FAQs

Is HCHS a non-profit organization?

A.

YES. WE RELY ON COMMUNITY DONATIONS, FUNDRAISING EVENTS, AND FOUNDATION GRANTS TO FUND OUR PROGRAMS.

Q?

What does it mean to be a “no-kill shelter”?

A.

WE ARE A SELECTIVE INTAKE SHELTER, MEANING WE FOCUS ON SAVING AS MANY ADOPTABLE ANIMALS AS POSSIBLE. WE SHELTER AN ADOPTABLE ANIMAL FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO FIND HIM OR HER A PERMANENT HOME. ALL ANIMALS IN OUR SHELTER PASS A MEDICAL AND TEMPERAMENT TEST BEFORE BEING ADOPTED.

Q?

What about spaying and neutering?

A.

WE STERILIZE EVERY SINGLE ANIMAL BEFORE THEY LEAVE US AS WELL AS OVER 50 FERAL CATS EACH YEAR. WE DO NOT SPAY/NEUTER OWNED ANIMALS, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOUR PET SPAYED OR NEUTERED, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE LOCAL VETERINARIANS IN HOLMES COUNTY.

Q?

Are there criteria for adopting animals?

A.

SOME. EVERY POTENTIAL ADOPTER MUST COMPLETE AN APPLICATION AND PASS A SIMPLE INTERVIEW TO ENSURE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PROPERLY CARE FOR AN ANIMAL.

Q?

How long do you keep animals?

A.

HCHS HAS NO SET TIME LIMIT FOR ANY ANIMAL’S STAY IN OUR SHELTER. OUR GOAL IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERY ANIMAL IN OUR ADOPTION PROGRAM IS PLACED IN A LOVING HOME. IF AN ANIMAL IS HEALTHY AND BEHAVIORALLY SOUND, WE KEEP IT FOR AS LONG AS WE CAN TO FIND IT A GOOD HOME, WHICH SOMETIMES CAN BE MONTHS. OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS SOCIALIZE AND EXERCISE OUR ANIMALS TO HELP KEEP THEM HAPPY AND WELL ADJUSTED DURING THEIR STAY AT THE SHELTER.

Q?

What is included in your adoption fees?

A.

AN ADOPTION WITH HCHS INCLUDES:
SPAY OR NEUTER, FIRST VACCINES, DEWORMER, AND ANY ADDITIONAL MEDICAL CARE THAT WAS GIVEN. FELV TESTS (CATS).

Q?

How can I volunteer?

A.

HCHS HAS A VARIETY OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, RANGING FROM DOG WALKING TO FOSTERING TO ASSISTING WITH SPECIAL EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND TO APPLY FOR OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, PLEASE CALL THE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR AT 330-377-4026 FOR MORE INFORMATION. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD OUR VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FROM THIS WEBSITE.