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Adoption FAQs
How do I go about adopting a pet?

Our process starts with an adoption application. You must have an application on file with us in order to get any dogs out or go into the cat rooms and interact. The application doesn't hold you to anything, but shows us that you are interested in adopting. Please fill out an adoption application to get started!

Is there a waiting period?

Our process takes 1-2 business days to get you approved. We are only a staff of 3 so please be patient. Time permitting, same day cat adoptions may be possible if the adopter is approved and prepared to take home with a carrier. The cat must leave in a carrier.

I already have a dog at home; can I bring him in to meet the dog that I want to adopt?

Yes! Once your application is approved, we will set up a time and date that works best for you to bring your dog(s) in to make sure everyone gets along before we send the new dog home. Ideally, the meet and greet should take place within 1-2 days after approval.

Can I bring my cat in to meet the other cats?

We do not recommend this as cats are more particular about introductions than dogs are and take more time to become friends with other cats; the slower the introduction to other cats, the better. Check out the "From the Cat's Point of View" article under the Resources tab.

Do you require fenced-in yards to adopt?

No, however we want to ensure that the adoptive family will provide proper exercise, ensure the animal has a safe area in which to run and play, and spend quality time with their animal. There may be special circumstances due to a dog's history where we may require a physical fence or deter an invisible fence, but this will be on a case by case basis.

Do you adopt 100% outdoor dogs or cats?

Currently, most of our animals are to be adopted as inside pets. There may be a special circumstance where a dog has lived outside its whole life where we make an exception, but this will be on a case by case basis. We do have a barn cat program for outside cats. Learn more about this program under Apply to Adopt.

Can you call me when you receive the type of pet I am looking for?

Unfortunately, no. We are unable to do this due to the volume of calls we get on a daily basis. However, our website is "live" which means as soon as an animal is moved to the adoption floor, it will be listed on the site. And if the animal is adopted, it will be removed from the site as soon as it is adopted. This gives you a quick and up-to-date listing of all of the animals that are available.

Do you spay and neuter all of the shelter animals before adoption?

Yes, all animals are spayed or neutered prior to adoption.

Will you hold an animal for me until I can get there?

No, we work on the applications in the order that we receive them. If you are first in line and cannot get here within 1-2 business days, we will move on to the next application. Read about our adoption process under the Adopt tab.

Do you adopt outside of Whitley County or out of state?

Yes, as long as you are willing to make the drive, we adopt anywhere. We do not help with transport and do not ship animals.

If you live a distance away, we recommend submitting your application prior to making the trip so that we can get you approved and you will only have to make one trip.

Where do your animals come from?

Animals come from many avenues. Strays that are not reclaimed by their owners, owners who have had to surrender them for various reasons, and from other shelters.

What are your adoption fees?

Cats: Name your price ($10 minimum)

Kittens $25.00-$50.00

Dogs: $125.00

Puppies: $200.00

Senior dogs: $75.00

Includes:

  • Free Exam @ participating vets
  • Age appropriate vaccines
  • Protected against: Fleas/ticks/heartworm • earmites • intestinal parasites
  • Heartworm test (dogs)
  • Microchip (must request for cats)
  • Cats can be FeLV/FIV tested for additional $15.00
Do the animals have their shots?

All animals are vaccinated with age appropriate vaccines, spayed/neutered, dewormed, and kept on monthly prevention. We do not have a vet on staff, so the only thing that may need to be done is a Rabies vaccine, which has to be given by a licensed veterinarian. When you adopt from us, you get a free exam that is good at local, participating vets, for 10 days so that you can take your new pet in and they won't charge you the office call.

What if I adopt an animal and it doesn't work out?

Per our adoption contract, we ask you give the new animal a 2 week adjustment period to get used to all the new things happening in its life. If you are having any issues, please call and let us know. We do have a trainer on staff for any dog related issues.

Check out the downloads and links below which have information on common issues with new pets.

Intake/Reclaims FAQs
My pet is missing-what do I do?

As soon as you notice your pet is missing, call us to complete a lost report. 260-244-6664

We are the only animal shelter in Whitley County. People often bring stray or found animals to the shelter or call to report a found animal.

There are some Facebook Pages that also post lost and found information such as:

Post flyers in your neighborhood including a photograph.

