INTERESTED IN ADOPTING A HUMANE SOCIETY PET?

Thank you for your interest in adopting a Humane Society pet.  Please realize that adopting a pet is a big decision.  Keep in mind the life-long commitment you are about to enter into and the personal and financial aspects involved in adding a four-legged family member.  If you can provide the special kind of home our pets deserve, we should be able to provide you with a pet that will be a wonderful addition to your family.

Because of irresponsible breeding and neglect, we have seen an increasing number of stray animals taking their chances in traffic, scavenging for food, and seeking shelter in any place imaginable just to survive.  People get a cat or a dog because they want a great family pet and yet have no real knowledge of the responsibilities of owning one.  These pets sometimes end up out on the street, given away, mistreated, or euthanized in pounds because their owners never realized how big they become, how much they shed, how much exercise they need, how often the litter box has to be cleaned, or how much destruction they can cause without proper supervision and training.

Dogs and cats were domesticated and bred to work and live with man.  As a result, they do not do well when placed strictly in back yards and not allowed to come inside and be a part of the family.  Our ultimate purpose for rescuing pets is to give them the opportunity to become a house pet and companion.

All of our rescued pets are spayed or neutered, de-wormed, immunized, and micro-chipped.  Dogs are tested for heartworms, and cats are tested for leukemia and feline aids.  There is an adoption fee to help cover our expenses.  The adoption fee is $100 for cats and dogs.  All Humane Society pets, including puppies and kittens, are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. 

Most of the pets entering the Humane Society's foster program were at risk.  Some were strays found wandering the streets, some were abandoned, while others were found living in horrible conditions.  The Humane Society occasionally accepts pets surrendered by their owners due to a move, divorce,  illness or death, allergies, lack of time, etc.   Our one reward is seeing these wonderful pets placed in loving homes and given a second chance at a happy life.  If you will be patient with our process, we will strive to find the right pet for you.

Once again, thank you for your interest.  Please be sure to read the adoption policies and requirements below, as well as information about the adoption process.  The application process will help us match the right pet with the right individual/family.  If you are interested in receiving an adoption application, please call the Humane Society at 229-247-3266, extension #1 for cats, and extension #2 for dogs.  Please be aware that all of our screeners have full-time jobs and volunteer for the Humane Society in their very limited spare time.  When you call for an interview, you may only get their answering machine, so please leave a message.    Again, thank you for your interest in one of our rescued pets.

Sincerely,                                                                            

Mechelle Sullivan                             

Mechelle Sullivan

Foster/Adoption Coordinator

How to Adopt a Pet

Please realize that adopting a pet is a big decision. Keep in mind the life-long commitment you are about to enter into and the personal and financial aspects involved with adding a four-legged family member. If you can provide the special kind of home our pets deserve, we should be able to provide you with a pet that will be a wonderful addition to your family.

All potential adopters must go through a screening process. This process is absolutely necessary to ensure that our pets go to the best homes possible, where both the pet and their new owner are happy with the relationship. It is our goal to place the right pet with the right owner. We make a lifelong commitment to these animals, and we want adopters to do the same.

Adoption Policies & Requirements

Applicants must be at least 21 years old

• 1. Applicants will be sent a pre-adoption packet, which includes an application. Applicants should keep the application to give the HS representative when they come for the home visit. In order to receive the pre-adoption packet, you must contact us by calling 229-247-3266 or by e-mailing us at fundraising@humanesocietyofvaldosta.org
• 2. Next, you will be contacted by one of our dog or cat adoption screeners who will schedule a home visit and interview. We do require a fence for dogs; however, we do make exceptions in some cases.

The adoption fee is $100.00 for dogs and $100.00 for cats. These fees include a heartworm test for dogs, a leukemia/aids test for cats, first vaccinations, spay or neuter, and microchip. (Note: Most of our pets have already received all of their shots by the time they are adopted. However, if they still need booster shots at the time of adoption, the adopter will be responsible for these shots.

Our adoption area includes Georgia and North Florida. We are willing to adopt to other areas, but adopters may be required to come to Valdosta for the interview, or to get the pet. Home visits are always required. In some cases, we may depend on other rescue organizations to perform the home visit for us.

Please be aware that the Humane Society and Lowndes County Animal Shelter are two separate organizations with different adoptions policies and fees. For information about the Lowndes County Animal Shelter, click here.