Minnesota Valley Humane Society

Adopting an animal from the Minnesota Valley Humane Society (MVHS):

General Adoption Information

Adoption fees

Veterinary care and immunizations

Spay/neuter

Restrictions

In-person adoptions

Adoption refusal

GENERAL ADOPTION INFORMATION

It is the intent of the MVHS to directly adopt the animals in our care for the sole purpose of being companion animals (this includes being service animals for the disabled). Our animals will not be released for research, breeding, consumption, or any other use other than as stated above.

All animals must be adopted in person by their new owners. We will not ship animals.

We will not "hold" animals except for in-person requests accompanied by downpayment. No phone or email "hold" requests wil be honored.

Return to top of page

ADOPTION FEES

Adoptions Fees include

• Pre-adoption Exam by MVHS technicians
• Initial distemper combination vaccination (if applicable)
• Routine worming or stool exams (if applicable)
• Free post adoption exam at participating veterinarians
• Medications within 14 days after adoption if needed and available
• $30 rebate for an obedience class or behavior consultation
• $50 rebate upon proof of sterilization (if applicable)
• Reduced cost for microchipping

VETERINARY CARE AND IMMUNIZATIONS

PRE-ADOPTION EXAM

A veterinary technician has examined all animals available for adoption at the Minnesota Valley Humane Society. We have done our best to make sure the animals available are healthy. If necessary, animals receive a routine worming and/or stool exam. We also administer the following vaccinations:

Cats and kittens have been vaccinated for:

• Rhinotracheitis
• Calicvirus
• Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
• Chlamydia

Dogs and puppies have been vaccinated for:

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Parainfluenza
• Parvovirus
• Coronavirus
• Bordetella

FREE POST-ADOPTION EXAM

We are not a veterinary clinic and have limited resources. Therefore we offer a free post-adoption exam at participating veterinarians. We strongly recommend that you have these additional tests and procedures done by the veterinarian of your choice.

Cats and kittens should have the following:

• Rabies Vaccination
• Feline Aids Test
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis Vaccination
• Feline Leukemia Test and Vaccination

Dogs and puppies should have the following:

• Heartworm Test and Preventative
• Rabies Vaccination
• Lyme Disease Vaccination

We do not recommend one veterinarian over another but suggest that you take your pet to a veterinarian of your choice. Our participating veterinarians are willing to provide a free physical exam to adopted animals with no reimbursement to the veterinarian from either the Minnesota Valley Humane Society or the adopter of the pet, if your new pet is taken to your veterinarian with the first seven days of ownership.

If your animal becomes ill within the first 14 days after adoption, you have three options:

1. Have your vet notify our exam staff as to the condition of the animal and the required treatment or medication. If we have the medication available, and your vet agrees, we will dispense the first dosage free. At no time will we treat other animals not adopted from MVHS that may have been exposed to any illness.
2. Return the animal and receive a replacement certificate good for another animal, merchandise, or tax deductible donation.
3. Have your vet treat the animal AT YOUR EXPENSE.

If you have a Feline Leukemia test done by your veterinarian and your cat/kitten tests positive, you may choose to return the animal. The Minnesota Valley Humane Society will issue a replacement certificate and perform a free Feline Leukemia test on a replacement cat or kitten.

If you have a Heartworm test done by your veterinarian and your new dog or puppy tests positive, you may choose to return the animal. The Minnesota Valley Humane Society will issue a replacement certificate and perform a free Heartworm test on a replacement dog or puppy.

As a new pet owner, you are agreeing to take on all responsibilities, including medical bills, for that pet. As soon as you leave the Minnesota Valley Humane Society, the animal is your responsibility.

We suggest that you visit your veterinarian regularly and have your pet receive the required vaccinations. Proper feeding, good care and regular check-ups by a veterinarian will provide you with a healthy, happy pet as well as peace of mind for yourself.

Return to top of page

SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM

When possible, MVHS spays and neuters cats, dogs, kittens, puppies, and rabbits prior to adoption. In the case that the animal you adopt is not spayed or neutered, we will require that you have the animal sterilized within sixty (60) days of adoption, or by six (6) months of age.

The Minnesota Valley Humane Society will mail you a $50 rebate check within thirty days (30) of the surgery. If you wish to donate your rebate to the Minnesota Valley Humane Society, please mail in your Certificate of Sterilzation with the appropriate box checked and we will mail a receipt for your tax records.

You must mail in the Certificate of Sterilization within sixty (60) days of the sterilization in order to be eligible for the rebate.

Return to top of page

RESTRICTIONS

Some animals have restrictions. Some animals are not allowed to go to homes with children, others are not allowed to go to homes with other animals. Some animals may have other types of restrictions. Restrictions are not negotiable.

Any agent of the Minnesota Valley Humane Society may refuse to adopt an animal (or return a Reclaim animal) to a person if the agent has good cause or feels it is not in the best interest of the animal to be adopted (or returned) to this individual/family. The intent of the humane society is to provide good "matches" between pets and people.

It is MVHS policy not to allow pitbulls or predominant pitbull mixes to go to homes with children under the age of twelve.

IN-PERSON ADOPTIONS REQUIRED

The person adopting an animal shall meet and adopt the animal in person at the Minnesota Valley Humane Society. Email or phone "orders" for animals will NOT be accepted. All animals must be adopted in person by their new owners. We will not ship animals.

ADOPTION REFUSAL

Any agent of the Minnesota Valley Humane Society may refuse to adopt an animal (or return a Reclaim animal) to a person if the agent has good cause or feels it is not in the best interest of the animal to be adopted (or returned) to this individual/family. The intent of the humane society is to provide good "matches" between pets and people. We reserve the right to refuse adoption to anyone.

Return to top of page