We do ask pet parents to be proactive and consider a microchip for their dog or cat. This service is provided here for $35.00 or at your vet office.

My animal came into the shelter, how do I get him back?

If you think we have your animal, please call the shelter for more information at 260-244-6664.

You will have 3 business days to reclaim unless other arrangements have been made per the Director. There will be a $35.00 reclaim fee and every animal will leave microchipped.

After the 3 business days, the fee goes up $15.00 each additional day and additional charges may occur.

Reclaim fee increases every time the animal comes in in an attempt to keep the animal home.

First reclamation: mandatory microchip, 0-3 days $35.00

Second reclamation: 0-3 days $35.00

Third reclamation: 0-3 days $50.00

Fourth reclamation: 0-3 days $75.00

Fifth & subsequent (for 2 years): 0-3 days $100.00

After 3 days: $15.00/day

What do I do if I find a stray animal?

We accept only stray animals found in Whitley County. First and foremost, immediately contact us to file a found report. Bring the animal in to us or any vet office to check for a microchip which readily identifies a possible owner. If you found the animal in Whitley County and need to leave it with us, we will keep it until owners are found or put it up for adoption.

We will ask for a donation if at all possible to help us care for the animal during its time with us.

If you are planning to keep the animal until owners are found, follow up by checking in the neighborhood to see if someone is missing the animal. There are also social media sites which may post lost and found information.

Stray animals will be held for 5 business days, giving their owners plenty of time to come looking for them. After 5 days, the animal is property of the Humane Society.

Learn what you should when you find stray kittens here.

Can you call me to tell me the status of the animal I dropped off?

We will not call you but you are welcome to call us and we can try to help you out. 260-244-6664

What happens if I surrender my animal to you?

Check out the Resource tab for some information on common issues leading to surrenders.

Before you surrender your animal to the shelter, be sure that this is truly the decision you want to make and no other options are available. You may have other friends or relatives who would want to continue to provide a loving home for your animal.

Adopt a Pet and Petco Foundation have created a Rehoming program. You can visit the website at rehome.adoptapet.com to learn more. Through their website, they will assist you in creating a profile for your pet and also assist in the process of finding the best home available.

After having exhausted all other efforts, if you need to bring your pet in, you can do so during any of our open hours.

There is a $50.00 owner surrender fee per animal for owned pets. This helps us pay for vaccines, prevention, spay/neuter surgery and general care while the animal is in our care.

If you are not in Whitley County, there is a $100.00 owner surrender fee. You will need to call prior to coming, and check to see if we have room as our obligation is to Whitley County first.

On the day you surrender your animal, we will complete paperwork to get as much information on your pet as possible. Also, bring any vet records you have about your animal's vaccinations and medical history.

The animal must pass a medical and temperament evaluation in order to be put on the adoption floor.

Owner surrendered animals become property of the Humane Society immediately and will be evaluated at the next available opportunity.

We reserve the right to deny any owned animal upon intake due to any of the following reasons:

  • Owner-requested euthanasia
  • Over-population
  • Health and/or history provided, knowing it will not pass needed evaluations and will be euthanized
  • Outside of Whitley County
Are sick and injured animals immediately euthanized?

No. Based on the nature of the illness or injury and sometimes in consultation with our referring vet, we treat a limited number of animals depending on the resources available. Depending on the prognosis and adoptability of the animal, there are also limited funds provided by caring individuals to help obtain outside veterinary care for special cases requiring care beyond the scope of the shelter's in-house capabilities.

How long do you keep animals before you euthanize?

Stray animals found in Whitley County may be turned in by the general public or impounded by law enforcement. Strays will be held for 5 business days, giving their owners plenty of time to come looking for them. After 5 days, the animal is legally property of the Humane Society. Animals meeting adoption criteria may be placed for adoption after the holding period. Once they are on the adoption floor, they stay there until they find their forever homes. We do not have a time limit. During high admission times, animals may be transferred to be adopted through other animal welfare partners.

Are you a no kill shelter?

We do not euthanize for space or time. Once the animals make it to the adoption floor, they stay there until they find a forever home. We do euthanize for major medical issues, quality of life, or if the animal is not safe to adopt out to the general public.

Volunteer FAQs
Do you accept volunteers?

