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ADOPTION POLICIES & PROCEDURES
The main goal of the
ADOPTION APPLICATION (download)
Before adopting a pet from the SPCA, you must complete a pre-adoption application which will give information about the type of pet you desire, your lifestyle, and where the pet will be living. Prior to the approval, homes/property may require an inspection when it concerns fighting breeds, or communities that have high traffic. This is for the protection and safety of both the animal and the local community.
The KCSPCA will adopt to families in adjacent counties and states only if an inspection or background report can be acquired by the local animal control agency for that area. We do not provide transportation or allow a pet to be air shipped from our facility.
We have the right to refuse any adoption we do not feel is in the best interest of the animal. Individuals who want to adopt must be at least 18 years of age.
CONSULTATION & PET SELECTION
An adoption counselor will review your application with you to make certain you have carefully considered the cost and responsibilities of pet ownership and to help determine what type of pet would be suitable for your lifestyle. Remember a dog or cat can live ten to twenty odd years. Rather than adopt one that may prove unsuitable, it is best to revisit us until a pet that is compatible with your lifestyle is found. If you selected a pet and your application has been approved, we can proceed with an adoption contract. If for some reason you application is not approved, adoption will be refused.
ADOPTION CONTRACT
The contract you sign is a legal agreement between you and the SPCA. We ask that you take the time to read the contract before signing. It states the conditions you agree to provide your pet. You must have the pet sterilized by the date indicated on the contract and if any time in the future you can no longer keep the pet, you will return it to our shelter. Spay or neutering is mandatory by
All animals adopted from the SPCA must be sterilized; if this is not done by the date given, you will be called. If you still do not get it done by the date given, you will receive a notice. If you still do not get it done the
RENTERS POLICY
If you rent, you will be required to have written approval from your landlord or a copy of your lease stating that you may have a pet. Contacting your landlord over the phone by one of us is also acceptable.
An adoption fee is charged on all pets. This pays for their sterilization. The typical fees on animal are:
- Animals under 1 year of age:
- Puppies - $175.00
- Kittens - $75.00
- Animals over 1 year of age:
- Dogs - $125.00
- Cats - $50.00
- To place any animal on hold for adoption consideration - $20.00
** The KCSPCA runs special adoption pricing several times throughout the year. Please watch the front page of our website as well as our "events" section for reduced pricing announcements!
REFUNDS
In the event the animal becomes ill (verified by your vet or a vet on our staff) or is not fitting into your family, the KCSPCA will give a refund within a 14 day period. NO REFUNDS after the 14 days will be given.
ILLNESS
The SPCA will not knowingly adopt out a sick animal. We do everything possible to keep our animals clean and disease free, including protective inoculations. We require you to take the animal to your vet within the first 5 days after adoption. If the animal becomes ill within the first 5 days, you must decide to return it to the shelter or to pay for vet care at your own expense. If you have a statement from your vet, or have been seen by our vet and the animal is returned to us within 5 days, all adoption fees, a gift certificate or exchange will be given.
JUST THE BEGINNING
When you adopt from us, we will provide you with literature, and any help that we can give to make your adoption a success. We want to make your adoption experience a happy one. The SPCA recommends the following be considered to ensure a happy relationship with your pet.
1. VETERINARY EXAMINATION Within the first 5 days after adoption, the pet must be seen by your vet to ensure good health and to continue routine health care. Your adoption contract has all available medical history of your pet. Make sure you present your contract to your Vet at the time of examination. DO NOT give your pet any over-the-counter medications AT ALL without consulting your vet first.
- ALL DOGS & CATS SIX MONTHS OF AGE AND UP ARE REQUIRED BY STATE LAW TO BE INOCULATED FOR RABIES. THIS MUST BE DONE BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN, AND CAN BE DONE AS EARLY AS THREE MONTHS OF AGE.
- All dogs six months of age and older are required by state law to be licensed. Once you have had your dog inoculated for rabies, you can purchase a dog license at many SPCA's, Veterinary Hospitals/Clinics, and anywhere hunting/fishing licenses are sold.
2. HEARTWORM PREVENTION Approximately 30% of adult dogs received at our shelter have heartworm disease. Left untreated a dog will die from heartworms. The treatment to cure this disease can be costly, ranging anywhere from $125.00 to $400.00. It is extremely important to have your dog checked for this disease. Fortunately, there is a preventive medication available from your vet. Your dog can be placed on the preventive only if free from heartworms. The KCSPCA does only one initial scan for this disease before dogs are released for adoption, and the additional test is requested to be done by a veterinarian. This is a more in depth and accurate test.
3. FELINE LEUKIMIA Is a devastating disease for which there is no known cure at this time. The cat you have adopted has not been tested for this disease. A vaccine to protect your cat from feline leukemia should be discussed with your veterinarian, after testing. If your cat tests positive, you must decide whether to return it to the shelter or have your vet take care of the situation at your own expense. If the animal tested positive and is returned to us within 5 days of adoption, all fees will be refunded, a gift certificate can be issued, or an exchange will be offered.
4. OBEDIENCE TRAINING Helps train you to train your dog(not necessary for cats). We highly recommend you seek training within the first few months after adoption, as it will strengthen the owner pet bond. We do not recommend any training program where someone else is training your dog without your presence.
5. PET IDENTIFICATION Along with the microchip, we will keep a registration record on file with vital information on you and your pet, where we can reach you, and who your vet is for emergencies. Even if you think your pet will never get out, it is best to have your pet wear its ID and license tags.
6. LOST PETS Should be reported to the SPCA immediately. A pet that wanders from home could be hit by a car and require medical attention. Always make sure you have photos of your pet, which can be brought to the SPCA to help with identification of your pet. Pets have been returned to their owners from our shelter as long as two years after they have disappeared, thanks to photos.
7. IN THE EVEN YOU CAN NO LONGER CARE FOR OR KEEP THE PET THAT YOU ADOPTION IT MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SHELTER. If you feel you found a suitable home for the pet, the person interested in your pet must come the the shelter and sign an adoption agreement with us. This requirement protects your pet by ensuring the new owner will provide a responsible home.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL THE SPCA 302.698.3006