FAQs about Adoptions
<!--1. I want a certain type of dog/cat, but HCACF doesn’t currently have that type of animal. Can I be notified when an animal like that becomes available?
<!--2. What does the adoption fee include?
<!--3. Do all of the animals adopted from the shelter have to be spayed or neutered?
<!--4. Why are male animals cheaper than females?
<!--5. If I choose to adopt a cat from HCACF, can it be declawed?
<!--6. Can HCACF microchip my pet(s)?
1. Q: I want a certain type of dog /cat, but HCACF doesn’t currently have that type of animal. Can I be notified when an animal like that becomes available?
A: Yes, we have a Wishlist. You can specify breed, age, gender, and/or size when signing up on our Wishlist. Please stop by the shelter (Mon-Fri 2:30-5:30 or Sat. 11-2) or call (738-8163) about which type of animal you are interested in (if you leave a message on our answering machine, please include your name and phone number to reach you at!). We will contact you when we have that type of pet available. Please note that we only check Wishlist entries up to 2 months old. If you have are still looking for a specific type of animal after 2 months, you can sign up on our Wishlist again.
2. Q: What does the adoption fee include?
A: The adoption fee includes the fees for the surgery to have the pet spayed or neutered, booster shots, frontline (flea and tick medication), Heartworm test (dogs only), FIV/Leukemia test(cats only), and dewormer. All adopted pets at the shelter have had at least one booster shot, one dose of frontline, and one dose of dewormer. HCACF makes no claims, guarantees, or representations whatsoever regarding the behavior, temperament, or health of animals put up for adoption.
3. Q: Do all of the animals adopted from the shelter have to be spayed or neutered?
A: Yes—no exceptions!!!!!!!!! The purpose of Harrison County Animal Control is to help control the pet population. It is important for as many of the animals in the county to be spayed or neutered. This will help to decrease the number of unwanted and uncared for animals.
4. Q: Why are male animals cheaper than females?
A: Spaying a female is a more invasive surgery than neutering a male. Unlike neuters, spays require the body cavity to be opened which poses a slightly higher risk to females.
5. Q: If I choose to adopt a cat from HCACF, can it be declawed?
A: Yes, the doctor can declaw your pet if you request it. Be aware that there is an extra fee involved, and the cat would be required to spend the night at the doctor’s practice. We only declaw cats that are adopted from the shelter—if you have a cat that you would like to have declawed, you need to call your own veterinarian and schedule an appointment with them.
6. Q: Can HCACF microchip my pet(s)?
A: Yes, we microchip pets. The fee is $20 per animal. This fee does not include any registration fees or postage for mailing the registration form. The owner is responsible for those. Pets that are adopted from the shelter can be microchipped upon request, and the same fees apply.