Rescue groups must be pre-approved by the shelter director. We are concerned that you have written adoption policies and an adoption contract that do not conflict with those of the shelter, and that you have the rescources to provide adequate sheltering and veterinary care and that you will take responsibility for the pet if the adoption does not work out. We ask for two references, one from a vet you work with and one from a breed club, shelter or another rescue group that can vouch for you. Once you are approved, you do not need to go through this process to pull another animal.

Each animal to be placed with a rescue must also be approved by the shelter director. In general, an animal that we feel will be easily adopted at our shelter will not be approved for a rescue unless it has been at the shelter for a while. Pets on stray hold listed on our lists of strays from the last week are not available to rescue. Please email the shelter to ask for rescue approval. Calling by phone usually won't get the right people to process a rescue request. Often we have more than one rescue asking about the same animal. If you want to come to the shelter during adoption hours to evaluate the pet, we can make arrangements for that. We've had rescues come in expecting to pull a dog with no advance warning only to leave frustrated because the staff cannot help them. Shelter policy mandates neutering before adoption for cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs. This surgery must be scheduled before any rescue may be approved.

The shelter will neuter and provide vaccinations and flea treatment when possible. We do not do blood work, so you will need to schedule a full check-up with your vet. If there are any serious medical or behavior problems that you can't handle, we will take the animal back. We don't charge an adoption fee for a pre-approved rescue. Please spend the money on the pet's veterinary care.