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ADOPTION
INFORMATION
We are devoted to the animals entrusted to our care and do all we can to make sure they are placed in good homes. We require all prospective adoptions to be subject to application and interviewing before the animal can be released from the shelter. All of our animals are: spayed or neutered, have all vaccinations brought up to date, microchipped, and started on flea/tick prevention before adoption. Read on for details on how you can begin the steps to finding a new best friend.
ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS:
You must be at least 18 years of age. If you rent (house or apartment), we must be able to speak with the property owner or rental agent during the adoption process. You will be asked to complete a preliminary questionnaire and be pre-approved before selecting an animal to adopt. Please do not try to adopt in a hurry. We reserve the right to refuse any adoption.
DETAILED LIST:
First and foremost, we are looking for permanent, responsible homes for these animals. Thousands of animals die each year because irresponsible owners neglect them, let them breed or just decide they no longer want their animals. Please consider the time and money required to own a pet. It's a lifetime commitment and nothing less can be acceptable.
There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for surrendered animals before they can go to a new home. For strays there is a mandatory 7 day waiting period for adoptions. After you decide on the pet you wish to adopt, you must complete our adoption application available at the front desk.
You must be 18 years of age or older to adopt an animal.
All animals leaving the shelter must be spayed or neutered in accordance with Iowa State Law. Adopters must sign a legally binding contract stating that spaying or neutering will be done within the timeframe decided by the PAWS Humane Society. Failure to have the pet spayed or neutered can result in confiscation of the pet and possible prosecution.
If you rent or lease your house or apartment, we require written or verbal approval from your landlord before you adopt a pet. We will not adopt an animal to a person or family who is either in the process of moving or is planning to move within a month after adoption.
Animals are placed as pets or companions only. We do not place cats as barn cats or mousers and dogs are not placed as strictly guard or protective animals.
No animal will be adopted that will be kept strictly outside without adequate housing.
We do not adopt animals as gifts or presents.
If you are interest in a large dog (over 40 pounds), we suggest a fenced-in yard where the animal cannot get off your property. It is the law in the State of Iowa that your dog must be confined on a leash at all times.
We do not suggest young puppies or kittens for a family with very young children or in a situation where all family members are gone for long periods each day.
If, at any time, you can no longer care for your pet, you are required to return the pet to the shelter or the closest humane society.
We reserve the right to refuse any adoption.
