FAQ

Field Services/Animal Control

• Who do I call if I find an injured animal? 

• Who do I call if I see an animal that is being abused? 

• What can I do about all the stray cats in my neighborhood? 

• My neighbor’s dog barks all night-what can I do? 

• How old does a dog or cat need to be before it gets fixed and gets a rabies vaccination? 

• Do I need to get a license for my dog in addition to the rabies shot? 

• Who do I call if I find a lost dog after regular business hours? 

• Who do I call if I get bitten by an animal? 

• How many dogs may I have before I need a kennel license? 

• Where do I get a kennel license? 

• What should I do if I have a wildlife concern?

• What constitutes an emergency?

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Shelter Operations

• Where is the Humane Society of Washington County? 

• How do I get to your shelter?

• Why do people bring their pets to the shelter? 

• How much does it cost to surrender my pet to the shelter? 

• Is there a veterinarian on staff?

• Do you get more cats or more dogs?

• What other types of animals come to the shelter?

• How many animals can you care for in the shelter? 

• How long do you keep animals before they are euthanized? 

• Are you part of the Washington County Government?

• Do you have an internet presence? 

• How long have you been in business? 

• Are you hiring? 

• What are your hours? 

• Do you get purebreds in the shelter? 

• How do you euthanize animals? 

• Who do I call if my pet is lost? 

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Volunteers

• How do I become a volunteer?

• What kinds of things do volunteers do? 

• How old do you have to be to volunteer? 

• Are uniforms required?

• Can students obtain Student Service Learning Hours (SSLH) by volunteering?

• Do volunteers help with euthanasia?

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Humane Education

• I want to interview or speak with someone at the shelter for a school or community project. What is the process for doing this?

• Do you have programs for youth groups? 

• Do you host birthday parties for children? 

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Giving Opportunities

• What are the different ways I can donate to the animals? 

• I want to leave you a bequest-how do I do that? 

• Can I donate a car to HSWC?​

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Public Assistance

• I want to get my pet fixed but can’t afford it. 

• I need help feeding my pet. Do you have free or low cost pet food? How do I get some?

• I need financial help to get my animal seen by a veterinarian.

• What is Silver Lining for Seniors?

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Foster Care

• What is a pet foster parent?

• ​Who can foster?

• ​How much does fostering cost?

• ​How long does fostering last?

• ​What is Sleepover Fostering?

• ​Will I get any training?

• ​How often does a foster animal need to be brought in for check-ups?

• ​Will a foster animal have accidents or cause damage?

• ​Do I need to keep foster animals separate from my pets?

• ​Will HSWC treat my pet if he is injured or becomes sick because of a foster animal?

• ​I love the idea of being a foster volunteer, but I’m worried about how I’ll feel when it’s time for the animal to be adopted.

• ​How do I know when there are animals that need my help?

• ​Are foster animals ever euthanized?

• ​What if a friend or family member wants to adopt my foster animal?

• ​Can foster parents adopt their foster pets?

• ​Are foster animals contagious?  Will my pets or my health be jeopardized?

• ​Are purchases made for foster care tax-deductible?

• ​What do I do if my foster animal needs veterinary care?

• ​What if one of my foster animals dies? Will I be unable to foster again?

• ​What is an Adoption Ambassador?

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Miscellaneous

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• Dog Licenses in Washington County

• Can you recommend a veterinarian for me? 

• Do you work with Rescue organizations? 

• How long does it take to adopt and how much does it cost?

• Do you get puppies and kittens? Do you have a waiting list? 

• Are adopters required to return an animal to the shelter if the adoption does not work out?

• Do you guarantee that the dogs you adopt out are not aggressive? 

• Do you have a foster care program?