Question 1

Dog Adoption Packet

Accepted Answer

Congrats on adopting a new pup to your family! This is such an exciting time. After adopting, we will normally send an email to you with a PDF adoption packet that will help transition your new friend into your home. If you can't find the email, no worries! You can click the link below to access the packet here!

Question 2

Cat Adoption Packet

Accepted Answer

Congrats on adopting a new cat to your family! This is such an exciting time. After adopting, we will normally send an email to you with a PDF adoption packet that will help transition your new friend into your home. If you can't find the email, no worries! You can click the link below to access the packet here!

Question 3

What vets do we recommend?

Accepted Answer

We have a lot of veterinarians that we work with and most of them will offer a free check-up within seven days of adopting your new family member! The vets are listed below:
 
Auburn:
 
All Creatures Vet Clinic
Auburn Vet Hospital
East University Vet Hospital
MAC Animal Clinic
Moore's Mill Animal Hospital
North Gay Vet Clinic
Parkway Animal Hospital
Pet Vet
South College Vet Clinic
Village Vet
Carefree Cats (feline only mobile veterinary practice)
 
Opelika:
 
Animal Health Center
Countryside Vet Clinic
Opelika Animal Hospital
Tigertown Vet Hospital
Thornton Animal Hospital
 
Smiths Station:
 
Smiths Station Animal Hospital
 
Loachapoka:
 
Nature's Oasis Animal Hospital
Saugahatchee Animal Hospital
 
Alexander City:
 
Wayside Animal Hospital
 
Columbus:
 
Affordable Veterinary Services

Question 4

What is the Two Week Shutdown?

Accepted Answer

The Two Week Shutdown is a model we ask people to remember when bringing home a new furry friend, particularly a new dog. One of the biggest errors people make is rushing a dog into a new environment and world too fast. A shutdown allows them to destress and take a couple weeks to learn about their new world.
 
For the first two weeks (sometimes it can be longer!), newly adopted dogs like to take in the new environment they are living in. They are trying to figure out which human (or dog) is in charge and who everyone is in general. By throwing in too much, too fast, the dog will get stressed and feels like it must defend itself which can result in fights and bites.
 
We stress that for the first TWO weeks, allow the dog to get used to the new routine. Don't let the dog meet anybody that doesn't live in the home and make sure to set up a routine with them (i.e. when they get to go outside to use the restroom, when they get to play, when you come home from work/school, etc.). This allows the dog to get used to the new environment at a slower pace and will make things better in the long run!

Question 5

What is the Rule of Three?

Accepted Answer

We also ask people that when they adopt a new dog into the home, they should follow the Rule of Three to allow the dog to get used to their new home. The Rule of Three is as follows: 
 
Three Days:
 
"The Detox Period"
 
At this time, your new furry friend will be getting used to the new home they are living in and this can be a stimulating time for them. They now have more space to move than in the shelter and for dogs that have been in the shelter for weeks/months/years, it can be a lot to take in. 
 
During the first three days, your new friend will either sleep most of the time or be excitable at all times. He will want to check out all the new smells and investigate his new home. He won’t know what you expect, where to go potty, or whether he’s allowed on the furniture; he won’t know that your shoe is not actually a chew toy, or that the kitchen trash is not where he is supposed to find his dinner.
 
Be patient during these few days. Stick to a routine and make sure to use positive reinforcement when they do something correctly. It shouldn't take them too long to follow into the routine as long as you give them time and patience.
 
Three Weeks:
 
At this time, your dog is settling into your routine. He knows when you come and go and learns when the next meal is coming. He will understand when you get up at the same time each morning for a walk and that he gets fresh air as well. His true personality will start to come out and you'll see less of the nerves/excitement he had when you first brought him home. At this time you should also be able to tell what behavior issues he has, if any, and you will be able to determine if he is in need of extra training. There will still be bumps in the road, but they will be less frequent.
 
Three Months:
 
This is when your dog finally accepts that he is "home". It is a process to get to this point, but as long as you show patience, a bit of humor and a whole lot of love, you're sure to have a wonderful relationship with your furry friend.

Question 6

What do we recommend for pet emergency plans?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend including pets in your family's disaster plans. Please don't leave pets behind to fend for themselves!
 
What to do now: 
 
Visit your vet to make sure all vaccines are up to date, get a microchip and make sure to have any needed medications (heartworm/flea preventative, allergy meds, etc.).
If you live in a county that requires pet registration, make sure that is up to date.
Obtain a sturdy cage or carrier large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. (One per pet recommended.)
Contact friends and family members to assist in sheltering your pet if needed.
Make a list of boarding facilities, veterinarians, and pet-friendly lodging that is on your evacuation route.
Prepare your pet's disaster kit and I.D. Wallet
 
Make a waterproof pet ID wallet from a large zip-lock plastic bag to duct tape to the outside of the cage or carrier. Include the following:
Name of Pet and recent photo with owner.
Pet owner's contact info, veterinarian contact info and emergency contact info (other family).
Important I.D. such as microchip number, county pet registration and vaccination information.
Any special care instructions (medical needs, feeding specifics, fears, comfort tips, etc.)
Pet Disaster Kit:
 
Dogs: leash, collar, muzzles, current rabies tag
Minimum 7-day supply of food and water (non-electric can opener if needed)
Sturdy but lightweight bowls for food/water
Kitty litter, newspapers and plastic bags for waste disposal
Paper towels, bleach and hand sanitizer
Pet medications and refills (flea/tick/heartworm preventatives)
Comfort items (blankets and toys)

Question 7

How do you transition an indoor cat to an indoor/outdoor or primarily outdoor lifestyle?

Accepted Answer

Before transitioning your cat, make sure that all vaccines are up to date, make sure the cat is spayed/neutered (no accidental litters!), and make sure the cat isn't declawed (declawed cats have a harder time living and surviving outside). A slow start is key to transitioning your cat to outdoor living! Here are some tips to help you out:
 
Make sure the cat in acclimated to the indoor home first. Each cat is different, but you should give them 4-6 weeks to acclimate to your home (whether that be inside or in a garage or barn.).
Feed your cat indoors and on a regular schedule. (Feeding outdoors can attract more cats as well as other wildlife. Feeding on a schedule helps establish a routine.)
Start with slow increments of time outside, starting with ten minutes. Keep an eye on them and don't leave them unsupervised.
Then bring them inside. Feed them a treat right after coming back inside. The tastier the treat, the stronger desire for them to come back when it's time. You can also use verbal cues such as a whistle or "It's time to eat." when feeding them to help associate meals with those words.
Develop a routine for letting them out during the day and bringing them back inside at night. Unless it will be a primarly outdoor cat, don't let your cat stay outside at night.

Question 8

Need help with a recently adopted pet?

Accepted Answer

If you’re experiencing difficulties related to your pet, whether the problem is behavioral, financial, or otherwise, our pet owner outreach team would love to talk with you. To reach our pet owner outreach team, contact pethelp@carehumane.org and provide a summary of your situation and questions that you have.  Please keep in mind that we are not licensed veterinarians, all advice given is general, and our volunteer team is unable to verify if we can take in your pet or set up appointments for owner surrender.

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