Q: Do you have to have an appointment to adopt?

A: No, adoptions are done on a first come, first serve basis.

Q: What do you need to bring to adopt?

A: Adopters must be 18 or older and head of household. You will need a valid ID, payment, and a carrier for cats or leash/collar for dogs. We sell carriers and leashes in our retail store if you do not have one!

Q: What time do adoptions stop for the day?

A: Adoptions are cut off every day about 30 minutes prior to closing and possibly earlier if volume is high. Weekends are busy and you may have to wait more than an hour (especially in the afternoons) so please be prepared.

Q: What if the pet I want isn’t spayed/neutered yet?

A: It will be 2-5 business days before you can return to take your new pet home. HSSM’s Community Pet  Clinic will contact you once your pet is ready to be picked up.

Q: Why do I need to be with an adoption counselor? I just want to look!

A: For the safety of our customers and our animals, we require an adoption counselor to be with customers at all times. We understand that it wasn’t always this way, but we’ve actually seen our adoption numbers improve with the one-on-one experience.

Q: Can I bring my other dog for a meet and greet?

A: Yes, this is highly encouraged to make sure the animals get along before taking a new one home.

Q: How long does the adoption process take?

A: The adoption interview and paperwork usually takes about an hour to complete (including waiting time). This time may vary if volume is high.

Q: What does the adoption fee include?

A: All adoption fees include: Your new pet, Spay/Neuter, Up-to-date Vaccinations, heartworm test for age appropriate animals, Microchip & engraved ID tag, discounted vet service within 7 days of adoption, one FREE starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet food, a FREE 30 minute dog training consultation with Canine Coaching with Chris, plus a lifetime of unconditional love!

Q: Does HSSM offer adoption price discounts?

A: Throughout the year, pets may have lowered or waived adoption fees as part of adoption specials.

Discounts are not available in conjunction with any other promotion.

Q: Can HSSM hold an animal for me? What if I prepay?

A: Adoptions are done on a first come, first serve basis. HSSM cannot do holds and does not accept prepayments. Adoptions must be done in person.

Q: What is a slumber party?

A: Slumber parties allow an animal to get out of the shelter environment for a few days. Upon arrival back at the shelter, we ask questions about the animal to post new information to help the animal get adopted quicker. A slumber party is also an option for potential adopters to see how an animal would do in their home before officially adopting. Slumber party candidates must be 10 months or older and spayed/neutered.

Q: What is a stray hold adoption?

A: HSSM must legally hold stray animals that come into the shelter for 5 days to allow time for their owner to retrieve them. After 5 days, the animal is allowed to go up for adoption. During the 5 day hold, potential adopters can do a stray hold adoption and become first in line to adopt if the animal’s owner do not come in. Payment information on file is required and you will be committing to the adoption if the owners do not come forward.

Q: I found an animal, and I am here to bring it in. What do I do?

A: Where did you find this animal? If the animal was not found in Harrison County, we are legally not allowed to take it. Refer to your county’s local animal shelter. If the animal was found in Harrison County, please go out the adoptions door to the left and see the Pet Resources/Lost and Found department.

Q: Where is the restroom?

A: Go straight down the hall, take a left, there is a blue door with a restroom sign on it on the left.

Q: I am here to donate items, where should I put them?

A: There is a white bench located next to the adoptions entrance where all visitors leave their donations. If you need a receipt, please ask an adoption counselor. Donations for our thrift store can be dropped off in the thrift store donation bins located in the far left back parking lot.

Q: I would like to make a donation in someone’s name/honor. Where should I go?

A: Any counselor can process this donation. If they would like a card mailed to the recipient, please get the recipient’s home address and give to Administration.  

Q: How do I learn about volunteering?

A: Please refer to the volunteer FAQ’s.

Q: My pet is having post-surgical complications. What should I do?

A: If our clinic is open, please come see us! No appointment or phone call is necessary. We are open Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4pm. If it is after hours, please see your regular vet or emergency vet. Please note that HSSM is not responsible for any costs incurred outside of HSSM’s clinic.