FAQ
What now?
Choosing the Right Pet for You
Think carefully about what you and your family want from a pet - a quiet
companion? an active playmate? a family friend? Every breed of dog and cat
has differing characteristics and each individual pet is different. When
choosing a pet, answer these questions:
* How much time do I have to spend caring for my pet?
* Do I want an active or passive pet?
* How much of my income can I spend on a pet?
* Am I a patient person?
* Why, exactly, do I want a pet?
Pet adoption counselors are available at our shelters to help you choose
a pet that suits your lifestyle. They will be happy to discuss your needs
in a pet and match the pet to you and your family.
After you've thought about your preferences in a new pet, it's time to...
Search Our Available Pets
When you have decided what kind of pet is right for you, visit our website.
We have many animals available for immediate adoption. In some cases,
the animal which suits your needs may not be available for immediate adoption.
Many are pets which have strayed away from home and must be held for 3-5
days in order to give their owners time to find them. Contact shelter
staff if you have questions regarding a specific animal.
SOME PETS MAY NOT BE ADOPTABLE DUE TO ILLNESS OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES. THESE
DECISIONS ARE MADE TO ENSURE THE BEST POTENTIAL FOR A SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION.
Adoption Day
The current foster "parent" is there to help you choose the right
pet. They are familiar with animal behavior, basic health care, customer
service and human/companion animal bond. They are pet owners and lovers themselves.
Trust them to help you make the right decision - for you and your pet.
Before visiting foster homes, we encourage you to:
* Complete the adoption application
* Obtain written proof that you are allowed a pet from your landlord
if you rent or lease.
After you select a pet you are interested in, the current foster parent will:
* Arrange for spay/neuter of pet if not already done
* Help you understand current laws and regulations
* Provide helpful tips on pet health and behavior.
The adoption fee includes:
* Spay/neuter surgery
* Adoption fee
* Vaccinations
* Veterinary health exam
Please consider these additional expenses that may be incurred with the adoption
of a new pet:
* Yearly vaccinations and check-ups
* Obedience classes
* Emergency veterinary care
* Flea control
* Boarding
* Grooming
* Worming
* Food
* Toys
* Beds
* Litter
*PLEASE NOTE: We do not adopt to people that live outside of Georgia, because
home visits are done prior to adoption. Please note that Heart of GA has
the right to refuse any adoption. We do not adopt to people who do not have
a fenced yard. No chains, runners, or etc.
Coming Home
Once at home, make your pet comfortable in an enclosed area - the laundry room,
bathroom or kitchen. Give your pet time to adjust. Be quiet, calm, loving and
gentle and your pet will quickly come to love and trust you. Keep other pets
at a distance for a day or so and let small children get to know the pet gradually.
Teach your pet the house rules from the beginning - don't let your pet chew
on an old shoe and then scold your pet for chewing your new boots! Be firm
and patient - never yell at or hit your pet.
IT NORMALLY TAKES 2-4 WEEKS FOR A NEW PET TO ADJUST TO YOUR HOME
AND FAMILY.
If your pet becomes ill, see a veterinarian immediately.
Unfortunately, shelter pets may not have been vaccinated by their previous
owners and they have been exposed to other animals on the streets and in
the kennel. Only about 5% of adopted pets develop untreatable illnesses.
Early veterinary care can save your pets life! Please call us if there are
any health problems.
Finally, we'll be more than happy to assist you with any problems or concerns
- please call us before the problem becomes too big!
Don't expect your pet to be perfect - he certainly won't expect you to be!