What does the Humane Society expect of potential adoptors?

Question

I've heard the Humane Society is snotty regarding placements of animals. For example, I've heard that they won't give dogs to people who plan to have them be "outside" dogs. Is this true? What other sort of rules do they have concerning placement?

Thanks to those of you who haven't assumed that I'm unfit to own a pet. I also didn't say myself that the HS is snotty- I'm simply trying to get a more rounded idea of what the HS expects of its adoptive owners to see if we make a good fit.

Answer 1

Having worked there in the past, they are selective about where you plan on keeping your dog and how you plan on taking care of it. Because they have roughly 30,000 animals in there in a year if not more, they want to lessen the amount the will get as returns, they will check where you live, the weight limit and restrictions to such, where you plan on keeping them, who your current vet is or will be. How you plan on paying for the expenses of an animal and various information. Most of them do want to place an animal however why place an animal that came from a bad home into another one. it is not so much that they are being "snotty" but more that they really dont want to see the animal back because it wasnt properly adopted out. I hope this answers your question.

Answer 2

They are trying to find the best homes possible for these dogs. They don't want someone who can't take care of them or can't have them where they are living to adopt an animal and then dump it somewhere weeks later when they realize they can't handle it. The outdoor issues is because many people get an animal and leave it outside all year around. That's not a good life for an animal. Here, even if you don't intend to leave an animal outside, you must have a fenced in yard to adopt. The spay/neutor policy is the best because it prevents more unwanted animals from being produced and having to be put down or end up in bad homes. Also, they check to make sure you keep up with vet appointments within reasonable times to make sure that you will be responsible. If you don't take your pet to the appointments they will take it back.

I don't get the declawing thing. I think an indoor cat should be declawed if the only finds it necessary. To not be able to declaw a cat deters a lot of people from wanting to adopt one because of the fear that it will tear up the house. They say you can train them to use a scratching post....... been there done that.

If you can't understand these rules then obviously you don't need pets. If you don't see why it's important to not leave your pet outside then you are too ignorant to own a pet. A pet isn't a yard ornament or your "burgalar alarm." It's a loving animal that needs love and attention just as much as a human.

Answer 3

Adopting from the humane society is a fairly simple process, some dogs may have some restrictions such as no children under 7 years of age in the home, or no other resident dogs, these recommendations are made based on the known temperament of the animal, and for everyone's best interest to make the adoption a lasting one. From what I hear, adopting from rescues is extremely hard and even ask for financial proof of adopting one of their animals. The humane society does not have such scrutinizing policies.

Answer 4

Oh they definately are! I even know of a woman (who writes a pet care column) who was turned down because she wasn't home enough, and she worked out of her HOME! Some of them have MANY hoops you have to jump through, outside dog would definately be a no-no.

Isn't it funny how they rail about a pet overpopulation problem while at the same time being so restrictive about adoptees, not to mention they push dog limit laws. I don't think some really want to adopt out dogs, but would rather put them to sleep. Nothing more than a tax exempt pet shop, IMO.

They are not all the same though. I would go to a breed rescue, there is usually info on the national bred club website. HSs tend to draw animal rights lunatics as workers.

Answer 5

While I dont agree that Humane Societies are "snotty" I do think that some people who work there think they are on a mission from god to save the entire planets animal population and THEY can be snotty!
Usually the rules are to be sure the pet will be placed in the best possible home, and will not be returned.
Some usual rules for adopting from a humane society are :
- Dog/cat must not be outside pet, as in spends most of its time outdoors, eats outside, sleeps outside. They want pets to be part of a family and have mostly time indoors with them.
-Must agree to provide medical care including annual vaccines and emergency care, and have proof that any pets at home are already receiving the same sort of care. This is why they want you to list current/recent pets and the vet you take them to, so they can check.
-Must agree NOT to disfigure pet with "cosmetic" surgery, as in car cropping, tail docking, etc
-Must show proof of resindency. If you own a home, or do you rent? Renters have to show proof that they are allowed to have pets, so they dont get returned when your landlord finds out.
-Must state what you want the pet for, as in family companion or guard dog. Usually wont adopt to guard dog seekers.
-Must state the personality you are looking for. Example, they will not adopt a jack russell puppy to someone who wants a mellow/quite pet.

Answer 6

They probably want to know if you work, if you have kids, if you live in a house or apartment...if a house... do you have a backyard? They are so cautious because they see so many animals being beaten, mis-treated, abandoned. I'm sure it isn't an easy thing to see every day. Though I have seen a couple that could use an attitude adjustment.

Answer 7

I don't know about the inside-outside issue, but they do require that you sign a release giving them permission to visit your home at any time during the life of the animal to be sure that the animal has been given a good home and that you are treating it well.

Answer 8

They prefer that all animals be inside animals, as it lets them live longer. Also, you can't be a renter, or you have to have a permission slip signed the apartment management stating that you can adopt. Then you have to have your drivers license, and pay the money.

Answer 9

In a nut shell.....will you be the best possible pet owner and do every thing you Can to make your dog happy

Answer 10

They turned my daughter down to get a kitten because she said she wanted to have it "declawed". I can't really understand why they would rather "put the animal down" then to have it declawed.
They will also turn you down if you opt not to have it spayed or nuetered.