Adoption Policies
HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN SPAY/NEUTER POLICY
Every day in the United States, thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born because of the uncontrolled breeding of pets. Add to that number the offspring of stray and abandoned companion animals, and the total becomes even more staggering. Every year, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them.
The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan accepts more than 3,000 dogs and cats a year due to people who do not spay/neuter their pets. Even if a “good” owner takes care of his/her pet, breeds and sells the offspring, this owner cannot guarantee that the new owner is responsible. As a result, the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan is the last resort for unwanted, neglected and abused companion animals in Berrien County and surrounding areas. Very dedicated staff members take care of these companion animals and work very hard to find them loving and responsible homes. While we have unlimited love for these companion animals, we do not have unlimited space.
Companion animals at the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan are not spayed/neutered immediately upon adoption. Therefore, a condition of adoption is that any pets in the home of the adopter must be spayed/neutered. The Spay/Neuter Contract provides a spay/neuter rebate once the animal is spayed/neutered by a veterinarian of the adopter’s choice. The Spay/Neuter Contract specifies the time period upon which the spay/neuter surgery must be performed. If the adopter does not abide by the terms of the Spay/Neuter Contract, the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan retains superior title to the companion animal and will take appropriate action to get the companion animal back and find a responsible home for him/her. All of us are a solution to the pet over population problem.
PLEASE NOTE: THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF SW MI DOES NOT GRANT SAME DAY ADOPTIONS. POTENTIAL ADOPTERS MUST FILL OUT AN APPLICATION.
