Why does LAWS charge an adoption fee?
Our adoption fees are among the lowest in North America. They help us to cover our costs of caring for the animals such as vaccinating, medicating, vet visits and spaying/neutering our animals.

How does the spay/neuter voucher work?
If the animal that you have chosen has not yet been fixed you are required to have this done within the first 14 day of the adoption (if the animal is younger than six months we will extend the voucher, as necessary). Call to make sure your vet clinic will accept our voucher. You will give the voucher to your vet clinic and they will bill us!

If you choose to take your animal to a clinic that is not on our list you may chose from one to the two options:

• ask your clinic if they would be interested in honouring our voucher (and have them call us at the shelter)

• pay the full cost of the operation and LAWS will refund YOU a designated amount

What happens if the animal I have adopted isn‘t working out?
We have a 45 DAY return policy. If the animal that you have chosen is not working out you may return it to the shelter within the first 45 days. WE HAVE A NO REFUND POLICY! If the animal was returned for a medical reason the shelter staff may offer you the opportunity to select another suitable pet in exchange.

Are there any additional mandatory costs that are not included in the adoption fee?
Yes! You are required to take your new animal to a vet within the first 14 days for a full health examination. If your animal has a medical condition that the shelter was unaware of you may apply for an exchange or a partial refund.

You are also responsible to get a booster shot and a rabies shot for your new animal at your own cost. This may be done at a veterinary clinic of your choice and is generally due within the first 14 days after the adoption. In most cases the health examination, the booster shot and the rabies shot can all be done in one trip to the vet. It is much more cost efficient this way! All vet clinics offer different services at different rates. Call your vet in advance to find out details on their rates. Rabies vaccines are required by law!

What type of return policy do you offer?
We have a 45 DAY return policy. If the animal that you have chosen is not working out you may return the animal within 45 DAYS. WE HAVE A NO REFUND POLICY! After the first 45 days, the "Give up of Ownership" fee will apply.

Am I allowed to take an animal home on a trial basis to see how it works out?
Unfortunately, we do not allow this. We expect our adopters to have thoroughly thought about their decision and be serious about making it work. If you adopt an animal and it doesn't work out you may bring the animal back to us. We offer a 45 days return policy (no refunds).

Can I have an animal put 'on hold' until it is more convenient for me to pick it up?
No. We are very firm on our "no holding" policy. In the past we have experienced major problems when animals were placed on hold and in the end it is the animal that suffers for it. Our animals are our main priority and are adopted on a first come, first serve basis as long as the home is suitable. We expect that when you come out to the shelter to see our animals that you are serious about your decision and are ready and prepared to take that animal home.

Giving up Ownership of your animal
Before even considering giving up ownership of your pet to someone else, ask yourself if there are other options.

• Do you have allergies to animals? - Talk with your doctor about possible treatments.

• Is your animal's behaviour too much to handle? - Talk to a specialist (a veterinarian, a trainer, a behaviouralist). Find out ways to improve the dog's behaviour. With patience and consistency dogs tend to learn quickly.

• Does your animal suffer from chronic health problem or more serious behavioural issues? This is a tough call but is it realistic to expect that another person will be more willing-or able-to deal with these? Ask your veterinarian for advice on options available to you. In this situation, the shelter is generally not a responsible option.

Making the decision to give ownership of your animal is definitely a difficult decision that only you can make. At the Lanark Animal Welfare Society we do our best to find each animal a new home and are generally very successful however, there are no guarantees. Before making the final decision of surrendering your pet to our shelter here are some other options you should explore.

• Advertise your animal in local newspapers, veterinary clinics, pet food stores, friends, neighbours, etc. This way you can conduct personal interviews with the potential adopters to ensure the future care of your animal. Set a fee to adopt your animal. This will deter anyone who is not serious about the adoption.

• There are internet forums that allows people to post ads of animals seeking new homes (some examples: CanadaStrays.com, Pet Finder.com and Pet Lynx.net)

• Contact the Canadian Kennel Club to find out if there are any breed rescue groups in your area that may help you out.

If you are unsuccessful at finding a home on your own then and only then should you consider surrendering your animal to a shelter.

• You must contact the shelter in advance to make arrangements to surrender your animal. If you show up without previous arrangements, chances are that you will be turned away due to a lack of available space. We are a very small shelter and space is extremely limited!

• You must bring copies of all relevant medical history from your veterinary clinic and you will be asked to provide proof of current vaccinations. If your animal is not up to date on vaccinations it is possible that you may be asked to have that done before surrendering the animal.

• You will be asked to fill out a basic history form about your animal. You are more than welcome to do your own write-up from home indicating the type of home that would best suit your animal (Please include information on any previous interactions with children, and other animals)

• There is a mandatory admission fee, which is necessary to provide future care for your animal. You will be informed of this fee when you make arrangements to surrender.

• All animals brought into the shelter must be under restrains (a leash, a cat carrier, etc.)

Once your animal has been surrendered to the shelter you may not, under any circumstances, reclaim your animal. It would not be responsible of us to return an animal to someone who has told us they are no longer willing or able to provide care for their animal. The decision to surrender is a permanent one.

Other Frequently Asked Questions:

How much money does the government give LAWS?
Most people are shocked to find out that we receive no money from the government. Our shelter relies entirely on donations from the public and through our various fundraisers and adoption fees. We assist animals in need entirely through the help of donors.

How long is an animal awaiting adoption held at LAWS?
Indefinately. LAWS does not euthanize any animal simply because it has been in our shelter too long. We have had cats in our care for almost a year before they found a loving home.

I have found a stray animal, what should I do?
Please visit our website to find a list of the area's Animal Control Officers. Please call the appropriate animal Control Officer for your area who will come to collect the stray animal.

Can I volunteer at LAWS?
Absolutely! If you are 16 years of age or older, pick up our volunteer questionnaire at our shelter or download it from our website (volunteers page). We always need volunteers to help clean cages, walk dogs, cuddle cats, help with fundraising events and much more.

If you have any further questions please contact us by phone or email. We will do our very best to give your former companion a second chance.