do I have to pay to adopt an animal? I’m doing you a favor by
taking the pet off your hands.
Do you have any purebred
dogs?
Why
do you require all adopted animals be spayed or neutered?
Do you hold animals
for adoption?
Can I adopt a
pet as a gift for someone?
How
do I adopt a pet?
Tour the shelter and choose a few animals you are interested in
adopting. Take each animal out and spend some time with it. We
strongly encourage everyone in the household meet the animal
before a decision is made and this includes any pets you already
own. We want to make sure that the animal you choose is the best
possible match for everyone concerned. After you choose an animal
you must complete an adoption application and interview with an
adoption counselor. Return to Top
What
is involved in the adoption interview?
The adoption interview
allows us to screen adopters to make sure there is a good match
between the adopted pet and the new owner. The adoption counselor
also takes this opportunity to discuss the responsibilities of
adopting a pet. The adoption interview usually takes about 30
minutes in all. Return to Top
What
do I need to adopt a pet?
You must have photo
identification, preferable a Driver’s License with a current
address. If you have other pets, be prepared to give the name of
your veterinarian and the dates of the last check-up. If you rent
or lease your home, you must be prepared to give the name of the
leasing office or manager. We only adopt pets into homes where
pets are allowed. Return to Top
How
long does it take to adopt a pet?
We are responsible for the
health and happiness of all the shelter animals. The adoption
interview is designed to make sure that the adopted pet will be
cared for properly. The adoption counselor has an important job—they
determine the future happiness of a living being! Because we want
to make sure the right pet is going to the right family, the
adoption interview usually takes about thirty (30) minutes. Return
to Top
Is
there a chance I can be denied an adoption?
Yes. The adoption counselor
will deny an adoption if there is any doubt that the potential
adopter will provide inadequate care to the pet. Our main
responsibility lies with the animal. We seek adopters who are
financially able to care for the pet and who are committed to
caring for the pet for its natural life span. Our goal is to place
animals in homes where their physical and emotional needs will be
met. We place animals as companions. We will not knowingly adopt
an animal to the following types of people: those with a
documented history of animal abuse or neglect; those planning to
use an animal for the purpose of vivisection, experimentation,
cult rites, or blood sports; and those planning to use an animal
for any food purposes. Return to Top
Why
do I have to pay to adopt an animal? I’m doing you a favor by
taking the pet off your hands.
The adoption fee is a
non-refundable donation that helps offset the cost of sheltering
and caring for your pet during his stay at the Montgomery Humane
Society. While we certainly appreciate your choice to give a
homeless pet a second chance, we must charge a fee to continue
caring for the thousands of animals we receive. Return
to Top
Do
you have any purebred dogs?
Yes. About 25% of the
16,000 animals we receive are purebred. Some are turned in as
puppies, but most are at least 1-year-old. The reasons people turn
in purebred dogs are the same for mixed-breed dogs: moving, not
enough time for the pet, expecting a baby, allergies, no time to
train, etc. etc. Being purebred does not necessarily guarantee a
permanent home for a pet. If you know what type of dog you are
looking for you may inquire about our Wish List at the front desk.
We will keep your name on file and give you a courtesy call to let
you know we have a pet that matches your need. We never know what
we will receive or when it will arrive, so be patient and check
back often. Return to Top
Why
do you require all adopted animals be spayed or neutered?
Spaying and neutering are
essential to ending pet overpopulation. Every year the Montgomery
Humane Society receives over 16,000 animals, of which 4,000 are
adopted. In the state of Alabama there are 7 homeless dogs and
cats for each person. Because of unaltered animals, there
just aren’t enough homes for every dog, cat, puppy, or kitten.
By spaying or neutering your pet you ensure that it won’t bring
even more animals in the world. All pets are spayed or neutered before they are put up for adoption. Return to
Top
Do
you hold animals for adoption?
No. We do not hold any animal
for a potential adopter. Past
experience has shown that
frequently the potential adopter
decides against adopting the
animal, and the animal is the
loser because it missed other
adoption opportunities during
the holding period. All
adoptions are on a first-come,
first-to-qualify basis and
holding an animal is not
allowed. Return to Top
Can
I adopt a pet as a gift for someone?
No. Individual must adopt
the pet for themselves, not as a gift or on behalf of another
person. We encourage gift certificates when someone wants to adopt
an animal as a gift. For homebound persons, we may do an off-site
adoption when appropriate and feasible. Far too many pets are
turned into the MHS because they were received as an “unwanted”
gift. Return to Top
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