At Harbor Humane Society, we make every effort not to adopt out any animal with signs of illness. However, it’s not uncommon for a pet adopted from any shelter to come down with a “cold” (kennel cough for dogs and upper respiratory infection for cats) soon after being placed into a new home.

The stress of being in a kennel situation coupled with the stress of moving into a new home makes a shelter pet more susceptible to contagious illnesses. Most illnesses a pet may pick up at a shelter are easily treated with antibiotics or other medications.

Please take your new pet to your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following: lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, patches of hair loss, runny eyes, runny nose, decreased or excessive water consumption, coughing, sneezing or weight loss.

Additional details are included in your adoption packet, where you’ll find the information and resources you need to help your new pet develop into the perfect family member.