Frequently-Asked Questions and Other Adoption Details

How much does it cost to adopt an animal?

Cats: $90

Dogs: $99

Puppies up to 4 months: $120

This table compares estimated costs between a "free to good home" dog with a well-prepared animal from the Heart of America Humane Society:

Begun in September 2004, HAHS only releases cats and dogs to their new owners after they have been spayed or neutered.

Why must the animals be spayed or neutered?
Millions of animals are euthanized every year. HAHS cannot send out animals to reproduce and contribute to this tragedy. Spaying or neutering shelter animals is also MANDATORY because it is a state law.

What if I don't get my animal spayed or neutered?
The adoption contract is legally binding. Noncompliance will result in legal action against the adopter and confiscation of the animal by HAHS and law enforcement.  An un-spayed female that is left to breed will produce 67,000 animals in 6 yrs between her and her offspring.

When should my animal be spayed or neutered?
The spay/neuter deadline is indicated on the adoption contract at the time of adoption. If the animal is an adult, he/she must be neutered/spayed immediately and within 15 days of the adoption date.

If the animal is a puppy or kitten, the deadline varies but is usually when the animal reaches 4-6 months old. If you are not able to meet your spay/neuter deadline due to illness of the animal or a recommendation by your vet, then you should call HAHS at 1-800-384-3143 to notify us so we can grant you an extension.

A veterinarian must examine the animal within 5 working days from the date of adoption. How do I choose a vet?
If you do not already have a vet or have not been referred to a vet by a friend or family member, HAHS can supply you with a list of veterinarians some of whom will give discounts for first visits, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering for animals adopted through HAHS. Call 1-800-384-3143.

What vaccinations should my cat or dog receive?
When you adopt your animal, your paperwork will include the vaccinations he/she has received. (If you lose your paperwork, you can call 1-800-384-3143 and we can look up the vaccination record.)  Based upon this information, your vet will determine what vaccinations are required and when these should be administered.

• Your puppy may have received a Bordetella ("kennel cough") immunization at the shelter. Sometimes, the puppies will develop kennel cough following the vaccination.  Sick puppies are never brought to the adoptions; however, a puppy that has been exposed to kennel cough can develop it after going to its new home due to stress.  Kennel cough is very common and successfully treated with antibiotics.

• Cats are checked for feline leukemia by HAHS; kittens' mothers are checked as well.

Should my adopted cat or dog be checked/treated for worms?
Yes. On the first visit, your vet should perform a fecal check for worms.

Why is it so important to give my dog medication to prevent heartworms?
Heartworm infestation is fatal. In addition, the treatment is very expensive and also carries severe risks for the animal. Prevention is cheaper and carries no risks for the dog. HAHS checks all adult dogs for heartworms and starts all puppies on heartworm prevention if the animal is over 4 months old. Ask your vet about heartworm prevention medication.

What if my animal becomes sick following its adoption?
The animal should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. If the vet recommends returning the animal based on illness and the vet examination occurred within 5 working days of the adoption, then a refund will be automatically granted. All other refunds are at the discretion of the board of directors. In all cases, please let HAHS know if your animal becomes seriously ill. We might be able to recommend treatments or low cost vets and, if the animal had litter mates, we will notify their owners about the problem.

(If you adopted your pet as a result of seeing their original listing on PetFinder.com, the first month of pet insurance is available for only $1 through ShelterCare.com.)

What if I default on or violate the adoption agreement?
HAHS may use judicial process or any other legal means to seek return of the animal or to recover all costs of enforcing this contract, including court costs. If HAHS seeks liquidated damages against the adopter in a court of law, the animal's value is set at $400.

My cat isn't "adjusting"; what should I do?
Every adopted animal requires some time to adjust to his/her new surroundings. Give it some time. If after a while you feel the cat is having serious adjustment problems, we have volunteers who may be able to help you and your cat. Call 1-800-384-3143.

What if my pet develops a behavior problem or needs obedience training?
HAHS is fortunate to have volunteers who can offer advice about behavior problems. Call 1-800-384-3143 or check some do's and don't for dogs here.

What if I no longer want or can't keep my adopted animal?
Call 1-800-384-3143 for information about returning the animal.

Can I give/sell my adopted animal to someone else?
No. Call 1-800-384-3143 for information about returning the animal.

What if I or a member of my family is allergic to my adopted animal?
You may return the animal but no refund will be issued.

What if after trying several methods for introducing my other household pets to my adopted animal they still don't get along?
You may return the animal but no refund will be issued.

What kinds of things do volunteers do?
Visit our volunteer page for details about volunteer activities.

How can I join HAHS?
A membership application form is included here on our Web site.