Yes! We are always eager to add new volunteers to our program. Get more information under Ways to Help.

Do you allow people to come in and just pet the animals?

Unfortunately, no. We do not have the staff for you to come and play with the animals but we can always use volunteers if you are interested. Get more information under Ways to Help.

Spay/Neuter FAQs
Do you have a spay/neuter program?

We do not have a vet on staff and send all of our shelter animals to HOPE for Animals in Fort Wayne, which is a low cost spay/neuter program. Check them out in the "Other" section of downloads below.

When is Neuter for a Nickel?

Neuter for a Nickel changes dates every year depending on the availability of all the vets and volunteers it takes to make this program possible. Check out our website and Facebook page for finalized dates.

I have a bunch of stray cats that live at my house. Can I bring them to you?

These cats are happy where they are and will not thrive being confined to a cage in the shelter. They also serve as an integral part of the community as they keep rodents and other pests at bay. Please help us control the population by spaying and neutering , and helping us reduce the number of un-needed cat euthanasias.

Read about what removing them entirely can do in the "Cats-Related" section of downloads below, titled "Vacuum Effect."

Miscellaneous FAQs
What are your hours?

Due to COVID-19, hours are adjusted. Please call before coming in.

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Friday: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 1 :00 p.m.

Like us Facebook to get updates on time changes and closings.

What should I do if I suspect someone is being cruel to or neglecting an animal?

We do not have animal control officers and have no legal jurisdiction. If you suspect cruelty or animal neglect, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency and ask for a wellness check. If law enforcement needs our help, they will contact us, but we have to have their permission to do so. Please call the shelter if you need additional information or phone numbers. Our number is 260-244-6664.

Do you ever let people borrow carriers, cages, or live traps?

Yes, we rent out all of the above. We hold a $50.00 deposit until we get the carrier/cage/trap back and we charge $5.00 per day. We will deduct the amount from the deposit that you receive back.

My animal is getting old and needs euthanized. Can you do this?

We do not perform owner requested euthanasia since it is such a stressful environment. Please contact a full service vet for more information.

I feel so bad for the animals. I could never do your job. How do you do it?

It is very fulfilling to see these animals go to their forever homes. It does not have to be sad when you visit. They are safe, have a warm bed, and food in their bellies, which for some, wasn't the case before finding their way to us. Every dog gets a 20 minute walk 5 days a week and is rotated through play groups with other dog friends. Cats also get plenty of attention, and once they are adoptable, they get the enjoyment of our free-roaming cat rooms to lounge about on shelves, look out the bay windows, and interact with other cats.

Can you microchip my animal?

Yes, we sure can. You can come in during any of our open hours, just call ahead so we know you are coming. The cost is $35.00/pet, and our computer system will register the chip with your information for you.

Do you accept old towels, blankets, or sheets?

We can use towels, wash cloths, and blankets. No sheets or anything with stuffing though, please. The animals could shred it and possibly ingest the stuffing.

What kind of donations do you use?

Check out a full wish list under Donate and even find a link to our Amazon Wishlist.

My dog/cat won't eat the food I bought, can you use it even if it's opened?

Yes! We feed Science Diet to all of our animals but we accept all donations and what we can't use, we donate to the Senior Center in town to help out those in need of pet food.

My pet recently passed away; can you use any of our old supplies?

We would be happy to accept any gently used pet items. If we do not have a use for some items here, we will donate them to other organizations who can use them.

Newsletters

Resources

Cat-Related

Litterbox management problems

What to do when you find a kitten

The Vacuum Effect- Removing outdoor cats

Keep outdoor cats where they are

Weather tips for outdoor cats

Cat Adoption Checklist

Dog-Related

Is your dog ready for the end of social distancing?

Keeping the peace in a multi-dog home

House-training your new dog

Stop dogs from play chasing new cat

My dog doesn't like strangers coming over

Help your dog stop crying when left alone

Stop on leash barking

Puppy bite inhibition

Stop destructive chewing

Stop your dog's territorial marking

Crate Training

Puppy socialization

Other

Rehoming your pet on your own

Humane Fort Wayne

Tips for moving with pets

Animal Law

A good place to start but please know every state, county, municipality has their own regulations and ordinances.

Applications

Adoption Application

Barn Cat Adoption Application

Volunteer Application