I hate the Humane Society

[st_ignatius110]

I thought this WAS the local pound.
I need to look into that.

My apolgies. It was actually the SPCA of Dallas that the show was done on.

 

[netmilsmom]

My apolgies. It was actually the SPCA of Dallas that the show was done on.

No, I’m sorry I stated that wrong.
I thought our local Humane Society was “the Pound”
Actually, I would like to rescue a dog, the more I think about it.

 

[Island_Oak]

We walked back in and the woman pulled me into another room. She said that because I called my husband and they weren’t sure I convinced him, he would have to come in BUT they closed at 3:00 so he would not be out of work. THEN they wanted proof that I had my cats neutered. From 1999! In another city!

Needless to say, this puppy will be gone by Saturday when my hubby can get back. I walked out with two hysterical kids. I even volunteered to pay the fee if they would hold the puppy. No go…

Forgetting for one moment your and the kids’ disappointment over the lost puppy, the treatment you received at the hands of these people was ATROCIOUS!! Since when is an adult woman required to call her hubby to get permission to purchase anything, including a pet. I understand that in a perfect world they want the whole family on-board with the idea of adopting a new pet, but they treated you like they would a child or some incompetent fool who wandered in without appropriate supervision. I would most certainly take this up with whoever is running the place. It was insulting, condescenting, humiliating and inexcusably invasive and you have every reason to feel irate.

 

[netmilsmom]

netmil(name removed by moderator)…
I had a similar situation at our local society when I wanted to adopt a cat…ended up so disgusted that I went the route of adopting a "rescued"cat …when that one passed away I went back to the same people and got two more lovely older cats!
I say go the route of adopting the “rescued” animals…

There are darling little dogs on a site called Skinnypuppy.
All rescued from puppy mills or private owners.

Thanks! You’re the best and I know that you’re right.

 

[netmilsmom]

Don’t give up on that puppy!! just because some woman was crass and rude, don’t give up on him! call her superior if you
have to, but do not give up on him! they might put him down

if you really want that puppy, then go get him girl! don’t take no for an answer!

The girls still want the puppy but knowing that this was one of two puppies in the shelter, when Dad goes on Saturday, she will be gone.

We are going to try, but there is a reason why this pup didn’t work out for us. God will work it out or we will get a better pup.

As I tell my girls, God doesn’t give you what you want, He gives you what you need.
and maybe a little old lady, much more in need of a friend than us, is meant to get her.

 

[netmilsmom]

Forgetting for one moment your and the kids’ disappointment over the lost puppy, the treatment you received at the hands of these people was ATROCIOUS!! Since when is an adult woman required to call her hubby to get permission to purchase anything, including a pet. I understand that in a perfect world they want the whole family on-board with the idea of adopting a new pet, but they treated you like they would a child or some incompetent fool who wandered in without appropriate supervision. I would most certainly take this up with whoever is running the place. It was insulting, condescenting, humiliating and inexcusably invasive and you have every reason to feel irate.

You know, I never thought about it that way. That is very true.
And you know, I could have lied through the whole thing, saying I didn’t have a husband or never had an animal before.

If they had even said that they wanted to speak to him and held the puppy, I would have been okay.

My poor nine year old was doing math and tears were falling. I asked what was wrong and she just looked at me stating, I really love that puppy.

Oh Man!

 

[sarcophagus]

I have a friend who once adopted a kitten. Since she’s in college she could afford it, but with biweekly pay, sometimes she had to wait for things. Well the humane society in her city does check ups to see how the animal is adjusting etc. She was in the middle of pay week and the kittens scheduled vets appointment was before she got paid, so she called and moved the appointment for when she had the money. I guess the society got wind of this, showed up at the house and tried to take the kitten away because she was being “neglectful” of its needs, nevermind the fact the appointment was a week away…ever since she told me this, I can’t stand them.

 

[st_ignatius110]

I would march right back up there and tell them that you want this dog your husband is out of town and they need to cooperate with you. This is ridiculous.

EDIT: On the other hand, maybe it would be better to not even get involved with these people. They might just harass you half to death.

