F.A.Qs about Adoption
Welcome to Our Adoption FAQ!
🎉 We're thrilled you're considering adoption! 🐾
Adopting a pet is not just about adding a furry member to your family; it's about making a lifelong commitment to an animal who needs your love and care. Our FAQ is here to guide you through the adoption process, answer your questions, and make your journey to pet parenthood as smooth and joyful as possible. Thank you for choosing to adopt and for giving a deserving animal a forever home!
Basic Shelter Information
Feel free to visit us during our operating hours or reach out with any questions you might have. Our team is eager and ready to assist you!
Hours of Operation
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 1 – 5 PM
Location
2171 Mack Rd, Douglasville, GA 30135
(Located right beside Deer Lick Park)
Contact Us!
Phone: 770-942-5961
Email: animalshelter@douglascountyga.gov
Adoption Process & Policies
Your journey to find a furry friend starts here! Visit us during our operating hours to meet and bond with a pet that catches your heart. Once you feel that special connection, we invite you to complete a short adoption questionnaire. This helps us understand your lifestyle and what you're looking for in a pet. We pride ourselves on being a barrier-free facility, focusing on making the adoption process as smooth and welcoming as possible.
Requirements:
You must be 18 years of age or older.
Applicants should have no animal cruelty charges.
For Renters and Homeowners:
Renters: We trust you to discuss your pet policy with your landlord prior to adoption.
Homeowners: Please check with your homeowners insurance and HOA about any breed restrictions or policies to avoid any surprises.
Dog-to-Dog Introductions:
We offer appointments for structured dog-to-dog meet-and-greets in our front parking lot. These sessions involve pack-walk-type activities on-leash, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for the dogs to get acquainted. If our staff feels comfortable and time allows, the session can conclude with a brief off-leash playtime in our play yard.
A Tip for a Happy Home:
We always recommend slow, structured introductions between dogs, especially when it comes to sharing resources like toys, food, treats, beds, and even your attention. This approach helps prevent any potential conflicts and ensures a smoother transition for your new pet into your home.
Adoption Fees
What are the adoption fees?
Adult Dogs & Cats (6 months+): $50
1 Puppy or 2 Kittens (Under 6 months): $150
What's included in the adoption fee?
Your adoption fee goes a long way in supporting our efforts. It includes:
Core Vaccines, Rabies Vaccine, x2 Dewormings
Flea/Tick Treatment
Food, Boarding, and Socialization
Spay/Neuter Surgery
Why are younger animals more expensive?
Younger animals receive additional rounds of vaccinations and require specialized food, both of which are more costly. This investment in their early life ensures a healthier start.
Can I get a refund on the adoption fee?
Adoption fees are non-refundable as they are used to support the ongoing care of animals in our shelter.
Do you offer any discounts on adoption fees?
Absolutely!
Seniors for Seniors: Adoption fees are waived for senior pets (8+ years) adopted by seniors (65+ years).
$5 Early Bird Special (Tuesday-Thursday, 10 AM - 2 PM)
Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) - Cats Only: Get $5 off when you bring your own carrier.
Veterans Discount: 50% off the adoption fee.
We frequently offer monthly specials. Stay updated!
Can I reserve a pet in advance?
At DCAS, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The day an animal becomes available for adoption is the day we start accepting applications. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and to avoid potential disappointments, such as in cases where an animal might be reclaimed by its owner, pulled by a rescue organization, or face unexpected medical issues. We understand the excitement and eagerness in wanting to secure your future pet, but we believe this approach is the best way to handle adoptions responsibly and compassionately.
Common Concerns
Where did the animal come from? What's the breed, age, history, story?
As a municipal county animal shelter contracted by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, our primary role is to take in stray animals and those from unsafe conditions. We seldom accept owner surrenders, prioritizing space for strays. Consequently, we often don’t have detailed histories for the animals in our care. In most cases, we may not be sure about their pasts.
What does "Fully Vetted" Mean?
When we say an animal is fully vetted, this includes:
Spaying/neutering with a tattoo marking the procedure.
Vaccinations for the year.
Microchipping (for dogs).
Heartworm testing (for dogs).
Ear-tipping (for cats).
What does "Stray Hold" Mean?
By law, stray animals must be held for at least three full days, allowing time for owners to reclaim them. The day an animal arrives doesn’t count towards this period. On the fifth day, they become available for adoption. We don't accept applications for dogs on stray hold due to the likelihood of them being reclaimed. Post-hold, animals become the property of DCAS and may be adopted, transferred, or in rare cases, euthanized.
What about Microchipped animals?
Animals arriving with identification (like a rabies tag, ID tag, or microchip) are held longer while we attempt to contact their registered owners (through phone calls, certified letters, social media, etc.). All animals are listed on Adopt-a-Pet and Petfinder unless involved in a legal case or if the owner has been contacted.
Can I adopt more than one animal?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: We exercise caution with certain situations. For instance, we don’t recommend adopting two puppies from the same litter unless you have experience raising them together—it's a significant commitment. Adult animals may be adopted together if they are bonded, co-housed, or have interacted positively in playgroups. For kittens, we often recommend adopting in pairs for their social development and well-being.
Is this animal kid/dog/cat friendly?
Determining an animal's compatibility with kids, cats, or other dogs isn't always straightforward. While we conduct basic social assessments, these don’t guarantee behavior in a home environment. Stress can significantly affect an animal's behavior, often leading to either shutdown or survival mode. We base our behavior recommendations on daily interactions rather than strict temperament tests, always prioritizing public safety. Animals showing signs of aggression are not released for adoption.