In order to assist you with your selection of a pet from our Animal Shelter, we would like you to consider the following information. Commitment When selecting a pet, please realize that life expectancies for dogs and cats generally range from 10 to 18 years. Are you and your family prepared to make this lengthy commitment to the animal you would like to adopt? Pet ownership also includes responsibilities for training, vet care and other things necessary for the pet to lead a comfortable, happy life. Lifestyle We feel it is important for you to select an animal whose personality, care and exercise needs fit your family. Some dogs require lots of exercise; some pets are better with children, some age groups of puppies and kittens are better suited to young kids. If you have questions about which animal would make the best pet for you, please consult with our adoption staff. Behavior Many of the animals in our shelter have previous life histories that are unknown to us. Therefore, undesirable behaviors may be present that could show up after you have the animal at home. Please be prepared for the possible necessity to deal with chewing, clawing, barking or house soiling during the time the animal is adjusting to your home. All of these behaviors are easily correctable but a commitment is required on the part of the adopter to teach the pet. Not every animal in the shelter is available for adoption based on its behavior or sociability. Adoption staff can advise you in this area. Expenses The ownership of a pet comes with some built-in expenses. Consider the following expenses and how they could affect your household budget.
Food per month
Shots per year
Dog house
Toys
Leash & collar
Dog Bed
Grooming
Obedience training
License
Cats:
Food per month
Shots per year
Toys
Collar
Litter box
Cat litter
Cat bed
Scratching post
Cat carrier
Health While we make every effort to adopt a healthy pet to you, please be prepared for the eventuality that the pet could become ill and you will be required to pay for needed vet care. Animals in our shelter could have been exposed to a variety of health concerns while at large or here in our shelter. Based on illness or injury, not every animal in the shelter is recommended for adoption. Our animal health staff can advise you in this area. How Adopting a pet from the Animal Shelter is a two step process. It does not matter which you do first. You will need to come to the shelter and select an animal appropriate to your lifestyle from any available animal in our shelter. An animal becomes available for adoption after it goes through a legal hold period. The hold period currently is 5 business days without any owner information and 10 business days if we do have owner information. This hold period gives owners a chance to claim their pet if it becomes lost. You will then need to fill out an Adoption Application and go through an interview. After your application is approved, your application stays on file for one year. After you have completed these steps, it is simply a matter of paying the adoption fee, then taking your new family member home! Adoption Fees
Dog Adoptions: $25.00
Cat Adoptions: $25.00
The fee to adopt a dog or cat includes the following services: 50% off Spay or neuter surgery Rabies vaccination First set of shots Health exam at a vet clinic   Felv/Fiv Test on cat adoptions

CONTACT INFO: (MAIL)
MIDDLESEX COUNTY  ANIMAL CONTROL

2840 GENERAL PULLER HWY
SALUDA. VA 23149
 (PHONE) (804) 758-2779
(FAX) 758-5293
(E-MAIL) ricky@co.middlesex.va.us

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Last modified: January 20, 2009 10:04:22