HART's Policies
Surrender
Policy
HART
will accept the surrender of any cat into the shelter that we are able
to physically and medically assist. If HART is not able to take a cat
into the shelter, our volunteers will make suggestions and referrals
to surrendering owners to help them find a way to either maintain their
pet(s) in their home or find a suitable, long-term home for their pet(s).
HART does not turn away animals due to their owner's age, ethnicity,
or financial circumstances.
Adoption
Policy
HART'S
requirements are:
- Completed
application
- Thorough
reference check
- Indoor-only
homes
- Adoption
counseling
- Completed
adoption contract
- Adoption
fee of $75.00
HART
retains the right to refuse adoption based on falsification or omission
of the required information. We also reserve the right to confiscate
any animal that is being treated inhumanely or not within the guidelines
of our contract. HART volunteers make every effort to make new pet owners
aware of the responsibilities and costs of having and caring for their
companion animals
Indoor
Policy
HART believes that indoor cats are much safer and live longer. Outdoor cats must deal with vehicles, dogs, bad weather, wildlife, parasites, spoiled food, dangers of getting lost, chased, trapped, or being taken to a shelter. The ASPCA states that outdoor cats live only an average of 2 years while in that situation. Indoor cats can live to be 20.
Outdoor cats can be mistaken for strays. Unfortunately many pet owners don’t tag their animals and it’s hard to determine if it’s a stray. American Humane states that millions of animals are euthanized yearly. Many cats simply get lost...don’t let this happen to your cat. To assure that your cat remains safe, keep it indoors. They are equally happy inside if you provide climbing posts, toys, bird feeders, daily play, and provide love. There is no doubt---indoors is safest. HART adopts its cats with the understanding that the cats will remain indoor cats so that they may live long, happy lives!
For more information on why inside is best, check out this link: The Great Outdoors is No Place for Cats.
Euthanasia
Policy
All
of the animals in our care are provided with the best possible medical
treatment and rehabilitation. We will not euthanize any animal for reasons
of age, deformity, behavior, appearance, or convenience. If an animal
is euthanized, it is due to the severity of an illness or injury and
the resulting lack of quality of life.
We will euthanize FELV+ (leukemia positive) cats,
unless the cat is asymptomatic and there is a qualified foster home
available, preferably with one of our own volunteers. We will attempt
to place FIV+ (feline AIDS) cats, providing they are asymptomatic. Euthanized
animals are never sold and/or used for research for any reason .
Wildlife
Rehabilitation
HART
does not rehabilitate injured or abandoned wildlife, but can provide
a list of state wildlife rehabilitators in response to inquiries.
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