Adopt a Pet
Adopting a pet is a responsibility to take seriously and the staff at H.A.R.T are here to help you make the best decision for you, and your future pet! Read the articles below to find helpful information on the H.A.R.T adoption policies, and some things to consider before adopting a pet in Brainerd/Baxter.
Before You Adopt
Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. Please consider the time and money required to own a pet before you make the decision to adopt.
- All dogs that are available for adoption have passed a temperament test and heart worm test, and are listed with any known history.
- Cats have passed a feline leukemia test and have been interacted with to know their personalities.
- Animals generally remain available for adoption as long as their good health and behavior continue.
- HART cannot make any guarantees to the animal’s personality, health and behaviors once it leaves the shelter.
- Please note that HART is unable to reimburse adopters or veterinarians for post-adoption medical expenses. Adopters assume full responsibility for the animal’s care upon adoption.
- H.A.R.T. reserves the right to refuse any adoption.
Adoption Policies
Thank you for considering adopting a shelter pet. HART has adopted the following policies for all adoptions. HART feels that anyone making this consideration needs to know what their responsibility will be with any animal adopted through HART.
- Adopter must be 18 years of age or older
- A current photo ID is required
- All adopters must fill out an adoption application and the application must be approved before animal can leave the shelter.
Health & Wellness
Due to the manner in which animals come into HART’s care, we cannot always determine an animal’s past, present or future health.
- HART animals HAVE NOT had a wellness examination by the shelter veterinarian. If an animal shows symptoms of being ill the shelter manager consults with the shelter veterinarian and follows his recommendations for that animal.
- Prior to being placed on the adoption floor animals receive appropriate vaccinations and are dewormed. (Additional deworming may be necessary if you see parasites after bringing your new pet home.) HART is unable to give rabies vaccinations.
- Dogs over six (6) months of age are tested for heartworm. All dogs receive heartworm and flea/tick preventatives monthly while in our care.
- All cats receive monthly flea/ear mite preventative while in our care. - Although vaccinated the animal you are adopting may break with kennel cough (dogs) or upper respiratory infection (cats). These diseases are present in kennel situations and every precaution is taken to limit exposure to these illnesses.
- The animal’s vaccination/health record will be reviewed and given to you, upon completion of the adoption process.
- HART highly recommends that you take your new pet to your family veterinarian for a full wellness exam, during the two-week get acquainted period.
- Upon completion of the adoption process, adopter is responsible for all medical expenses. Know that you may have to treat your new pet for an unknown illness after leaving the shelter. All future medical care and needs are the responsibility of the adopter.
Spay/Neuter Policy
If the animal you are considering is not altered, the following policy will apply.
- Adopter will be responsible for scheduling and payment of having the animal spayed or neutered by their family veterinarian, within an age-appropriate time frame.
- To help start your new family members relationship with your family veterinarian, HART will issue a $50 rebate, to adopter, upon proof of alteration being completed.
Return Policy
All adoptions have a two (2) week get acquainted period, from the date of adoption.
- Should it be necessary to return the adopted animal during the two (2) week get acquainted period, adopter will be given a non-transferable exchange voucher equal to the adoption fee minus a $15 administrative fee. Exchange vouchers are good towards the adoption of one (1) animal and valid for six (6) months from the date of return. No monetary funds are given.
- In the event the adopted animal is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness during the two (2) weeks get acquainted period, by a licensed veterinarian; the adopter may return the pet with documentation for a full refund of the adoption fee.
- After the two (2) week period, if you can no longer care for your pet, please contact HART to discuss your options.
Additional Information
- HART makes no guarantees as to the adopted animal’s temperament once it leaves the shelter. We are only able to tell you what we observe in a kennel environment.
- Dogs must pass a temperament test prior to being placed on the adoption floor; this means that they showed appropriate behavior while in HART’s care.
- Shelter animals require lots of attention and need proper training. Do not expect that the animal will know how to do everything right away.
- Every area municipality has some type of dog/animal license requirement. Contact your city hall for details.
Ownership Agreement
Upon approval of adoption application.
- Adopter agrees to take full responsibility for the care and well-being of the adopted pet.
- HART will not be responsible for any veterinary bills incurred. Adopter must sign a waiver to this effect.
- Adopter will sign a legally binding contract.
