Our goal is to place as many animals as possible in permanent, loving homes, while protecting the public from adopting animals with serious behavioral or health-related problems.

It’s the responsibility of Harbor Humane Society management and staff to determine whether an animal is deemed adoptable. To assist in this important job, policy guidelines have been established. Adoptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. A committee must approve each adoption. The executive director must approve any exceptions to the policies prior to the adoption.

1. Animals are adopted as companions and only to homes where it is indicated they will receive immediate, stable and lifelong care, including but not limited to appropriate food, water, shelter, exercise and regular veterinary care.
   
2. Cats will not be adopted if the owner intends on allowing the cat outside.
   
3. We do not adopt out dogs as solely outdoor pets.
   
4. Puppies under seven (4) months of age will not be adopted into a home where the puppy will be left unsupervised for a period of time exceeding four (4) hours on a regular basis.
   
5. Animals will not be adopted out to be given away as gifts, except in the case of a parent for a minor child.
   
6. The staff veterinarian will sterilize all adopted dogs and cats before they leave the shelter.
   
7. No animal will be adopted to a residence where pets are not allowed.
8. Prospective adopters must be at least 21 years of age.
   
9. Families with children under six (6) years of age adopting puppies and kittens under six (6) months of age must receive extra counseling as to the special needs and considerations involved.
   
10. Only domestic animals will be placed as pets. Wild animals are rehabilitated and returned to the wild whenever possible.
    
11. No animal will be adopted to a group of four (4) or more unrelated adults living in the same household (e.g., student housing).
    
12. HHS counselors will not begin adoption procedures with a person who is reasonably believed to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
    
13. No animal will be adopted to an individual who has failed to comply with the conditions of a previous adoption, including but not limited to spaying or neutering of the pet.
    
14. If a potential adopter has lost a pet, the individual must attempt to locate that pet for at least two (2) weeks prior to adopting another animal and be willing to keep both pets if the lost pet is returned.
    
15. An adopter may adopt a maximum of two (2) pets at a time. It is not recommended that two (2) puppies be adopted at the same time.
    
16. Adopters interested in a rodent (e.g., guinea pig, hamster, rat, mouse), may only adopt the same sex if they would like to adopt more than one. This is to prevent adoption of such animals as breeding pairs.
    
17. Veterinarian records may be checked before adoption is complete. This includes being current on standard immunizations; spayed and neutered. The adopter must sign the release of medical records for his or her veterinarian on the pre-adoption form. Application can be denied for any reason. We reserve the right to deny adoptions to people who have surrendered their animals in the past. You must show valid driver's license or state ID card. A vet deposit or training deposit may be required prior to adoption.
18. An exchange must be exercised within 30 days of the adoption and the exchange selection made 30 days thereafter. If you or HHS decide not to make an exchange, your fee will be considered a donation and you will receive a receipt.
19. Prospective adopters interested in a pit bull or pit bull mix must be at least 25 years of age and have a fenced in yard.