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Heritage Humane Heritage Humane
  • Adopt
    • Adopt a Dog or Puppy
    • Adopt A Cat or Kitten
    • Adopt a Small Pet
    • Career Cats
    • Adoption Process
      • Adoption Fees
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • What to Expect When Adopting
  • DONATE
    • Donate Online
    • Sasha’s Story
    • Whiskey’s Wish
    • Planned Giving
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  • Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Host an Event
    • Fido Fest
    • DoG Street Strut
    • Drool in the Pool
    • Golf Classic – Make Par for Pets
    • FURever 8k, 5k, and Pet Run
    • Holiday Bazaar
    • Holiday Fur Tree
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
      • How to Become a Volunteer
      • Alternative Volunteer Opportunities
      • Volunteer FAQ’s
      • Volunteer Sign In Portal
    • Auxiliary
      • Join the Auxiliary
      • Auxiliary Programs & Events
    • Foster Volunteers
      • Foster FAQ’s
  • Programs & Services
    • Dog Training Classes
    • Lost Pet Report
    • Low Cost Spay/Neuter Information
    • Admissions
      • Positive Alternatives to Surrendering a Pet
      • Which Pets We Accept
      • Surrender A Pet
    • Stray Pets
    • Injured Wildlife
    • Kibble Kitchen
    • Community Service
  • About Us
    • Contact Us & Directions
    • Leadership Team Directory
    • Board of Directors
    • Impact Reports & Financial Statements
    • Blog
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Shop

Adoption – FAQ’s

I saw a pet online, how do I start the adoption process?

Nothing can compare to the experience of meeting the love of your life, face to face! So first come on down to the Heritage Humane Society Adoption Center to meet your new best friend in person. Next we’ll have you fill out an adoption application form. If you rent, please be sure your have your apartment/condo’s pet policy. We may need to call your landlord before you bring your pet home. We will then go over the pet’s information and medical history with you. This is a good time to ask us any questions you may have about your new pet!

Do I need to bring my current dog in to meet n’ greet with the new one?

While it’s not required, it may be recommended for certain dogs. We never know how the dogs will react to their new canine friends in different environments. Please know that if the meet n’ greet goes well at the Adoption Center, it may be different once at home. There is never a guarantee. If you have questions about proper introduction (or reintroduction) techniques, please talk with our trained animal care staff.

I saw a pet online, is it still available?

Our website is updated hourly! If the pet you are interested in is still listed, that means it is still in our building. But please call us to check if there are any current applications. Once an animal is adopted, and leaves the Adoption Center, it will be removed from the website.

What should I bring with me to adopt?

Please be sure to bring a photo ID and cash or a credit card for the adoption fee (personal checks are NOT accepted). If you rent, please bring pet policy, or a written note from your landlord. The primary caregiver is required to be present to go through the adoption process. Any children 5 and under and, in some cases, any existing dogs living in the home will be required to be present and meet the animal prior to adopting. Meet and greets are not required but may be deemed necessary by staff.

Can you tell me this animal’s history? Is it housebroken? Does it get along with cats, other dogs or children?

Because Heritage Humane is an Open-Admission shelter, we receive any pet that comes to our door within our jurisdiction. There are many pets that arrive as stray. We know nothing of their history beyond where they were found and what condition they were in when found. If a family pet is surrendered, we try to get as much information as possible help find it a new home. So the answer is… it depends. We are very transparent with our adopters, and we will tell you everything we know. Please keep in mind that all pets are individuals. And we can never guarantee that a pet “housebroken pet” won’t have an accident in the house (just as an example).

Can you alert me when the type of animal I’m looking for comes available?

If you are looking for a certain type of pet, please let us know. We will take your information, and add it to our Wish Book. If you’re first in line, we’ll give you a call! Unfortunately we cannot hold dogs. If you are unable to adopt it within 24 hours, we will need to move on to the next person on the list.

I saw a pet online, can you hold it for me? Can I pay over the phone?

Unfortunately we are unable to hold pets, as time and space are very precious in a pet adoption center. We will need you to come in to meet the pet in person to be sure it’s a good match. At that time we can move on with the adoption process.

I am looking for a guard dog, or outside dog. Do you have any that may fit the bill?

Because dogs are companion animals, we require them to be indoor pets. They are bred to be with people, and can feel inadequate if left alone outside. That being said, some dogs just have a TON of energy! If you have a fenced in yard, and let your dogs run off their energy, we highly recommend bringing them inside when they’re done playing. We also do not recommend leaving your dog unattended outside (even with a fenced-in yard).

Adoption Hours
  • Heritage Humane Society is currently operating with an appointment-only adoption process only. No unscheduled visits at this time. If you are interested in making an appointment to meet a pet, please call us (757-221-0150 ext:0) or email us ([email protected]). Our Adoption Team is available from 8 AM - 4:30 PM daily. Appointments are 30 minutes in duration.
Surrender Hours
  • Please call at least 24 hours in advance to schedule your surrender appointment (757-221-0150 ext:0). Stray animals do not require an appointment, but when possible please call ahead.
  • Monday 9:00AM - 3:00PM
  • Tuesday 9:00AM - 11:00AM
  • Wednesday 9:00AM - 11:00AM
  • Thursday 9:00AM - 11:00AM
  • Friday 9:00AM - 11:00AM
  • Saturday 9:00AM - 11:00AM
  • Sunday 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Contact Information
  • Heritage Humane Society
  • 430 Waller Mill Road
  • Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • 757-221-0150
  • [email protected]
Heritage Humane Heritage Humane
  • Adopt
    • Adopt a Dog or Puppy
    • Adopt A Cat or Kitten
    • Adopt a Small Pet
    • Career Cats
    • Adoption Process
      • Adoption Fees
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • What to Expect When Adopting
  • DONATE
    • Donate Online
    • Sasha’s Story
    • Whiskey’s Wish
    • Planned Giving
    • Bricks & Pavers
    • Wish Lists
  • Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Host an Event
    • Fido Fest
    • DoG Street Strut
    • Drool in the Pool
    • Golf Classic – Make Par for Pets
    • FURever 8k, 5k, and Pet Run
    • Holiday Bazaar
    • Holiday Fur Tree
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
      • How to Become a Volunteer
      • Alternative Volunteer Opportunities
      • Volunteer FAQ’s
      • Volunteer Sign In Portal
    • Auxiliary
      • Join the Auxiliary
      • Auxiliary Programs & Events
    • Foster Volunteers
      • Foster FAQ’s
  • Programs & Services
    • Dog Training Classes
    • Lost Pet Report
    • Low Cost Spay/Neuter Information
    • Admissions
      • Positive Alternatives to Surrendering a Pet
      • Which Pets We Accept
      • Surrender A Pet
    • Stray Pets
    • Injured Wildlife
    • Kibble Kitchen
    • Community Service
  • About Us
    • Contact Us & Directions
    • Leadership Team Directory
    • Board of Directors
    • Impact Reports & Financial Statements
    • Blog
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Shop
Our Mission: Heritage Humane Society serves as compassionate stewards of homeless pets that are in transition from stray/surrender to forever homes. We serve to educate the public about humane animal care and treatment, advocate animal welfare, and provide affordable adoption and spay/neuter services.
Heritage Humane Society © 2020 | All Rights Reserved
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