Adoption Process
The staff here at Panhandle Humane Society work tirelessly to ensure that every animal is placed in the best furever home possible. We use a program developed by the Humane Society of America called Adopters Welcome. Adopters Welcome highlights an approach to adoptions that embraces community members, encourages them to adopt, and helps them and their pets succeed. A simple questionnaire is completed and and adoption counseling conversation with a Panhandle Humane Society employee who will help you find a dog or cat that is just right for you!
Walk-throughs to view and meet with our adoptable pets are available during the following hours. Please note that adoption meets end at 3:50 P.M.
The public is not able to walk through our dog adoption room.
Adoption hours 1-4 P.M. seven days a week!
Adoptions are first come, first served, first approved, and adopters must be at least 19 years old.
All adoptions are same day, unless the dog you are interested in isn't spayed or neutered (Pending Spay or Neuter). In that case, an adoption deposit of $50 is paid. Adoption will be finalized after the dog has been altered. PHS staff will inform you of surgery day and the steps after the deposit is placed.
Call or visit us today if you have any questions about our adoptable animals.
General Adoption Guidelines
Panhandle Humane Society Adoption Policies & Guidelines
Adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-served basis. Panhandle Humane Society does accept online applications, and online holds may be processed before we open when staffing allows. However, submitting an application does not guarantee that an animal will be held. Holds are only confirmed after PHS staff have reviewed and approved the application and spoken with the applicant. In some circumstances, PHS may determine that an animal is appropriate to place on hold before the applicant meets the animal in person.
While Panhandle Humane Society makes every effort to provide as much information as possible about our adoptable animals, many animals come into our care as strays with no known history. Others are surrendered by families who may only be able to provide limited information about the animal. We encourage adopters to visit with an open mind and ask our staff any questions they may have.
Please remember that animal behavior can be influenced by environment and context. Behaviors observed in the shelter may not necessarily occur in a home environment, and behaviors that have not been observed at the shelter may appear once an animal is in a new environment. Animals may need time to decompress and adjust after adoption. We encourage adopters to be patient, go slowly, and give their new pet time to settle into their new home.
Adoption fees help support the care of the animals at Panhandle Humane Society, including food, housing, medical care, medications, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, and other necessary care. We work to keep our adoption fees as affordable as possible and may offer adoption specials or discounts throughout the year.
All adopted dogs must leave the Shelter with a collar or on a slip leash, and all adopted cats and other animals must leave in an appropriate carrier or secure method of transportation. Please come prepared to safely transport your new pet home.
Dogs and cats adopted from Panhandle Humane Society are required to be spayed or neutered prior to adoption, unless a veterinarian determines that there is a medical reason preventing the procedure or requiring it to be postponed.
PHS does not recommend adopting littermate puppies together. Puppies adopted together can develop behavioral challenges commonly referred to as littermate syndrome. We encourage families considering puppies to discuss their plans with our staff and carefully consider the individual needs of each animal.
Adopters are encouraged to consider the animals already living in their home when selecting a new pet. Where appropriate, PHS may recommend meet-and-greets with current household pets before an adoption is completed.
Panhandle Humane Society reserves the right to deny an adoption. Our goal is to make the best possible match between an animal and an adopter and to ensure that the animal's needs can be appropriately met in its new home.
Adoption decisions are made based on the individual animal and the circumstances of the potential adopter. An adoption application is not a guarantee of approval or placement of a specific animal.
Adoption Forms
