ADOPTION FAQs

The HSLWR offers a safe environment and shelter for companion animals including medical care, vaccinations, and micro-chipping by loving and caring individuals. Animals will stay with us as long as it takes to find them a loving new home.

How do you start the adoption process?

The first step in our adoption process in to come into the shelter during our adoption hours, Friday through Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm. We do not take appointments. Walk in visits only. (Please note that holiday closures will be posted on the home page.)

Once you find an animal you are interested in, you may fill out an application.  Adoptors must be 21 years of age or older or have a parent/guardian co-sign the application. We do not accept any online applications and emails/phone calls are NOT considered to be part of the adoption process. We do not place any holds on animals and we evaluate applications in the order in which we receive them. 

Our primary focus is finding a FOREVER home for the life of the dog/cat and matching the environment to the animal.  

What documents should I bring with me?

-A valid driver's license or valid non-driver identification card

-Your veterianrian's name and phone number if you have owned an animal in the last 5 years and any vaccination and preventative medication records if possible. Oftentimes, veterinary offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays and having these records available at your visit can expedite the adoption process.

-Your landlord or rental agency's contact information if you rent or HOA contact information/documentation  if you own your home (if applicable.) If you have received a pre-approval to adopt a dog or cat from your landlord, please bring that documentation with you.

-Name and phone number of 3 non-family members for references

If I am driving a distance, should I call first?

If you are coming in to see a specific animal and are driving a distance, we recommend calling us first to make sure they are still available. We do try to keep the website current, but the weekends can be very busy. We can not guarantee that the dog or cat you are interested in meeeting will still be available by the time you get to our facility, as we can not hold them, but we do have other wonderful pets available.

Can I put an animal on "hold"?

We are unable to "hold" any pets or take deposits.  We want all of our pets to have the best opportunities to find the perfect home for their needs.  

Can you notify me when a certain type of animal becomes available?

Our animal population changes frequently, so the best thing to do is keep checking our Adopt page on our website, our Facebook page, and Instagram feed. If there is one who strikes your fancy, come visit us and get acquainted!

 

 Can I bring my new best friend home the same day I meet him?

After your application has been thoroughly evaluated and approved by our Adoption Team, we will call to set up an adoption appointment. This process may take a few days and we do not guarantee same day adoptions.

Can I bring my dog along to meet the new dog?

No, you may not bring your dog to the inital meeting.

Meet and Greets are set up after the adoption application has been approved to determine if the animals are a good fit for each other. If you currently own a cat and are adopting a new dog or cat, a Meet and Greet is not required.

 

Will my new pet be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped?

All of our cats and dogs are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Every animal will be as up-to-date on their vaccinations as age permits, however boosters may be required.  All animals will be microchipped. All details regarding medical and vaccination history will be provided at adoption.

At the time of adoption, what should I bring?

-Cats will need a carrier to go home in.

-Dogs will need a leash and collar or harness. If you do not have one, we do have them available for a small donation.

Can I tell you about how great things are going after I have adopted my new pet?

We love updates! Send photos, tell us your stories … and with your permission, we also love to share your email updates and digital photos on our Facebook page, Instagram feed and website! Send updates to info@hslwr.org or to your Adoption Counselor.