Finding a furry companion at Huntsville Animal Services can be a truly rewarding experience. This guide provides comprehensive information about adoption procedures, costs, requirements, and pet care to help you welcome a new member into your family.
Adoption Process at Huntsville Animal Services
Huntsville Animal Services operates Monday through Saturday, offering ample opportunities to find your perfect match. The shelter’s hours are:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can browse available pets online through the Huntsville Animal Services website.
Adoption Requirements and Fees
Adopting a pet from Huntsville Animal Services requires adherence to specific guidelines:
- Age: Applicants must be 19 years or older.
- Identification: Valid proof of identification is required.
- Time Commitment: The adoption process takes around 30 minutes, encompassing paperwork and interaction with the animal.
- Home Visit: A home visit might be necessary.
- Spay/Neuter: Pets must be spayed or neutered before adoption, potentially requiring a separate pickup day.
Adoption fees typically range from $35 to $50 for dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. Huntsville Animal Services often offers reduced or waived fees during peak intake periods, promoted on their website and social media. Certain pets may have specific restrictions or higher fees.
What’s Included in the Adoption Fee?
The adoption fee covers essential services:
- Spay/Neuter Surgery: Legally mandated and included in the fee.
- Rabies Vaccination: Required by law for all adopted pets.
- City License: Ensures legal compliance for pet ownership within the city.
- Pet ID: Aids in locating your pet if lost.
- Heartworm Test (Dogs): Dogs are tested for heartworms before adoption.
Payment methods include cash, local checks, debit, and credit cards (with a minor service fee for card transactions).
Pet Health and Vaccinations at Huntsville Animal Services
Huntsville Animal Services prioritizes the well-being of its animals:
- Vaccinations and Deworming: All animals receive appropriate vaccinations and broad-spectrum deworming upon arrival.
- Rabies Vaccination: Administered to all adult dogs and cats, and puppies and kittens over 12 weeks old.
- Spay/Neuter: Mandatory for all adoptions.
Addressing Health Concerns
The shelter addresses various health issues, including hair loss, ear infections, fleas, heartworm infestations, intestinal parasites, lameness, and arthritis. Pets with chronic conditions may be placed in foster-to-adopt programs, allowing potential adopters to provide care while the pet receives treatment. New owners are responsible for managing ongoing conditions like allergies.
While pet health is not guaranteed, Huntsville Animal Services offers potential assistance for cost-prohibitive treatments. Contact [email protected] for inquiries. For foster pet concerns, particularly loss of appetite, email [email protected]. Shelter environments can increase the risk of common colds; most pets exhibit mild symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and runny eyes or noses.
Fostering a Pet with Huntsville Animal Services
If you are not ready to adopt, fostering is a great way to help animals in need. You can find more information on the Huntsville Animal Services Website.
Conclusion
Huntsville Animal Services offers a comprehensive adoption program to help you find your perfect pet. With clear procedures, affordable fees, and a commitment to animal welfare, they strive to connect loving homes with deserving animals. Visit the shelter or browse available pets online to begin your adoption journey.
