Dogs And Cats For Adoption

If you, or someone you know, are looking to adopt a pet, you can use the links below. The Christian County Animal Shelter, once operational, will have its own list of adoptable animals.

Missouri Law requires all adopted pets to be spayed or neutered. Each pet, prior to adoption, is given its first set of basic vaccinations, first de-worming treatment, first ear mite treatment, and a flea and tick spray or bath. The cost of the surgery is included in your adoption fee.

Although the CCAS has not established an adoption fee yet, contact the shelter you are adopting your pet from for their fee schedule.

 

We are always in need of:

  1. Short and long term foster homes.
  2. People to transporters animals short distances.
  3. Donated items to be sold at garage sales.
  4. Used travel carriers.
  5. Blankets, towels, dog treats and food (to be given to adoptee's).

Email us and we will contact you with information on how you can help.

 

What To Think About When Adopting

Adopting a pet, is a big decision. Dogs and cats are living beings who require lots of time, money, and commitment-over 15 years worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

The fact that you're thinking about adopting a pet from an animal shelter means you're a responsible and caring person. But, before you make that final decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think about these questions:

Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10,15, even 20 years.

Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to properly care for them.

Can you afford a pet? They monetary costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Are you prepared to deal with special problems that only a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housebroken, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

Can you have pets where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have other restrictions. make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Problem free pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Adopting a large or energetic dog to share your small apartment, for example, is not a good idea. He likely won't have enough space to move around in, and giving him enough exercise will require quite a bit of activity on your part. Choose an animal who will be comfortable in your surroundings.

Do you know who will care for your pet while your are away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors, or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet sitting service.

Will you be a responsible pet owner? Obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible pet owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Get an Animal for Life

Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.

Your Pet Needs an ID Tag!

Whether it is lost or stolen, losing a pet is an agonizing experience.

The reason is shockingly simple -- too many owners fail to put identification on their cats to ensure their safe return home. Yet, even the most responsible pet owners can

  experience unexpected circumstances that cause cats to accidentally stray and become lost or injured. This is especially true during summer when windows and doors tend to be open. The following are common types of identification that can mean the difference between life and death for your best friend. With all of these methods, it is imperative to keep your information up to date.

Identify Your Pet

All cats and dogs need to wear collars with city licenses and rabies vaccination tags. Personal ID tags are essential backups. The tag should include the owner's name, address, and telephone number (day and evening) and the pet's name. Also:

Tattoos

This is a permanent ID system that involves marking a code on the skin of the pet. The finder calls a database and uses the code to obtain the owner's current address and phone number.

This is an invaluable ID should a pet be stolen for research, since laboratories will instantly know the animal is not abandoned but a beloved pet.

Microchips

This is a tiny electronic capsule that is embedded under the pet's skin. When a pet is found, any agency with a scanner, including many animal care and control agencies, veterinary clinics, and research labs, can quickly identify a code that links the animal to its owner through a database. 

The CCAS does not necessarily endorse or recommend these ways of identification. It's up to the owner to make an informed decision.

© 2006 Christian County Animal Shelter