 

[Anne1964]

I agree the person at the humane society did a poor job of explaining their policy, but the policy itself is not unreasonable. Asking that your husband show up at the agency was a bit much, though. They should have taken your word for it that it was ok with him.

The questions they ask and the requirements they come from years of experience dealing with people who adopt pets.

They should have explained their adoption policies up front. Some rescue organizations will not let you see the animals until you have completed an application and been approved.

Their goal is to place the animal in a permanent home where it will be well cared for. The question about everyone in the home being aware of, and agreeing to, the adoption of a pet is reasonable.

You would be amazed at the number of animals that are adopted, only to be returned several days, or weeks later, because someone changed their mind, or someone at home objected.

Rescue organizations also try to weed out the impulse adopters, who drop in, see a cute puppy or kitten, and want to adopt it on the spot. (Note: I am not implying that is what you did). But it happens a lot.

Most organizations tend to have stricter adoption requirements for puppies and kittens than adult animals. It is not uncommon for an agency to refuse to place a young animal in a home with children under a certain age, because of the concern of the child accidentally injuring the animal.

It is also very common for an agency to require proof that other animals in the house have been neutered. All you need to do is have your current vet sign a form or write a letter to that effect.

Organizations frequently do home visits, particularly for dogs to ensure they have adequate water, shade, and space, if they are going to be left outside.

When I adopted my cat, I filled out a 3 page application and provided two references plus a reference from my vet. Then I had a phone interview. All this before I was allowed to see any of the cats.

Try searching petfinder.com/ You can search by city and state and you will see lots of animals just begging to be adopted.

 

[maria29]

try www.petfinder.org it breaks dogs and cats down by breed and age on a national basis…many of the shelters will be strict on here too, trying to actually save animals from going to another abusive home…

I can see where the Humane society is coming from, they figure that what happens if your husband is upset doesn’t want the animal and then they are right back where they started. While you know your are goodhearted person they do not…and they have to go by actions and appearences only. I can also understand that they want proof you’d spayed your animals as its illegal in some cities and towns to not have it done. I guess this another way you’re showing that you’re a responsible pet owner.

She may have come off rude, etc, perhaps she was having a bad day…Maybe you should offer her a prayer of St.Francis of Asissi to grant her patience

 

[Giannawannabe]

At the risk of sounding a little overly sensitive, it bothers me to compare the Humane Society or shelters to “adoption agencies”. When I was a kid we “got” a pet, not “adopted” one. It’s probably just me being a teeny, weeny bit defensive—being an adoptive mom and all…

Sorry for your troubles. I have heard many stories similar to yours, netmil(name removed by moderator)! My following advice will probably go over like a wet blanket, but here goes… I highly recommend going out for a drive in the country. Lots and lots of signs for free kittens. That’s where we’ve always gotten ours. None have been ill or had anything wrong with them. Our dog was also gotten free from the neighbor of a friend whose dog had puppies. The pups and kitties will eventually end up at the shelter/pound or what have you. We simply get them BEFORE they go! No scrutiny or checkups. There’s not a nicer, friendly, more “companionable” cat and dog around than ours! They even like each other.

 

[st_ignatius110]

No, I’m sorry I stated that wrong.
I thought our local Humane Society was “the Pound”
Actually, I would like to rescue a dog, the more I think about it.

Are you here in Dallas? We have a pound in Oak Cliff that has to put down about a 100 dogs per day! They do cost about 95.00 to adopt but they really are in desperate need of homes.

 

[SeekerJen]

I know it’s a bit of a drive for you, but I highly recommend the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

I adopted my two kitties from there five years ago. They were super friendly and helpful: as I wanted two cats and one had already chosen me, they helped me find another with a compatible personality. They took brief info about previous pets, and wanted the name of the vet used so they could make sure there hadn’t been abuse, but they managed to check on that by the following afternoon, and they held the cats for me during that period. In fact, as spaying/neutering were included in the adoption fee, they took them to a local vet and I simply picked them up after their surgeries. The cats are wonderful, and I couldn’t have been happier with the service there.

