Adopting a new companion animal can be complicated, and while we can't do everything for you we can smooth the process by providing you with information about Heartland's guidelines, choosing a pet, and getting that pet settled into its new home.

Heartland only adopts domestic animals for the primary purpose of companionship. Your pet may serve a secondary utilitarian purpose, but we do not adopt out dogs as guard or attack dogs.

Heartland does not adopt companion animals as gifts. You may know exactly what kind of animal your friend/family member is looking for, but the best course would be for that person to directly meet their prospective companion. Sometimes personalities go together, other times they don't. We'd hate for one of our shelter animals returned after only a few days because of an incompatibility or some other personal difficulty. If you want to surprise someone, pick up a gift certificate instead. This way you can be 100% sure of a mutual relationship and aren't unexpectedly giving someone an unwanted financial or personal burden, while still keeping your gift a secret.

You must be 18 years old. If someone under 18 is going to be the one responsible for the pet, their parent or legal guardian must agree to the adoption and be the one completing the paperwork.

If you rent, we must have consent from your landlord. This applies whether your landlord is a family member or best friend or is out of the country and unavailable for 2 more weeks; we cannot adopt out an animal without your landlord's approval first.

You must be committed to spaying and neutering. All of our adopted animals are altered before being adopted, either in the shelter or by being dropped off at a vet of your choice. However, very young kittens are currently being adopted out under contract to be spayed or neutered when they become old enough. We are doing everything possible now to end overpopulation, once we get full support and cooperation from the community we will reach our goal of becoming the no-kill shelter Benton County has been needing for so long.

Other guidelines and requirements to consider:

No animal is to be adopted, sold, or otherwise given away for research or laboratory use.
All cats and dogs will be supplied with an ID tag and collar which must be worn at all times.
No animal will be adopted to a person with a known history of cruelty violations, animal control violations, or previous violations of adoption contracts.
All puppies must be eight weeks old and all kittens must be two pounds before becoming available for adoption.
No animal is to be adopted strictly as an outdoor pet.
All household members should be present during the adoption process. The primary caretaker must be present.
In accordance with law, caretakers must provide their adopted animal with proper care, including nutritious food, water, shelter, exercise, and veterinary care to prevent illness and relieve suffering.
Heartland has the right to inspect the adopted animal's home and is authorized by the adopter to repossess the animal if there is evidence that any provision of the contract is being violated. Notwithstanding these policies, Heartland reserves the right to refuse to adopt an animal to any person.

Other resources on our Adoption Preparation page and our Pet Care Information page will help you with the selection and preparation you need to adopt a companion animal, but here's a handy list of supplies you may need.

All Animals:
Bed / bedding
Toys
Food and water dishes / water bottle
Food
Brush
Snacks / treats
Camera

Dogs:
Sporting equipment if necessary (portable water / backpack)
County License
Crate if necessary
Shampoo
Supplied:
Leash
Collar
Heartland ID tag
DHLP-P vaccine and de-worming
Flea treatment if necessary

Cats:
Litterbox(es)
Litter
Scratching post / cat tree
Supplied:
Carrier
Collar
Heartland ID tag
FVRCP-C vaccine and de-worming
FeLV test
Flea treatment if necessary

Small animals:
Cage
Old newspaper, or litterbox and litter