WHY ADOPT RATHER THAN BUY A PET?

Adopting a pet is generally much less expensive then purchasing one. Also, you have the option of age. Puppies and kittens are adorable, but can be a handful, so an older pet may be easier. Adopted pets are usually mixed breeds and based on the principal of “hybrid vigor”, they tend to live longer and cost less in vet bills than a pure breed. Adoption rescue groups, try to provide whatever history and information they have on a specific pet. Their primary interest is in finding a good home for animals, rather then making a profit. An adopted pet loves you as much as a purchased one. They often seem to understand that you saved them. 

CONSIDERING ADOPTION?

Deciding to bring a pet into the family is a life long commitment that could last as long as 20 years. There are some questions you should ask yourself to be sure you are ready for the responsibility. Can I afford the cost, which includes food, grooming, and both routine and emergency vet care? Do I have the time to provide the love, attention, exercise and training my pet needs? Am I living somewhere suitable for the pet I am interested in? If I move, can I still provide for it? 

CHECK OUR CURRENT ADOPTABLE ANIMALS

ASK THE STAFF

We may not know what an animals experience was prior to coming to us. The shelter atmosphere can be confusing and frightening for them, so behavior can be misleading. For example, a dog could be anxious and barking in the kennel, than be calm and quiet as soon as it gets into a car, or your home. The staff often has some history on the animal, as well as personal experience that can be helpful in making your decision.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PET FOR YOU

Types and breeds of animals vary considerably. Consider your lifestyle in deciding what pet is best for you. Do you want a companion to get up at 5:00 AM and jog with you or one that will lounge with you on the couch and watch a movie? Do you want a pet with long fur that you can brush or one that does not shed much? Do you have children or other pets to consider? All pets need attention and companionship, but some deal better then others, if you are away from home working or running errands. For more information on choosing a pet CLICK HERE to see Best Friends website.

TAKING YOUR PET HOME

Your pet has gone through a lot of changes in a pretty short period. Some animals readily adjust to a new environment where other need some time. A cat that would not come out from under your bed the first week you brought it home could eventually become your closest companion. Please allow them this time and if you need advice, our staff may be able to help or direct you to someone who can.

FUTURE ADOPTIONS

TCRAS appreciates you considering adopting a friend from our shelter. If you do not find the pet you are looking for, please continue to check back, as we receive new animals almost every day. Our goal is to help match you with the right pet for many happy years of companionship.   


ADOPTION RULES

Animals that are picked up as strays, are held for 5 days before becoming available for adoption, to allow time for the owner to claim them. If you see an animal at the shelter that you are interested in, but it is still within the 5 day waiting period, you can pay a $20 (non-refundable) deposit to have priority in adoption, when the waiting period expires. If you adopt the animal, the $20 deposit will go toward the adoption fee.

Prospective adopters must complete and sign an ADOPTION APPLICATION FORM. They must also be interviewed in person to determine suitability. TCRAS reserves the right to make pre-adoption and/or follow up phone calls and/or visits to ensure the suitability of placements. TCRAS will make post adoption phone calls. In the case of an out of area/state inquire, TCRAS will contact a rescue group in that area and ask for a home check. Once approved, transportation must be arranged by the adopter. Puppies and kittens under four months old cannot be flown to their new home. We do our best to find a good match between people and pets, but if a placement does not appear to be suitable, the pet must be returned to the shelter. If an animal is returned within two weeks, the adopter can receive a full refund. The animal will be evaluated when it is returned to the shelter. If there are any medical expenses within 72 hours of the return, these expenses will be deducted from the refund amount.

HAPPY TAILS

Savannah was an adorable little puppy when she was first taken home, but she grew into a big beautiful Husky mix. She was too full of energy for her rather elderly owner to care for her, so for three years, she was confined to a kennel in the yard, without exercise or attention. A neighbor convinced the owner to let her take Savannah to TCRAS, so that a more suitable home could be found. Initially, the TCRAS staff was concerned about how well she would adjust, so they took her to a trainer to help her with socializing.

Savannah was at TCRAS for months and was beginning to think she would never find her home, until Mr. & Mrs. Conn from Littleton walked in. They had lost the last of their two beloved dogs and had been searching for a new dog, from Castle Rock to Divide. Mrs. Conn said they felt that the Lord would lead them to the right dog. They were visiting another shelter, when a woman suggested they try TCRAS. When they arrived they spotted Savannah and took her out for a walk. She kept going to their car and they knew she was the one. The Conn’s took Savannah to her new home, where she is now called, Kasa and things have worked out beautifully. They say she is the light of their life and Kasa is so happy to finally have the loving family she always wanted.