Choosing to Adopt
Choosing to Adopt
Adopting a pet is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment - over 15 years worth in most cases. Pet ownership is rewarding, but only if you fully consider your decision. Since you are choosing to adopt, it shows that you are a responsible and caring person. But before you make your decision, take a moment to consider these questions:
1. Why do you want a pet? People often fail to ask themselves this simple question and later discover they did not think it through. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
2. Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day. Many of the animals we house are here because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
3. Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high, and continue to increase. Expenses such as food, toys, grooming, cat litter, veterinary care, etc can add up very quickly.
4. Are you prepared to deal with the special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, damaged furniture, accidents during house-training, and unexpected medical emergencies are common, although unfortunate, expectations of pet ownership.
5. Can you have a pet where you live? Many rentals do not allow pets, or require specific restrictions on pets. Make sure you know the requirements of your property before bringing home a pet.
6. Is it a good time to adopt? If you have, or plan to have, children under 6 years old, you might want to consider waiting a few years before getting a pet. Pet ownership requires children to be mature and responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently, you should seriously consider if those conditions are fair to the animal and if you can fully commit to their care.
7. Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you are considering? Animal size, energy levels, and vocalizations are important to consider. Before adopting, research different breeds to find what would fit best with your lifestyle and living arrangements. Never adopt something just because it's "cute."
8. What are your pet parent plans for traveling? You need to know who can take care of your pet(s) when you are out of town, or be prepared to pay a boarding kennel.
9. Will you be a responsible pet owner? This isn't just feeding and exercising your pet. Seriously consider if you are able to provide veterinary care, maintain ID tags and licenses, and get your pet spayed/neutered.
10. Are you prepared to provide care for an animal for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt an animal, you are committing to their care for their entire lifetime, through sickness and injury.
We reserve the right to refuse any adoption as we see fit. Here are some things to consider before you apply to adopt one of our animals.
- We do not adopt dogs out to those who plan to chain them. The SPCA is absolutely against the chaining of dogs. We believe it to be cruelty.
- If you are a renter, we will contact your landlord to make sure that animals are allowed in the property you are renting.
- If you have surrendered an animal to the SPCA you are ineligible to adopt from us for a period of 6 months.
The shelter is open to the public as follows:
Tuesday – Friday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm & Saturday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
We are closed to the public on Sunday and Monday
Pets for Patriots
The Martinsville-Henry County SPCA is proud to become an adoption partner of Pets for Patriots, a nationally operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit pairing our nation's military veterans with shelter pets. Military veterans will receive 50% off adoption fees with proof of acceptance into the Pets for Patriots program. Participating veterans can also receive 10% of standard Wellness Clinic prices.
City and County pounds
The SPCA is in partnership with both the Martinsville City and Henry County pounds. We are the adoption agency for the Martinsville City pound, and support the adoption efforts of the Henry County pound. We will spay/neuter, vaccinate, and microchip your Martinsville City pound adoptee.
Animals at the city pound must be viewed by appointment. Appointments can be made by contacting the Martinsville City Police Department.
Animals at the Henry County pound can be viewed Tuesday-Saturday 12:30pm - 4:30pm. The county pound is located on King's Mountain Rd next to Jack Dalton Park.
FAQs
How do I adopt a pet? We suggest that you first stop at the shelter adoption center or go online to find our available pets.
- Once you find the animal you are interested in, please submit an application.
- We will review your application upon receipt. If we have any questions or concerns, we will contact you for clarity. We try to review all applications within 24-hours. If you apply in person, we strive to give you an answer while you are in the building. For dog applications, we must wait for a response from the landlord.
- Once your application has been approved, you are required to pay the adoption fee. If an animal has been spayed/neutered, it may go home the same day. However, if the animal has not been spayed or neutered, it will have to stay in the building until the surgery date. In some cases you may be approved to foster the animal, but that is a case by case basis and cannot be guaranteed.
What do I need to bring in order to adopt? In order to be considered as an adopter:
- You must complete an adoption/foster application and be approved
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- Have the knowledge and consent of all adults living in your household
- Have the adoption fee in either, credit card, cash or check
How much does it cost to adopt? Along with daily care costs, the adoption fees help the SPCA cover vaccination and medical prep costs for the dogs and cats.
- $100 for adult dogs above 20 pounds
- $150 for adult dogs under 20 pounds
- $160 puppies (less than 16 weeks old) and purebred dogs
- $20 cats and kittens
For dogs and cats, your adoption fee includes:
- Your new companion
- Health evaluation
- Microchip
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Age appropriate vaccinations
- FeLV/FIV testing for cats
- Rabies vaccination (three months of age or older)
- Deworming
- Flea/tick prevention
- Heartworm testing for dogs (six months of age and older)
- Free exam by a local veterinarian
What if I don't see an animal I like? Don’t give up! We get new animals every day. With patience you are bound to find that perfect match. If you don't see what you are looking for at the shelter, absolutely check the city and county pounds. Often highly adoptable animals sit at the pounds with no visitors. After a period of time, the pound manager will reach out to rescue partners for placement of these highly adoptable animals.
What about spaying and neutering? The Martinsville & Henry County SPCA is working hard to control the pet population. Each year we receive over 1000 cats and dogs. Cats and dogs will be spayed or neutered before they are adopted; this is non-negotiable.