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Adoption Expectations

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

When we take a dog/cat into our rescue, we are making a lifetime commitment to that dog/cat, and we take that commitment seriously.   During the adoption application process we have a rigorous protocol that not only finds a suitable home for the dog, but one where the dog/cat will succeed, be happy and a great match for their forever family in terms of lifestyle, daily routine, and level of activity.  We are their only voice, and it is our responsibility to make sure that they are heard.

Once they are adopted, we are still going to check in with adopters to ensure that if there are any issues that we address them early on so they don’t escalate.  These dogs/cats have already been through a lot their short lives. It is our job to make sure their forever home stays their forever homes

  • We promise that as long as you are committed to the dog/cat, we are committed to helping you make it work.
  • We promise that we are not giving you a dog/cat and then walking away.  We are always available to our adopters to help with any issues that may arise so that the adoption doesn’t fail and the dog/cat doesn’t have to be returned.
  • We promise we will ALWAYS TAKE OUR DOGS/CATS BACK no matter how long after the dog/cat has been adopted.  We see CHS rescue pets as our ultimate responsibility for the life of the dog/cat.  EXCEPT if the dog/cat is a senior and you want to surrender because you are moving to a retirement community, or another home (both of your choice) that does not allow pets, or such other decision that takes advantage of what the intent of our promise is.
  • We promise our dogs are fully vetted and up to date on shots. This means that the dog has been tested for heartworm (appropriate for age), wormed, microchipped, and has a clean bill of health.  This includes, but is not limited to: dental care, heartworm treatment, arthritis, kidney stones, neurological issues, and respiratory issues.  Our cats are fully vetted and up to date on vaccinations (appropriate for age), Felv/FIV tested, wormed, and microchipped.
  • We promise all animals that are adopted out have received all healthcare for issues that had been observed before or during their time within our foster homes. We want to make sure that you and your new companion have the longest possible time together, and that they are healthy.
  • We promise full disclosure on everything we know so far about the animal in our care, including health issues, behavior issues, how they are with cats, other dogs, children, etc. to the best of our knowledge.

YOUR PROMISE TO THEM

Bringing a dog/cat into your family is no small decision.  Making a commitment to a dog/cat is much like making a commitment to a human being – both relationships require daily care and nurturing in order to flourish.  As you embark on this new commitment, here are some promises to make to your pet:

  • I promise to have realistic expectations of the role my dog/cat will play in my life. I will remember that she is a dog/cat, not a furry little human.
  • I promise to learn to understand my dog’s/cats body language. If she starts to show me that she is uncomfortable, I will remove her from that situation for her own protection and well-being and that of the people and dogs around her.
  • I promise to protect my dog/cat from dangers, such as traffic and other creatures who might want to hurt her.
  • I promise to keep her in a collar containing up-to-date I.D.
  • I promise to learn relationship-based training methods for my dog so that she can understand what I am trying to say.
  • I promise to be consistent with my training, since dogs feel secure when daily life is predictable, with fair rules and structure.
  • I promise to match her loyalty and patience with my own.
  • I promise that my dog/cat will be part of my family. I will make a commitment to schedule time every day to interact with her so that she will feel loved and will not develop behavior problems from a lack of stimulation and socialization.
  • I promise to seek professional help from a relationship-based trainer if my dog develops behavior problems that become unmanageable.
  • I promise that my dog will have opportunities to exercise and honor some of her instincts. She’ll have walks and runs outside of her daily territory, so she can sniff and explore.
  • I promise to provide veterinary care for her entire life. I will keep her healthy and watch her weight.
  • I promise that if I move, marry, have a baby, or get divorced, she will continue to share my life, since she is a beloved family member.
  • I promise that if I absolutely must give her up, I will return my pet to Culpeper Humane Society.