What
is the Humane Society? Are you a government agency?
The Warren County Humane Society has provided animal control since
1930. We pick up all stray dogs, and house stray, injured and/or abused
animals in need of shelter, food, and medical care. Our state-licensed
cruelty officer enforces the state’s animal cruelty and neglect laws. We
receive more than 150 such complaints each year. We also provide pet care
and education materials to the public. The Humane Society is a private,
non-profit organization. We receive a small percentage of our operating
budget from the townships, the County, and the City. The amount of
these funds varies, and is subject to change. Our Board of Directors sets
policies and raises funds for operations. Our adoptions, fundraisers, and
donations help make our services available to the community.
Are dogs and cats
given to the Humane Society because of medical or behavioral problems?
No. Many of the dogs and cats are strays,
and owners often reclaim their pets. If they have ID tags, we
contact the owners. Any animal—owned or stray—can have medical or
behavioral issues. All dogs at the shelter are temperament-tested
for aggression before being placed for adoption. We also evaluate
cats for temperament, but it’s not a formal process. Medical
issues are evaluated and handled according to the severity of the problem
and the cost involved.
How do I know I’m not getting a problem dog or cat from the Humane
Society?
Despite our years of experience, we don’t always
know how an animal will respond to a new home until it gets there. While
we evaluate the animal at the shelter in our setting, we go one step
further with our “Home Visit,” and allow you to take the pet into your
home for 12 days to evaluate the animal in your family setting. Only
when everyone is satisfied, is the adoption finalized.
Why
do I have to fill out an information form and wait for the pet I want?
With all the animals looking for homes, can't I just take the pet home
today? Is it true you refuse some people?
We want our animals to have every opportunity
for a forever home. We know our pets and matching them to your situation
is our job, a job we take seriously. As with any business, we have
policies and procedures. We’re aware that our procedures don’t
satisfy everyone, but our first obligation is the welfare of the animals.
That’s why we visit and talk with the family members who will be
responsible for the new pet.
The application and waiting period
give you an opportunity to think with your head as well as your heart.
The waiting period also allows us to prepare the pet for the Home Visit.
Shots are updated, the animal is bathed, and a travel bag is packed.
If a person is refused, it’s for a
reason based on our policies. Perhaps the landlord said “no,” veterinary
information on other household pets wasn’t provided, family members
couldn’t agree on which pet they wanted, or the new pet wasn’t compatible
with children or with another pet in the home. Sometimes other people are
interested in the same pet, and may have a more suitable situation.
If you get a pet from the newspaper, a
friend, or a breeder, you may have to cover the shots, de-worming, and, of
course, spaying or neutering to avoid unwanted litters. We do all
that--and more. We help you through the introduction to the home and other
pets, offer free use of a crate, educational information, and moral
support. With over 25 years of combined experience, our staff works to
give you a healthy, well-adjusted pet. Our adoption success rate
over the years confirms that these procedures work best for the animals.
Are you a “no-kill” shelter?
We are an “open admission” shelter, taking in
all strays and never refusing an animal in need. A “no-kill” shelter takes
only selected, adoptable animals--usually from a city pound. Many no-kill
shelters are near an open admission shelter that handles difficult and
dangerous animals. We do not euthanize adoptable animals, and there
is no limit on how long animals can stay with us. All adoptable animals
are kept until adopted. This policy is the same as a no-kill shelter.
Many animals have spent over a year in our shelter before finding the
right family. However, we receive many terribly abused and, thus, vicious
and aggressive animals at our shelter, animals that would be dangerous to
a family. We do our best for every animal brought to our care.
If the
decision must be made to euthanize, the animal is treated humanely and
with respect. If you are concerned that too many animals are
euthanized at shelters, do your part to prevent animal abuse, encourage
spaying and neutering, and promote adoption as an option.
How
many animals are adopted from your shelter
We measure our success by permanent homes, and
that isn’t always reflected in actual adoption figures. The numbers
are not as important as placing the right pet in the best situation.
If we get five aggressive, dangerous dogs and five friendly dogs, we will
adopt out five dogs, not ten. Our adoptions fall between the
National averages of 25-35% of animals are adopted. The Humane
Society is committed to adopting out every adoptable pet.
I have a pet I can’t keep or find a home for. Will you take it?
Yes. We don’t refuse a pet from an owner unless
it has serious medical issues better handled by a veterinarian. But
we do accept all animals with the understanding that our staff makes the
final determination as to whether or not a pet is adoptable. You will be
charged a relinquishment fee for your pet to cover some of the initial
costs of the pet’s shelter stay. Boarding and health care costs add up
quickly. Our animals consume 300 pounds of food each week.
If I find a stray and bring it to you, will you charge me a fee, and
can you tell me what happens to it?
There is no fee for a stray. We do not release
information about what happens to the animal. Our policy is set for the
interests and welfare of the staff and the animals. When an animal comes
to us, it becomes our responsibility and we do what is best for each one.
Your shelter hours conflict with my work schedule, what are my
alternatives?
We’re available by
phone, and have a well trained staff to help We also have a wealth of
information on our website (www.warrenhumanesociety.org).
Adoptions must be done in person. We are open on Saturdays, and make
appointments after hours, if necessary. Our staff spends the morning hours
cleaning, feeding and taking care of the animals. Afternoons are open for
the public to visit.
