Adopting A Pet

Adoption Form Opens in new windowHow Do I Adopt?


Congrats - adopting a pet is a serious decision but can also be a great addition to your household. Below are the steps in the adoption process:

1. Carefully Consider Commitment of Pet Care

Pets are a long-term commitment. Please consider this responsibility carefully.

2. Contact the Animal Shelter to Schedule a Time to Visit

The Shelter is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and appointments may be scheduled by calling 806.296.1100.  Management staff may be out of the shelter and scheduling an appointment ensures someone is available to assist with the adoption process.

3. Carefully Consider Available Animals for Adoption

A tour facility will be given for a pet. If there is not a suitable animal, another appointment may be scheduled to find your furever pet.

4. Complete Adoption Paperwork

Adoption Form

6. Take the Pet to it's New Home!


Spay / Neuter Info


Spaying and neutering is incredibly important to a pet's health, as well as the overall health of the community. It is the only 100% effective way to prevent unwanted litters and reduce overpopulation. 

Spaying and neutering may also help reduce behavioral issues. It has absolutely no effect on intelligence, or the ability to work, play, or learn. 

 Fast Facts:

  • Lifespan for spayed and neutered animals is longer than those who are not.
  • One unspayed cat can be responsible for 11 million kittens in over 9 years.
  • Each year, millions of animals are euthanized.
  • Facts vs Myths of Spaying and Neutering.

 BE THE SOLUTION!

Microchips


Should your pet escape from your residence, a microchip can be it's first step in returning home.

 A microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it. This unique number will identify an animal throughout his life. It is required that every animal leaving the shelter must be given a microchip.
 
The shelter scans every dog that comes in for a microchip. If a microchip is found, the microchip company will release information of the owner and they will be contacted to retrieve their animal. It is advised that if you find an animal, you should take them to the shelter or a veterinary office to scan it for a microchip.

Of course it is extremely important that you keep up with your pet's microchip information. Updating your contact information with the microchip company every time you move or change your phone number is imperative.

Adoption Tip (Bringing Your Animal Home)

When adopting a deserving animal from an animal shelter, two lives are saved - the deserving animal life and the now-available kennel for another unwanted, but deserving animal.

Moving to a new home can be stressful for any pet. Some pets may experience an stomach upset and diarrhea, and even house-trained/ litter-trained pet may have accidents. Some may be shy for a while until trust is earned. Be patient; it could take anywhere from three days to three months for your new pet to settle in.

Preparing Your Home


Gather Supplies

Purchase items your pet may need before bringing the animal home. Such items include items for dogs such as a flat-buckle or martingale collar, a harness, 6-foot nylon leash and for all pets -  identification tag, food, water bowls, a bed—and toys! Toys that are unlikely to be swallowed are recommended until the temperance of the pet is known.

Other items include an appropriately sized crate or enclosed pet playpen (large enough for the animal to stand up and turn around in) for use as a safe, quiet “den.

If you know what kind of food your pet has been eating, buy a small bag to keep their diet consistent. Food can always be changed down the road by gradually mixing the current food with the new food to avoid upsetting their stomach.

Establish A Routine

Determine the pet regimen in advance with your family. Such questions may include:

  • Who will walk the pet (if a dog)? When?
  • How often will you feed the pet?
  • Where will the animal rest at night? 
  • Are there any rooms in the house that are off-limits?
  • Will the animal be allowed on the furniture? In a crate?


Prepare for House-Training

  • Assume your new pet is not house-trained.
  • Be consistent and maintain a routine
  • Accidents may happen as pets adjust; this can be prevented by taking them out every few hours (or to the litter box).      

Ensure All Pets Are Healthy

For pets in the home, all shots need to be up-to-date and the pets be in general good health before introducing a new pet.

New pets can be stressful for other pets; ensuring their mental and physical health are in good shape is crucial before the added stress of a new pet.                                                                  

Take Your New Pet to the Veterinarian

A new pet needs to be taken to the veterinarian within a week of adoption for a general health check, vaccines, preventive flea/tick medications, microchip and spay/neuter follow-up appointment.

The First Weeks

Consider a crate

Join a training class 


Plan games & exercise for your pet

Patience is Key!