Frequently Asked Questions

There is no time limit for how long an animal stays in our adoption centers. On average, most cats are in new homes within 14 days from intake to adoption. For dogs, it’s about 21 days.

You are welcome to visit the shelter anytime during adoption business hours to
meet a pet you’re interested in adopting. Once at the shelter, staff and
volunteers are available to assist you. All household/family members should
interact with the pet before the adoption is finalized to ensure the pet is
compatible with everyone.

We use an interview process to ensure that each animal adopted will be
matched with a compatible new owner. While there is no application form to complete before your visit, there is a post-adoption application and adoption contract to fill out, which will document basic information we will want to know regarding the care and home environment you promise to provide for your new pet.

Plan to allow one to two hours to complete the adoption process. It may take longer depending on how many pets you wish to meet, your previous experience with pet care, and the number of other visitors at the shelter. Peak days for visitor traffic are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so please allow extra time if you plan to visit on those days.

Adoptions can be processed up to 30 minutes before closing time. If you wish to adopt and it’s less than 30 minutes before closing, we will not be able to complete the adoption process in that short period of time. Please allow time to finalize the adoption the following day during adoption business hours.

On average we spend $250-$350 per dog or cat for food, medical care, and
testing. This also includes spaying and neutering and our costs for operations (utilities, supplies, insurance, etc.).

Our adoption fees only cover a small percentage of our cost compared to what we invest in each animal. All adopted dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, and are current on heartworm and flea preventatives.

Adoption fees are according to an animals age and can vary.

Unfortunately, we do not allow for holds or deposits to be placed on animals. Pet adoption fees are considered donations and are non-refundable. All adoptions must be processed in person.

We encourage pet introductions at the time of finalizing the adoption process. If you are interested in a pet, please see a staff member. Staff will schedule a date and time to perform a “meet and greet”. We have also found that a properly staged introduction outside of the shelter increases the chance of a positive introduction outcome. Adopters are provided step by step instructions on how to introduce their new pet to resident pets.

Both you and your new pet will need time to get better acquainted and to adjust to the new environment. For some pets, the transition is quick and easy. For others, more time and patience may be required for the new pet to adjust to their new home, to feel safe, and to learn where they fit in the hierarchy of the their new family. HSNC offers a 6-week adjustment period within which you can evaluate the pet’s progress and your adoption decision. If you should determine you and the pet are not compatible, you may return the pet to HSNC. All adoption fees are considered a donation and are non-refundable. All returns are scheduled through a staff member on an appointment basis. Returns are not accepted on a walk-in basis due to limited spacing at the shelter.

Once your adoption is finalized, you will be solely responsible for your new pet. This includes all medical bills, special dietary needs and/or medications as well as all decisions regarding the health and welfare of your pet. This notice of responsibility is stated in the adoption application and the adoption contract.

If at anytime you can no longer care for your adopted pet — and cannot find a suitable new home — we ask that you return the pet to HSNC. All adoption fees are considered a donation and are non-refundable. All returns are scheduled through a staff member on an appointment basis. Returns are not accepted on a walk-in basis due to limited spacing at the shelter.