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HCHS FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if I find a stray pet?

By law, all stray animals must be turned in to Henry County Animal Care and Control at 527 Hampton Street, McDonough. You can reach them at 770-288-7387. Unfortunately, we cannot accept stray pets.

What should I do if my pet is missing?

If your pet is lost, please visit Henry County Animal Care and Control at 527 Hampton Street, McDonough, or call them at 770-288-7387 to check if your pet has been brought in. We do not take in stray pets.

Who do I contact about problem animals in my yard or neighborhood?

For stray or nuisance animals, whether domestic or wild, please contact Henry County Animal Care and Control at 770-288-7387. They handle animal-related complaints and can assist with stray, abandoned, or wildlife concerns in your area.

Adoption Process

What are the steps to adopt?
  • Complete the Preliminary Adoption Application. This does not commit you to adoption but helps us determine if you’re the right fit for the pet.
  • Vet reference check. If your current pets are not up to date on vaccinations (by more than one month), are not spayed/neutered, or are not on heartworm prevention, we will be unable to approve your application.
  • A home check may be required for certain animals.
  • An interview and Meet & Greet with the pet you’re interested in.

Adoption Requirements & Policies

Why do you require a previous vet history?

Many of our rescued pets come to us with medical conditions requiring treatment. Checking your vet history helps us ensure that you have a track record of providing proper medical care, including routine exams, vaccinations, and heartworm prevention.

Why is the adoption fee so high?

All of our adoptable dogs and cats receive full veterinary care before adoption. Some require extensive medical treatment costing hundreds of dollars to bring them back to good health. The adoption fee helps cover these costs so we can continue rescuing animals in need.

What is included in the adoption fee?
  • The pet will be fully vaccinated (puppies may need additional boosters after adoption, depending on age).
  • The pet will be spayed or neutered.
  • The pet will be microchipped.
  • The pet will be heartworm tested and free of heartworms.
Can I adopt more than one dog or cat? Is there a discount?

Yes, you may adopt multiple pets! Some dogs and cats do better with companions. If you’re interested in adopting more than one pet, please indicate this on your preliminary application and list the names of both animals.

What if my current pets are not spayed/neutered or on heartworm prevention?

We only adopt pets into homes where all existing pets are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and on heartworm prevention.

Do I need a fenced yard to adopt?

The need for a fenced yard depends on the individual dog and the family’s lifestyle. We make this decision on a case-by-case basis.

Post-Adoption & Follow-Up

What happens after I submit the preliminary application?

Once we receive your application and complete a vet reference check, a Henry County Humane Society volunteer will contact you if your application is approved. We will then arrange a meet-and-greet with the pet you’re interested in. If it’s a good fit for both you and the pet, the adoption can be finalized.

Why haven’t I heard back after submitting my application?

We are only able to contact approved adopters. If you do not hear from us within two weeks, one of the following may have occurred:

  • Your application was incomplete
  • The pet you were interested in was no longer available
  • Your application did not meet our adoption requirements

Spay & Neuter Assistance

Can you help me get my pet spayed or neutered?

We are committed to preventing unwanted litters and reducing shelter overpopulation. While we are currently unable to provide direct services, several organizations may be able to assist you. Click here for a list of resources that may offer the support you need.

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