Frequently Asked Questions General Q: Does HSHC put animals to sleep?A: Yes, for a variety of reasons we find ourselves in the unfortunate position to have to euthanize some animals. We are looking for people like you to help us save more and more lives so that euthanasia becomes less necessary. There are a number of reasons for which animals might be euthanized at HSHC. We sometimes receive animals in very poor health or those that may have been abused or neglected and are simply not safe to place as pets. For these animals we provide a humane, dignified end to their suffering. Our technicians are very skilled and compassionate people, whose goal it is to save lives. We are limited as to the number of animals we can accommodate in our facility at any one time. Space is a concern because over-crowding can lead to unsanitary conditions in which more animals become sick, requiring us to euthanize otherwise healthy animals. When we receive more animals than we can hold, we first look for foster care for appropriate animals. If we cannot find enough foster homes, we identify the animals least likely to be adopted and those are sadly put to sleep. Pets involved in attacks on people or serious attacks on other animals are sometimes considered too dangerous to hold or handle and might be ordered euthanized by a county official, veterinarian or by HSHC. A pet owner will sometimes bring a pet to us and ask that we put it to sleep. In almost all cases, this has been a much loved family pet, who has reached the end of a long, happy life. Public euthanasia is a service we provide, but because we are not set up to provide for the medical needs of owned pets, we can not allow owners to stay with their pet for the procedure. For this reason, we recommend that if at all possible a pet be taken to their own veterinarian where he or she will be more comfortable; less stressed and can stay with their beloved family as they say a final good-bye. The decision to end an animal’s life is never, regardless of the reason, made arbitrarily or capriciously. It is a sad reality for us, and one, we are working very hard to change. Please let us tell you about ways you might join us and help save the lives of pets in our community. Q: For how long do you keep animals? A: HSHC meets State and County mandated holding periods for stray dogs and cats. These holding periods are designed so that pet owners have a reasonable amount of time to find lost pets. The stray hold periods are:10 days for dogs wearing a license, 4 days for dogs with no identification and 3 days for cats, excluding Sundays and holidays, Once the holding period is up the pet becomes the property of HSHC. HSHC then determines the best course of action, which often means making that pet available for adoption as soon as we have completed some basic medical screening, vaccinations, and whatever else the animal might need to fit this criteria. Depending on the situation, HSHC might hold an animal longer than even our stray hold period or place them into foster care. This is particularly true of very young kittens and puppies under 8 weeks of age, and therefore not yet old enough to adopt out. We have no time limit by which animals must be adopted, as we work to adopt out every pet possible. Some animals, due to age, history, and health issues may remain in Foster or on-site until we find the right home. HSHC will continue to try as long as we feel we can safely place them into a responsible, loving new home. Q: Do you have any small dogs, puppies, kittens or other specifics available for adoption? A: We receive animals constantly and many leave each day to go to new homes. With so many coming and going, we suggest that you come in to look for yourself. The animals here now, may be entirely different than those here later today. We do not want to tell you that we have a specific animal as it may be adopted before you get here. Nor do we want to tell you that we do not have an animal as it might come in any moment. This is a good time to tell us a bit a bit about your lifestyle, exactly what kind of pet you are looking for and other such info. so that we may soundly counsel you. A busy family with active small children may do better with a young adult dog as apposed to a small toy breed, or an elderly person might not want a young rambunctious kitten after all, etc. We cannot hold animals. |