To ensure adopted animals have the best chance at success in their new homes, HSNBA recognizes the following Adoption Policies.
Adopters should be 18 years old or over and have a valid photo ID.
HSNBA will do due diligence to insure the adopter’s living arrangements and lifestyle are a good match for a new pet. This includes but is not limited to:
- Calling the adopter’s landlord to verify pets are allowed
- Verifying home ownership via county tax records
- Calling the adopter’s veterinarian to verify current pets are up to date on vaccinations
- Suggesting a meet and greet with current dog in the home and potential new dog
- Suggesting all family members meet the new pet prior to the adoption
Staff reserves the right to refuse adoption of a particular pet into a home where it finds evidence the adoption has little likelihood of being successful. Appeals to staff decisions will be heard by the Executive Director.
In order to ensure a life long bond between pet and person, HSNBA does not adopt animals to be surprise gifts for someone else. HSNBA will issue gift certificates in order for the receiver to pick the right animal for their lifestyle.
Because there are far too many homeless animals in our community already, HSNBA will not adopt an unaltered (not spayed or neutered) animal to any adopter who has an intact (not fixed) animal of the opposite sex already residing in the home to avoid an accidental litter. Special accommodations may be made by the Executive Director.
HSNBA does not recommend the declawing (surgical removal of claw s) of adopted cats. Declawing is painful to the cat, expensive, and is considered inhumane in most countries. Declawing cats often leads to defenseless and serious behavior problems.
For adopters looking to house their new pet exclusively outdoors, HSNBA staff will work closely with the adopter to insure the animal’s temperament will be conducive to an outside lifestyle. Puppies and kittens under 6 months of age need the safety and guidance of living indoors with their new family in order to bond and grow up healthy and safe. Therefore, HSNBA will not adopt out a puppy or kitten under 6 months of age to anyone planning on keeping their new pet exclusively outdoors.
