First, we'd like to clarify that despite varying legal definitions of pet ownership, our belief is that our adoptable pets are living additions to families, not property to be bought and sold. The fees we charge for adoption ensure the continued financial success of the shelter by covering costs associated with caring for thousands of homeless animals each year. We would no sooner sell animals than buy them; rather, we adopt them into permanent and loving homes.

Regarding the difference between shelter animals and "free to good home" animals in your local paper and elsewhere, often the responsible pet owner finds so-called "free" animals have much higher long-term costs than a similar shelter animal. At the Heartland Humane Society, whether an animal is an owner-released pet with a thorough and complete veterinarian history or a sick and wounded stray requiring weeks of medical treatment and rehabilitation, the adoption fees are the same with the exception of G.E.M. animals.
Our professionally-trained staff identify and treat ailments, either at the shelter or at veterinarians throughout Benton County who generously donate their time and services. We vaccinate, de-worm, offer pet insurance, supply a collar and leash or carrier, test every cat for the Feline Leukemia Virus and test every dog's temperament; when you consider all that is done for our animals and for you, the adopter, you'll often find that a shelter animal is better than free. Add to these facts the emotion you and your animal feel upon starting a life-long friendship, and the decision becomes easy. You, the animals, and your shelter all benefit with every adoption.