Being a responsible pet owner requires more than just providing adequate food, water and shelter. Pet ownership requires a lifetime commitment. For anyone who is considering adopting a pet, please carefully choose a pet that fits your daily lifestyle and budget.

Things to take into consideration are: high energy dogs require daily exercise; long haired dogs require frequent grooming; and cats require a scratching post and someone to clean the litter box. Because domestic pets are totally dependent upon their owners, we offer the following suggestions to help promote responsible pet ownership as you build a lifelong bond with your furry companion.

First and foremost, choose a veterinarian you trust and keep his or her phone number handy in case of emergencies. Also, make sure to schedule annual vet exams and keep your pet's vaccinations up-to-date.

   If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, please make an appointment to have this done, which will help reduce pet over-population and offers significant health benefits for your pet. Most veterinarians will perform sterilization surgery on a pet that is at least five or six months old and suggest that the surgery be done before your pet reaches sexual maturity.

   Keep identification on your pets. The easiest way to guarantee identification is to have your pets microchipped.

  Provide proper nutrition for your pet. Obesity can shorten your pet's lifespan and certain human food is toxic to pets.

   Socialize your pet and provide obedience training.

   Provide daily exercise for your pet and shower him or her with affection.

   Provide a safe environment for your pet. Certain houseplants, household cleaners, medications, pesticides, and outdoor chemicals can prove deadly if ingested. Also, take extra precaution to keep your pet safe and inside during celebrations that include fireworks since many pets become frightened of the noise and run away.

   Provide adequate shelter during inclement weather. Bring your pets indoors if possible; otherwise provide a safe covered enclosure that is fenced and protects your pet from rain or snow. On hot weather days, make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water and shade.

   Never leave your pet in a parked automobile without adequate ventilation. Remember the heat in a closed automobile rises very quickly.

   Remember to clean-up after your pet in public and make sure to comply with leash laws and city or county ordinances where applicable.

Last but not least, remember that your pet relies on you for everything so make sure to provide the special care that he or she may need today and in the "golden years" to come.

Value determinations are based on area veterinarian fees

DOGS $70

Fees include:
Distemper-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus, Bordetella & Distemper
vaccinations valued at $145
De-wormer valued at $15
Sterilization surgery (spayed or neutered) valued at $135
Microchip Identification valued at $45
Free vet exam valued at $31
Total Value = $371

PUPPIES $100

Fees include:
Distemper-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus, Bordetella & Distemper
vaccinations valued at $112
De-wormer valued at $10
Sterilization surgery (spayed or neutered) valued at $100
Microchip Identification valued at $45
Free vet exam valued at $31
Total Value = $298

CATS $45

Fees include:
Rhinotracheitis-Calici-Panleukopenia vaccinations valued at $53
FELV (Leukemia) testing valued at $40
De-wormer valued at $15
Sterilization surgery (spayed or neutered) valued at $106
Microchip Identification valued at $45
Free vet exam valued at $31
Total Value = $290

KITTENS $55

Fees include:
Rhinotracheitis-Calici-Panleukopenia vaccinations valued at $20
FELV (Leukemia) testing valued at $40
De-wormer valued at $10
Sterilization surgery (spayed or neutered) valued at $75
Microchip Identification valued at $45
Free vet exam valued at $31
Total Value = $221

• All animals will be microchipped and spayed or neutered prior to adoption, including puppies and kittens.
• There is at least a 24 hour waiting period from the time of application until the time of adoption. This will be a slightly longer period if the animal is receiving spay/neuter surgery.
• Adoption applications must be completely filled out in order to be processed.
• If you are adopting a dog, she/he must be introduced to all of your current dogs prior to adoption. We have space available for introducing pets to one another at the adoption center.
• If you are adopting a dog, please be aware of the animal's size and choose a transportation vehicle that will safely accommodate the dog while on their way to your home.
• All pets at your home are required to be current on vaccinations. This includes indoor-only cats
• The future safety, physical well being, and emotional well being for all animals are carefully considered in the adoption application process. Completing an application does not guarantee an approved adoption.
• Pet adoptions are based on a best match basis not on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Owner-Adopters must be at least 18 years of age and provide proof of photo identification at the time of application/adoption. Applications must be fully completed to be considered.

• Owner-Adopters who rent from a landlord are asked to satisfy any requirements regarding landlord notification and approval for pet ownership and proof of a paid pet deposit, if applicable. For renters, landlord approval for pet ownership is required and verified.
• The objective for pet adoptions is to select the best-suited match between animal and owner-adopter. This process helps us maintain a very low return rate. Therefore, we do not adopt cats or dogs as gifts for family members or friends who have not met the animal in person or who have not consented to the adoption in writing.
• Adopters are encouraged to review the "Adoption Application" and "Adoption Agreement," located on the website and available at the front desk, in order to determine if they are willing to make the commitment to adopt an animal from our adoption center. Adoption Applications may be completed in person or printed and faxed to us at 755-7388. Adoption Agreements are hand delivered at the time of adoption and signed by the Adopter and an HSNWMT Representative.
• Adoption applications are reviewed and verified by Animal Care staff prior to approval. Therefore, please make sure to answer all questions and supply current contact information where needed. In many cases, this verification process may take more than 24 hours so please do not expect to take your new pet home on the same day that you complete an application. Adopters will be contacted as soon as possible regarding application status. In the event that further information or action is required of you, we will let you know as soon as possible. Your refusal to respond within 72 hours will be considered as a lack of interest and the application will be withdrawn. In-active applications are kept on file for 60 days.
• All adoptions must take place in person. We do not crate ship or transport animals via airlines.
• Due to facility constraints, the adoption center is not able to reserve or hold pets for interested parties.
• Adopters who have other dogs and cats in their household are required to provide proof that their animals are current on their vaccinations.
• Prior to adoption approval, adopters who have other dogs in their household are requested to schedule a mandatory "get acquainted meeting" at our facility between your animals and the animal(s) you wish to adopt.
• In some cases, it may be determined that an animal is not suited for an adopter because the adopter's needs, expectations, and/or resources are not conducive to the animal's history or behavior. In these cases, Humane Society staff may deny the adoption of that animal, but will work with the adopter to find an animal that is better suited for their lifestyle.
• After the adoption process is complete, the Humane Society will follow-up with phone inquiries to make sure the animal is adjusting to his or her new home.
• All Humane Society animals may be returned to the adoption center for the duration of their lives as kennels becomes available. Therefore, please notify staff as soon as possible if you are faced with returning an adopted pet. We will do everything we can to speed up the process; however, please be aware that there could be a one month waiting period due to space availability.

The Humane Society offers a discounted adoption fee program for seniors called, "Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program".

The program is geared to residents age 55 or older, who adopt senior pets, age 7 or older. The $25 fee includes vaccinations, de-wormer, spay or neuter surgery, microchip identification and a free vet exam.