Adoption Policies

Adding a pet to your family involves a commitment of time, affection and money. Charles Smithgall Humane Society (CSHS) strives to ensure that every pet adopted becomes a beloved member of their adopted family, living happy and healthy in a home that is for their lifetime. Therefore, we have established these adoption policies to ensure that you and your new family member will enjoy wonderful companionship for many years to come.

Anyone requesting to adopt a dog or cat must complete an adoption application as the initiating step of our approval process to adopt. Adopters must also agree to a binding adoption agreement at the time of adoption.

CSHS will adopt to residents of any state outside of Georgia with the same considerations and requirement which pertain to those applying locally. We do not arrange for any form of shipping nor ground transport. Approved adopters must come to the shelter to meet the caretakers of their new family member and to transport home. There have been instances of approved adopters having a change of heart upon meeting the animal for which approved. Any animal adopted from our shelter must be returned to us if the adoption is not a good fit or if circumstances change at any point in time after the adoption and there is not a trusted family member or friend willing to continue the lifetime commitment to their pet..

All adoption applicants must agree to a home evaluation visit done by a CSHS representative prior to adopting any animal. If distance prevents a physical evaluation, a virtual visit will be conducted using satellite, SKYPE, videos, photos and/or the assistance of an experienced home evaluation person local to the adopter..

CSHS adoption prices vary, please contact us for specific information.

Applicants who are living in a home which they do not own must provide the name and phone number of the owner, landlord or property manager to the CSHS representative. Applicants will not be considered for adoption until a conversation regarding pet policies and permission has occurred. Verbal consent from the parents of an adult child living at home applying to adopt must also be obtained. All applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Exceptions are made according to the needs of the animal and the environment of the adopter.

Secure fenced yards are preferred for canine adoptions. Exceptions are made according to the ability of the adopter to keep the dog safe and adequately exercised when outside. Each situation will be considered based upon the dog being adopted and the area in which the home is located.

All dogs receive the following care prior to adoption:

• Deworming
• Vaccinations (rabies, DHLPP, Bordatella)
• Spay or neuter
• Heartworm test
• Heartworm treatment (if necessary)
• Heartworm and flea preventative
• Treatment for illness and injury

All cats receive the following care prior to adoption:

• Deworming
• Vaccinations (rabies, FVRCP)
• Spay or neuter
• FIV/FeLV test
• Treatment for illness and injury

Puppies and kittens receive age appropriate vaccines, flea/tick treatment, deworming and all the above services if they come of age while in our care. Those who are adopted before coming of age for these services will receive a certificate to cover most of these treatments if using a participating vet. If using a vet that charges more than we allow, applicants will be responsible for the difference. Some vets will charge additional fees for pain medication after the surgery. Applicants should speak with their vet about their fees/policies. If there are any questions, call the CSHS.

Adopters of puppies and kittens who are responsible for the spaying/neutering of their pet when of age for the surgery, must send proof of the procedure to the CSHS within the designated time frame. CSHS requires all adopted animals receive annual vaccinations and basic veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian.

Adopters will agree to post-adoption welfare visits and/or accepting welfare check phone calls during the first year after adoption to ensure that the adopted animal is being cared for in accordance with the terms of adoption.

Resident pets of applicants must be up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered if of age. Dogs must be on heartworm preventative. Care of resident animals will be confirmed by contact with the servicing veterinary office. CSHS will reject any applicant not in compliance with these health requirements without reasonable explanation.

CSHS may decline any applicant based on the evaluation of their environment and ability to provide the resources, proper care and companionship for this new family member.