 

[netmilsmom]

It would have taken a simple explaination of the rules before hand. And perhaps just telling me that the puppy was called for which, the more I think about it, may well be the case.

And yes, I think that proof of spaying 10 years before IS unreasonable. Who keeps records for a pet that has died??
Especially when there was a move in between.

The Humane Society can keep their animals. And get no donations from me.

try www.petfinder.org it breaks dogs and cats down by breed and age on a national basis…many of the shelters will be strict on here too, trying to actually save animals from going to another abusive home…

**I can see where the Humane society is coming from, they figure that what happens if your husband is upset doesn’t want the animal and then they are right back where they started. While you know your are goodhearted person they do not…and they have to go by actions and appearences only. I can also understand that they want proof you’d spayed your animals as its illegal in some cities and towns to not have it done. I guess this another way you’re showing that you’re a responsible pet owner. **

**She may have come off rude, etc, perhaps she was having a bad day…Maybe you should offer her a prayer of St.Francis of Asissi to grant her patience **

 

[netmilsmom]

I know it’s a bit of a drive for you, but I highly recommend the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

I adopted my two kitties from there five years ago. They were super friendly and helpful: as I wanted two cats and one had already chosen me, they helped me find another with a compatible personality. They took brief info about previous pets, and wanted the name of the vet used so they could make sure there hadn’t been abuse, but they managed to check on that by the following afternoon, and they held the cats for me during that period. In fact, as spaying/neutering were included in the adoption fee, they took them to a local vet and I simply picked them up after their surgeries. The cats are wonderful, and I couldn’t have been happier with the service there.

They are coming to Freedom Hill in July!!!
That’s near me.

I’m thinking Summer is better anyway. For potty training.

 

[netmilsmom]

Are you here in Dallas? We have a pound in Oak Cliff that has to put down about a 100 dogs per day! They do cost about 95.00 to adopt but they really are in desperate need of homes.

No, I’m in Detroit, but thanks!

 

[netmilsmom]

At the risk of sounding a little overly sensitive, it bothers me to compare the Humane Society or shelters to “adoption agencies”. When I was a kid we “got” a pet, not “adopted” one. It’s probably just me being a teeny, weeny bit defensive—being an adoptive mom and all…

Sorry for your troubles. I have heard many stories similar to yours, netmil(name removed by moderator)! My following advice will probably go over like a wet blanket, but here goes… I highly recommend going out for a drive in the country. Lots and lots of signs for free kittens. That’s where we’ve always gotten ours. None have been ill or had anything wrong with them. Our dog was also gotten free from the neighbor of a friend whose dog had puppies. The pups and kitties will eventually end up at the shelter/pound or what have you. We simply get them BEFORE they go! No scrutiny or checkups. There’s not a nicer, friendly, more “companionable” cat and dog around than ours! They even like each other.

Lady, that is exactly what the hubby said!

 

[mary_bobo]

I agree the person at the humane society did a poor job of explaining their policy, but the policy itself is not unreasonable. Asking that your husband show up at the agency was a bit much, though. They should have taken your word for it that it was ok with him.

The questions they ask and the requirements they come from years of experience dealing with people who adopt pets.

They should have explained their adoption policies up front. Some rescue organizations will not let you see the animals until you have completed an application and been approved.

Their goal is to place the animal in a permanent home where it will be well cared for. The question about everyone in the home being aware of, and agreeing to, the adoption of a pet is reasonable.

You would be amazed at the number of animals that are adopted, only to be returned several days, or weeks later, because someone changed their mind, or someone at home objected.

Rescue organizations also try to weed out the impulse adopters, who drop in, see a cute puppy or kitten, and want to adopt it on the spot. (Note: I am not implying that is what you did). But it happens a lot.

Most organizations tend to have stricter adoption requirements for puppies and kittens than adult animals. It is not uncommon for an agency to refuse to place a young animal in a home with children under a certain age, because of the concern of the child accidentally injuring the animal.

It is also very common for an agency to require proof that other animals in the house have been neutered. All you need to do is have your current vet sign a form or write a letter to that effect.

