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| Email Us Events Take The Tour Pet News! Shop For Your Pet |
| 1. What kind of pets do you have? |
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We mostly have dogs, puppies, cats and kittens . We do get hamsters or gerbils,
ferrets and rabbits occasionally. We also sometimes get parakeets or other birds,
and rarely a reptile or two. By far the largest percentage of our animals are
dogs and cats. We are unable to work with wild animals or farm animals.
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| 2. How much does it cost to adopt a pet? |
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Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are $95. The fees include spay or neuter, vaccinations
and other health care, and microchipping (a computer chip is provided
with your pet's information in case it gets lost). Rabbits are $45. Ferrets are $25, gerbils and hamsters are
$5 each, and guinea pigs and parakeets are $10.
Click here for a printable list of adoption costs.
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| 3. How do I go about adopting a pet? |
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The procedure for adoption is straightforward. You do have to be physically
present to adopt a pet from us. During a visit you decide which pet is the right
one for you. You must fill out an adoption request. Later, if you are approved for the adoption, you
will sign an adoption contract. The contract stipulates that you will take care of the pet and that you assume full financial responsibility. You also agree to return the pet to the Humane Society if you cannot keep it. The adoption request also is a questionnaire that asks for information on where you live and how you will take care of the animal.
You must be present to present your application. You can find the applications here: - Dog application - Cat application If there have been adoption requests before yours on the same animal, they will be processed in order. The first fully qualified adopter has the opportunity to take the pet home. If for any reason the adopter decides to change his mind or is not eligible, the next eligible adoption request is processed. There is normally a 24 hour waiting period after an adoption request is filled out. There is also normally a yard check to ensure there is a fenced back yard for dogs. Adoption fees for dogs and cats are $90 (adoption of dogs from outside of Charles County, Maryland is $95). Go to top |
| 4. What are the requirements for adopting a pet? |
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Requirements for adopting a pet include: - fill out an adoption request and sign an adoption contract The applications can be found here: Dog application Cat application - you will be asked to wait 24 hours before taking a pet home. This prevents "impulse" adoptions - you must pay an adoption fee. Click here for adoption costs. - there should be a fenced back yard for most dogs - you must be financially able to care for your pet - you must live in housing where pets are allowed - you must agree that if you cannot keep your pet, that you will return it to us at the Humane Society of Charles County - ask a staff member about any other requirements that might be necessary Go to top |
| 5. Is there a waiting period? |
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Yes, normally there is a 24 hour waiting period after an adoption application is
approved. This waiting period allows time for thinking about the adoption and
helps prevent adoption on "impulse".
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| 6. Can I have a pet where I live? |
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Please check with your landlord or your neighborhood association. There may be
rules that do not allow you to have a pet, restricts pets to certain kinds of
animals, or restricts whether you may let your pet roam. In Charles County,
Maryland, it is a violation of the Charles County Animal Regulations to let your
pet roam freely. The Animal Regulations for Charles County can be found at
http://www.humanesocietycc.org/regs.htm .
Alternately, you can call Charles County Animal Control at 301 932-1713.
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| 7. How do I volunteer my time and services? |
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The first thing to do is take a look at the things that Volunteers can do at
our Volunteer Information page. Then contact the Humane
Society by leaving a phone message at (301)
645-8181. We also have an email form you
can fill out online by clicking here . If you would like,
you can also print out the form, fill it in by hand and mail it to: Humane Society of Charles County Volunteer Coordinator P.O. Box 1015 Waldorf, MD 20604-1015. Go to top |