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! Please contact our Adoption Team to schedule a visit! They can be reached by phone at 757-221-0150 ext:0 or by email at [email protected]. Appointments are 30 minutes in duration. Next, we’ll have you fill out an adoption application form. If you rent, please be sure you 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 the 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 to 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).