Animal Adoption Application

Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your interest in adopting an animal from The Township of Brock Dench Animal Shelter. We would like to take a few minutes to explain our adoption program to you. Please read the below carefully before you proceed with completing the attached application form.

Adoption Questionnaire

This application is completed to assist the staff in finding the most suitable home for our animals. Our decision will be based on the best match for the pet and the family. The first thing that you will need to do is to fill out a questionnaire telling us about yourself, your home, what (if any) experience you have with pets, how many people will live in the same house as the pet and other related questions. This information is gathered confidentially to assist our adoption counselors in selecting the right animal for you. Please take the time to complete the questionnaire. Once you have completed the application, an adoption counselor will process your application. An application will be deemed approved, declined, or pending. Please note that in the event of a pending application, the animal(s) of interest will not be placed on “hold”. In order to be considered for an adoption today you must be:
•At least 18 years of age

•All household members must meet the pet prior to adoption/includes any dogs in current household

•Provide valid identification with your current address

Please note if you have any questions or need assistance with this application please feel free to ask the staff for help at any time.

Health and Veterinary Care

The Township of Brock Dench Animal Shelter is a municipal pound; therefore we receive animals of all backgrounds and types with unknown histories. They may be sick or injured, have external or internal parasites, or be harbouring a virus that could lay dormant for weeks that will only surface when the virus reaches advanced stages or is triggered by some type of stress, such as moving to a new environment like your home. Stray animals are kept for a very short period of time before being placed for adoption. During the holding period, the animal is given a physical exam by a veterinary technician, vaccinated and dewormed for intestinal parasites. If the animal is displaying signs of illness, it is treated during this time. If the animal you adopted is found to be in poor health by a veterinarian, you have the option of returning it to the shelter for a full refund provided that you have proof that the animal was examined by a veterinarian (an invoice is preferred). This must be done within two (2) weeks of the adoption. THE TOWNSHIP OF BROCK DENCH ANIMAL SHELTER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MEDICAL COSTS INCURRED AND WILL NOT PAY THEM. If your animal is found to have a health problem but you do not wish to return it to the shelter, you are responsible for any costs incurred.

Fleas

Animals from the shelter have been checked for fleas upon arrival, and treated for fleas if necessary. Please be aware that it is very difficult to control fleas during the summer months given the high population of animals in the shelter. We recommend that you start a preventative flea control program in your home; your veterinarian can help you choose the type of program that is right for your pet. We cannot guarantee that the animal you are adopting is free of fleas and we are NOT responsible for any treatments required.

Spaying and Neutering

Most animals for adoption are now already sterilized however if they’re not, in some circumstances we will place them in to an adoptive home. Our goal is to limit the amount of time the animal is in the shelter, so if your application is approved, you will be allowed to take the animal home unaltered with the promise to to have the pet spayed or neutered - it is NOT optional - and by adopting the animal you are agreeing to this, otherwise your application will be denied.

Microchip Implant

Your new pet will be given a permanent form of identification – a microchip. The microchip has a serial number
that can be picked up by a scanner and allows us to find the owner more easily provided that the information is
correct and current. A toll free phone number is provided at the bottom of the Microchip Registration form. If at any time your personal information changes, call the phone number provided and the company will change it free of charge. The microchip is ineffective if the information is not kept up-to-date.

Refunds and Exchanges

We encourage you to carefully consider your decision to adopt before taking on the responsibility of pet
ownership. Animals require a large investment of time and money in exchange for priceless rewards. It is very
difficult for animals to adjust to new environments, and it can be stressful for an animal to be returned after
adoption. For these reasons, we do not offer any exchanges or refunds for any reason except for health problems
diagnosed by a veterinarian during the first exam within 2 weeks of adoption.

Zoonotic Disease Risks

As previously mentioned, most of our animals have completely unknown histories. Animals have the potential to carry diseases or parasites that can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic diseases). These risks can be significant for immune-compromised individuals such as the elderly, HIV positive, those receiving steroid therapy or chemotherapy, and children less than 5 years of age. If a member of your household falls under one of these categories, please speak to your doctor prior to adopting an animal.

Food

Following adoption, we recommend you consult your veterinarian as they can best evaluate the nutritional
requirements for your individual pet. This may be based on several factors including weight, dental health,
gastrointestinal health, etc. As you can see, ideal nutrition is not a simple decision! If the choice is made to switch your pet’s diet, mix ½ of your new diet with ½ of the diet you were sent home with following the adoption for 7 days.

License (if applicable) & Microchip Form

The license tag identifies your animal as a registered municipal pet and MUST be affixed at all times. Licenses
must be purchased annually.