Frequently Asked Questions

Cat & Dog Adoption Fast Facts

• 25% of pet dogs put to sleep in animal shelters are purebred.
• Approximately 4 million pet dogs and cats are put to sleep each year due to overpopulation.
• Adopting a dog or cat from a humane society, an animal shelter, an SPCA, or a dog rescue or cat rescue group saves a life!

1. What does "no-kill" mean?
2. Can I just drop off my (cat/dog) animal?
3. Will it cost me anything to give you my animal?
4. What is the difference between Columbia Humane
   Society and Columbia County Animal Control?
5. Do you "fix" all the animals before they get adopted?
6. Do I have to have a fence to adopt a dog from CHS?

1.  What does "no-kill" mean?
Columbia Humane Society will not euthanize a healthy animal, or any animal for lack of space. An animal can remain here for the rest of it's life if that's what it takes.

2.  Can I just drop off my (cat/dog) animal?
No. You must have an appointment for an evaluation. Intake of animals is based on many things, some of which include: space, health of the animal, temperament, etc.
"Dumping" animals is a punishable offence.

3.  Will it cost me anything to give you my animal?
Yes. We require a relinquish fee.
The amount is determined by the animal type, sex, if it is spayed/neutered, pregnant and up-to-date on testing and vaccinations. This fee will help us to bring the animal current on vaccinations, spay/neuter as well as feed and shelter the animal until a new family can be found.

4.  What is the difference between Columbia Humane Society and Columbia County Animal Control?
Columbia Humane Society is a private non-profit, no-kill shelter. We receive no government/tax funding.
We are supported by private donations, grants, the sale of pet food, pet supplies and pet-related gifts. We also rely on fundraising events to fund our mission.

Columbia County Animal Control is a county agency and is supported by taxes and license fees. We are two separate businesses that share the same building. Our animals, mission and policies are separate though sometimes coincide.

5.  Do you "fix" all the animals before they get adopted?
If the animal is of the appropriate age, yes. If an animal is adopted before it is old enough to be spayed/neutered, then the procedure is included in the cost of adoption. Completing the procedure at the proper time is a requirement for adoption.

6.  Do I have to have a fence to adopt a dog from CHS?
Generally, yes. If you live outside of city limits, away from busy roads and "on property," the requirement may be waived. Families adopting small lap/house dogs are not required to have a fence. A good fence, or a dog safe enclosure is the best way to make sure your new family member doesn't wander away from home and get hurt.
We strongly discourage families from tying or chaining their dog outside, even on a runner.

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