Organizations frequently do home visits, particularly for dogs to ensure they have adequate water, shade, and space, if they are going to be left outside.

When I adopted my cat, I filled out a 3 page application and provided two references plus a reference from my vet. Then I had a phone interview. All this before I was allowed to see any of the cats.

Try searching petfinder.com/ You can search by city and state and you will see lots of animals just begging to be adopted.

Having volunteered at the Humane Society of Collier County, FL for more than three years, 20 hours a week. Many of the policies mentioned here are enforced at many shelters. The shelters I am most familiar with make a supreme effort to place a dog (I never worked with cats) in a home that will be permanent. This included being sure that the lifestyle of the family suited a particular breed. Everyone loves a cute little puppy, the kids want it, and the parents get it with the attitude, many times, of we can bring it back if it doesn’t work out.

It is always good to remember that dogs are turned in at a shelter for many different reasons. Not every dog can be rehomed. As many of you know, I have bred and shown dogs for more than 35 years, and I pride myself in knowing quite a lot about dogs in general and breeds in particular. Many good shelters have temperament testing to assess the temperament of the dog. Liability wise, they cannot afford to place a dog with a suspect temperament in a family. You would not believe the reasons why dogs are surrendered: it got too big, it nipped the kids. These are perfectly good reasons to carefully select a new home for a dog. Some dogs do get big–you should know that before you adopt. Some dogs nip, generally they are herding dogs that were bred to corral the sheep.

I’m sorry the OP had a bad experience at a shelter, but I hope she understands that the shelter is looking out for the welfare of the animal. You’d be surprised how many dogs get adopted by one member of the family and it comes back two days later because some other family member did not want it.

 

[hasikelee]

Lady, that is exactly what the hubby said!

That’s what my family has always done, too. Pick out a little one at the apropriate time to leave mama and papa, and take it straight home. Our family pets are indoor only and we don’t do anything to them.

 

[rayne89]

We went to that same Humane Society (the one on 22 right?) when our daughter was about three. We had picked out a cute white cat. Same story- huge ridiculous form to fill out -what medications I took(!), what kind of home did we live in, previous addresses etc etc.
We had a cat before -that we adopted from the Humane Society when hubby was stationed in NJ. (No ridiculous form just proof of residency.) This cat peed on everything. No matter what we tried (for 2 years) he ruined so many things. So we gave him to our in-laws who live on 10 acres. He had his own home outside in an old chicken coop, with straw to keep warm, his own sleeping bag and was spoiled rotten. But we didn’t quailfy because we gave a pet away. The woman actually said to me “How do we know you won’t give this one away if it pees on everything?”

Of daughter was crying because we couldn’t get the cat and I was furious. The woman recommended we go to the county animal shelter to adopt a cat. So apparently we weren’t good enough to adopt a cat from them but we could go to county and get one. (Which we did without any problem.)

When I shared this incident with people I knew one woman told me she never heard of anyone being able to get a pet form that particular Humane Society. It’s so ridiculous these poor animals are being put to sleep instead of going to good homes. We used to donate money to that Humane Society once in a while which we stopped doing and I wrote a letter which they never responded to.

Like I said in NJ we had no problems, no huge form. Once we picked the cat we left with it in less than ten minutes. I think it depends on the location.

After the cat we got from the shelter died we went to another cat rescue through Petsmart. This time I was wiser and knew how to fill out the forms so as not to run into any issues. They actually asked when was a good time to stop over for a home visit after we adopted the cat to check on him. They never did follow up with that. I think some of these animal rescue groups take animal rights to an extreme and are shooting themselves in the foot. They complain about not having enough homes for these animals but they make it so difficult to adopt a pet that many people just go to regular pet shops and buy one.

Sidenote- I am adopted and it really doesn’t bother me to refer to a pet as adopted. I love animals and they do kind of become like family members so in that way I do see them as adopted. Obviously there is a vast difference between adopting a pet and adopting a child and I think the majority of society knows that so the reference doesn’t bother me.