Information about Pet Adoption

Q: I found a pet I like but I don't like its name. Can I change the name when I adopt it?
A: Yes. If the animal was rescued, no one knows what name it went by, so it was assigned a new name. Your new pet will probably adapt easily to a new name, especially if it is a simple two-sylable name. Some older pets that have been called by one special name all their life may have more trouble adapting, but they usually learn quickly when they are called.

Q: Most of your animals are adults, do you have any babies?
A: Yes, we usually do have younger animals as well as adults. However, you might consider adopting an older animal. Many rescued adult animals make wonderful loving pets in a new family. Think of the advantages: it's already housebroken; it no longers chews everything; it's spayed/neutered so you avoid that expense; older animals are usually calmer. If it has been in foster care (as most of our animals are), the foster parent can tell you about its personality; its likes and dislikes; how it responds to training; so you'll have fewer surprises.

He's already trained, and he needs your love. Adopt a Mature Pet.

Q: Why do you charge $75 to adopt a pet?
A: Every animal adopted from HSWA is up to date with shots and vet care, and has a current rabies tag. Rescued animals often have health problems (worms, skin problems, injuries) that are treated. Most animals over 6 months old are spayed (females) or neutered (males). The Humane Society does not 'sell' animals, but we do ask those who adopt an animal to pay a $75 adoption fee, which helps with our vet costs. Our actual vet costs are usually much higher than $75 for each animal. All our other costs for vet care and animal daily care are paid for with donations and fund raising.

Q: I live in New Jersey, can I adopt one of your animals?
A: No.  The Humane Society of West Alabama only adopts animals in the area within easy driving distance of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  We can not ship animals, and we do allow our animals to be driven long distances.  You should look for an animal at a shelter nearer to your home.  Then it will be easier for you and your family members to meet the animal, easier to determine if it will fit into your home, and easier to work with the shelter group if there is a problem. 

Q: If a dog is described as 'hound/terrier mix', does that mean you know its parents were a hound and a terrier?
A: No.  Often, we don't know anything about an animal's parents, nor what breed it is.  Sometimes we know nothing except that we found it on the street.  We make our best guess about breed based mostly on the look of the animal, our experience with similar animals, and anything we might be told or able to figure out about where it came from.  Once it is in a foster home, we have information about its behavior based on what the foster parents observe. Sometimes we revise our guess as to breed or size after we've had it a few weeks. 

Q: I might like to foster an animal in my home. How much do you pay?
A: Nothing but love! All foster parents are volunteers. The only payment for foster parents is the love they get from the animals they help, although we do pay for vet care and help with food and supplies. We also have volunteers who help staff our adoption center, who help with the resident animals, who help with animal transport and animal rescue, and volunteers who help with fund raising and organization.

Q: Can you explain the $100 spay/neuter deposit you require for young animals?
A: All animals that are old enough are spayed/neutered before they are adopted. If you adopt an animal that is too young for this procedure, HSWA requires you to leave a $100 deposit, which will be returned after you show evidence that the animal has been spayed/neutered. Every year, thousands of animals in the Tuscaloosa area are euthanized, and many others are dumped on the roadside or left to run wild. HSWA does not allow any animal to be adopted that is likely to add to the dog/cat overpopulation problem.