Suggestions for Potential Pet Owners
Pets as Gifts
Holiday Pet Tips
Requirements for Adoption
Animal Adoption Fees

The purpose of our adoption program is to place pets which are physically and temperamentally suitable with people who will give them consistent care and attention. Such matchmaking requires a knowledge of both the pets to be placed and the prospective adopters. If after reading our informational material you decide to adopt a pet, you will be asked to fill out an adoption application. Your answers will help us decide if you have chosen a pet whose size and needs are compatible with your family and lifestyle.

Adoption is a long-term commitment requiring planning and some self-examination. Prior to adopting a pet, give yourself the following test. If you cannot answer "yes" to each question you should reconsider your decision. It may be that the needs of an animal do not correspond to your willingness and ability to care for it at this time.

Should you adopt an adult dog/cat or a puppy/kitten?  While puppies and kittens are cute and are the main reason many potential adopters visit the shelter, adult animals are actually much easier to adopt and get settled into a home.  For starters, the staff at BFHS is very familiar with the dogs and cats and know their personalities and quirks.  Adults are usually housebroken and well-behaved.  Much of the needed training has already been done.  In fact, if a dog's unruly or unacceptable behavior is interfering with its adoption, the staff takes steps to rehabilitate the animal so that it will be a better addition to a loving family.  Adult dogs also have a known medical history, are usually already spayed or neutered, and are current on shots.

Pets as Gifts. We discourage people from giving a pet as a gift. Animals are not inanimate objects, we hope the animals we adopt will go to households that will accept them as members of the family. Before obtaining a pet, we feel the whole family should be consulted. A puppy or kitten under the Christmas Tree is an adorable image, but is the recipient willing to make a ten to twenty year commitment to the care and welfare of the animal?

If you are shopping for someone who wants a pet, please involve him or her in the selection process. Also consider the holiday itself may not be an appropriate time to introduce a pet to a new home. There may be too much activity that will cause stress for the animal. Perhaps a gift certificate should be considered, then select the pet and introduce it to the new home well before or after the bustle of the holiday. 

      Crowds of people and holiday festivities can frighten animals. Make sure your pets have a “safe haven” where they can retreat. Cat owners should note that disruptions like rearranging furniture might cause your pet to stop using the litter box. 

      Holiday treats and foods are generally bad for pets. Poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages, chocolates are poisonous, and any sudden change of diet can give your pet stomach pain or diarrhea. 

      Be careful with decorations. Common Yuletide plants like poinsettias, mistletoe and holly berries can be poisonous, possibly even fatal. Tree ornaments and decorative candles can cause choking or intestinal problems. Exposed wiring can electrocute curious animals that chew on it. 

      Your Christmas Tree should be secure. Some cats see the tree as a great climbing post. You may consider animal-safe ornaments (dried flowers, pine cones or fabric and wood ornaments. Tinsel and popcorn strands can be deadly to pets, glass balls can shatter causing injury. 

Be aware that the changes and activities over the holidays can cause stress and anxiety for your pets. By taking precautions you and your pets can enjoy a safe holiday season.

Please understand that you must meet the following requirements to adopt any pet from our program:

Be 21 years of age or older.
Have the consent of all people living in your household.
Be able to pay the entire adoption fee at the time of adoption.
Provide proof that your landlord will allow you to keep the animal if you rent the property where you live.
Have adequate space to accommodate the adult size of the pet you wish to adopt.

Are you willing and able to:

...adjust your lifestyle, if necessary, to meet the needs for exercise, attention and training?

...pay for food, vaccinations, annual vet exams and emergency treatment that may be needed?

...provide daily care for the animal throughout its lifespan of 10-15 years?

...take the time to properly train and housebreak a new pet?

...obey the animal ordinances in your community?

*The Spay/Neuter deposit will be refunded upon showing shelter staff a veterinary bill or other documentation as proof that the alteration was performed.  Many new owners choose to forgo return of the deposit, instead leaving it as a contribution to the Shelter.

Click for a pre-adoption questionnaire (in Word or PDF) to speed up your adoption.  Bring the completed questionnaire with you to the shelter when you pick up your new family member.