The Humane Society of the Southeast

Adoption process

The Humane Society of the Southeast operates through a dedicated community of volunteers and receives no funding from county, state, or federal sources. Our mission relies entirely on the support of our community. Our foster program includes a mandatory pre-adopt application, a veterinary reference, and possibly a home inspection. Additionally, introductions to other pets in the household may be required at the discretion of the foster guardian. Once these steps are completed, a legally binding contract will be signed to finalize the adoption of the animal into the new family. Unlike a boarding kennel, HSS is a network of foster homes. We prioritize the well-being of our animals by providing high-quality food, avoiding grains and allergens. We also limit the number of animals in each foster home to ensure that each animal receives the necessary care, training, and attention. Our foster volunteers benefit from "guidance gatherings" and informational resources covering topics such as parasites and diseases. HSS enforces a mandatory hold or quarantine period of at least two weeks for each animal. This time frame is crucial for observing potential symptoms of infection or disease, as many issues may not surface until 7 to 10 days after exposure. It also allows us to better understand each animal's unique needs, temperament, and personality, ensuring a suitable match for adoption. Before adoption, all animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated with multiple rounds of DHPP/FVRCP, and receive any necessary treatments, including deworming, flea/tick prevention, and heartworm testing. Most animals are also leash trained and nearly house trained by the time they are placed in a new home. Meet-and-greet appointments are arranged only after the pre-adopt application has been approved, and adoption fees vary depending on the specific animal. HSS takes pride in our foster protocol, ensuring that we adopt out healthy, happy, well-socialized, and loving animals, which leads to more committed placements.