What happens to my animal after it is surrendered?

Most animals are initially evaluated within 24 hours. They are examined for health, age, and temperament. After this evaluation, there are several options:

• Adoption. An animal determined to be adoptable would be sterilized, if needed, and placed on our adoption floor. Our adoption areas are cleaned daily, and the animals are fed a mix of high-quality food. All animals are given attention daily by staff and volunteers. The dogs are exercised outside several times a day. Basic health care is provided by MVHS staff and volunteer veterinarians during its stay, MVHS does not have time limits. An adoptable animal will remain on the adoption floor as long as it remains healthy and not aggressive. The average stay is 12 days.

• Observation. When space and time permit, an animal may be held at MVHS for observation of health or behavior issues before a final decision is made.

• Euthanasia. If an animal has severe health or behavior concerns, MVHS will humanely euthanize it. MVHS uses lethal injection. We do not use a gas chamber. Animals are held by staff during their final moments. Animal remains are appropriately disposed of by an outside company. We do not offer euthanasia as a service. For more information about euthanasia, please read our Euthanasia FAQ

• Other options. At times, MVHS will utilize the services of breed-placement (rescue) groups or other animal welfare groups to help place animals. These organizations are also strained for resources and struggle with difficult-to-place animals and cannot always help. We also provide dogs to be trained for work with law-enforcement agencies and people with disabilities. We never allow animals to go to testing laboratories.