We take-in all strays from Somerset County. There is no "time limit" on an animal's stay. We are frequently asked how long we keep animals at our shelter, if we are a "no-kill" shelter, and what will happen to an animal that is brought to the Humane Society. We are animal lovers. We hate the idea of putting an animal down - for any reason. However, unlike other shelters, we take-in all strays from Somerset County - Owned animals are accepted via a waiting list as soon as room is available. There are times when an animal is simply so vicious that we can not responsibly adopt the pet to a family. We have, at other times, been told by our veterinarian, that it is not humane to extend the life of a very sick animal. We make every effort to find homes for every animal in our care. Sometimes, this can take months. There is no "time limit" on an animal's stay. When our shelter is over-crowded, we rely on a network of "foster families" to take care of our pets. All the while, we have increased our efforts to "get the word out" about our pets (e.g. this website, pictures, newspaper publicity, etc.) Our efforts pay off. The Staff and Board of Directors at the Humane Society love pets, and our actions bear out that simple fact. Our animal guests get the very best care while they are with us.
A successful adoption consists of finding a good home for our animals and a good match for you. In order for this to happen please be prepared to work with us completing the following steps: You will need to complete an application; we will process your application. Please allow us 48 hours (may be longer if over a weekend or holiday) to do that as we will contact your references as well as your current veterinarian. Be aware that completing an application does not guarantee you will be approved for the animal you have chosen. It is not uncommon for us to receive several applications for the same animal. Upon turning in the application, if you have not already met the animal, a meet and greet with the animal will be required prior to final approval of an adoption. Many of the animals in our care have suffered a traumatic past and have been poorly cared for and neglected before coming to the shelter, so we need to be assured they will be going to a safe and loving environment. Because of this, we may access public records of potential adopters that may include a criminal background check and do a home visit. Potential adopters must provide good medical care for the animals so we will expect that any current animals in your home are up to date on all required vaccines. If you obtain your animal’s rabies vaccine at a clinic, be prepared to provide record of this. All participants of rabies clinics are provided with this documentation. If for some reason your current animal(s) cannot receive vaccinations, submit a verification letter from your veterinarian. Any current dogs in your home must have current licenses. If old enough, all cats and dogs will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving the shelter to go to their adoptive home. A spay/neuter contract will need to be signed for kittens and puppies that are not old enough to be spayed or neutered prior to leaving the shelter. If you already have animals, we may ask you to bring them to the shelter to meet the animal you want to adopt. The same is suggested for children in the home. ALL DOGS MUST BE ON LEASHES WHEN ON SHELTER PROPERTY.