We make every effort to adopt out only healthy animals. Since the medical history of most of the animals brought to animal shelters is incomplete, your new pet may have an illness that is in the incubation stage, or a condition that has not yet shown any obvious symptoms. For that reason, adopters are urged to take their new pets to a veterinarian within three working days to make sure all is well. The Humane Society does not guarantee the health, disposition, breed, or adult size of any animal adopted from this facility. That being said, HSSC does do all it can to make sure its pets are healthy and well cared for.

Adopted pets' vaccination(s) and test records vary due to each animal's individual history, age, length of time at the shelter, etc. However, HSSC's adoption fees include spaying or neutering and a rabies vaccination. Before being placed for adoption, all animals will also have been given several health checks including:

Each animal receives the following:

• Weight and temperature checks
  
• Fecal test
  
• Strongid/T
  
• Albon (if needed for specific parasites)
  
• Flea/Tick Preventative
  
• Microchip

Dogs receive:

• DHLPP (or a Booster for DHLPP)
  
• Kennel Cough (Bordetella) Innoculation
  
• Heartworm Test
  
• Ivermectin

Cats receive:

• Test/vaccination (or Booster) for FVRCP/C
  
• Test for feline leukemia/FIV

Before you adopt an animal, there are some laws of which you should be aware. Whether you adopt your pet from HSSC or elsewhere, these laws are mandated by the county and/or state.

Cruelty to animals is prohibited.

Your dog or cat may not run at large. Your pet may not run at large or be on any public property or the property of another unless it is under direct control of a responsible person. Leashes or, in some cases, voice control are required.

You may not own or keep a nuisance animal. This includes an animal that:

• is repeatedly found at large
  
• damages the property of anyone other than its owner
  
• chases vehicles
  
• makes excessive disturbing noises or is dangerous to the public health, safety, or welfare
  
• attacks other animals.

Each year, you must obtain a license certificate and tag for your dog or cat. This applies to dogs and cats four months of age and older. In order to receive this license, your dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The license is valid for one year from the date of vaccination. (Note: if your pet receives a three-year rabies vaccine, the license must still be renewed annually.)

You must keep a female cat or dog that is in heat in a secure enclosure so that it cannot come in contact with a male cat or dog, except for intentional breeding purposes. A secure enclosure is a building, veterinary hospital, boarding kennel, or a closed kennel. A fenced area is not a secure enclosure. (All HSSC adopted pets are spayed/neutered as required by law.)

Your pet is not allowed everywhere. You may not take an animal onto any public beach, playground, public school premises, or public building except those designated as dog friendly. Dogs that are trained to help the disabled are allowed if they are being used for that purpose.

Here at the Humane Society of Sarasota County, our first interest is the well being of all of our animals, not just here at the shelter, but after they are adopted. HSSC makes a lifetime commitment to its shelter pets so adopters must agree to specific guidelines.

You must agree to the following:

• That all animals must be spayed or neutered before the adoption is finalized.
  
• To assume all responsibility for the adopted animal's well-being, to give it devoted and humane care and treatment, and to provide a regular program of health care.
  To take your new pet to a veterinarian within three days of adoption for examination
• and treatment (if necessary) at your own expense.
  
• To comply with all state/local laws and ordinances regarding animals.
  
• To never allow the animal to be used for for vivisection, experimentation, animal fighting, hunting, or as a guard animal.
  
• To permit HSSC to investigate, at any time during the life of the animal, the premises where the animal is kept, and to surrender the animal if you have not complied with any provision of the Adoption Agreement, or if you have misrepresented any facts.
  
• Not to sell or give the adopted animal to any other person. If you can no longer keep, humanely care for or no longer want your pet, it MUST be returned to HSSC. (Note:
• HSSC will work with you to address any behavior concerns or to place your pet with an approved home.)
  
• To never tie a dog outside at any time with a rope, chain or on a runner.
  

HSSC also requires:

• Your landlord and/or homeowner's association's permission to own a pet. A landlord check is mandatory.
  
• You are at least 18 years of age and have verifiable identification.
  
• That all household members are introduced to the pet you wish to adopt.
  
• That you are financially able to provide for the animal’s needs. This includes food, supplies, licenses, and veterinary care.
  
• That you have adequate time to spend with your new pet, including time for training, exercise, and grooming.
  
• That if you currently own dog(s) or share your home with another person who owns dog(s), a “dog introduction” is required.
  
• That all dogs must be on a leash & collar when coming and going from HSSC.
  
• That all cats must be in a carrier when coming and going from HSSC.
  
• That you complete an application and discuss it with an Adoption Counselor.

The adoption application process can take an hour or longer. Therefore, application processing must begin one hour before posted closing times. If your application cannot be completed the day of your visit, the adoption counselor will gladly set an appointment with you for the following business day to complete your adoption.

Type of Animal	Standard Fee	Fee for HSSC Members & previous adopters
Dogs	$65	$55
Puppies (under 5 mo)	$75*	$65*
Senior Dogs (7+ yrs)	$55	$55
Cat	$55	$45
Kittens (under 5 mo)	$65*	$55*
Senior Cats (7+ yrs)	$45	$45
Ferrets	$55	$45

All of the above fees include spaying, neutering, rabies vaccination, and microchipping.

* Puppies and kittens have an additional refundable foster fee.