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1. How do I adopt a pet?

Upon choosing a pet that you are interested in adopting at the Adoption Center, you must fill out an adoption application. The completed application will be reviewed by an Animal Services Officer and once the application is approved, the adoption process is completed and the animal is ready to go to it's new home.

2. Which pet should I choose?

Choosing the correct pet is very important, and should be given the utmost consideration. Things to consider are the size of the pet and if you have the space to accommodate it, the activity level of the pet that you desire, can you afford the vet bills if it becomes sick or injured, the temperament of the breed of pet you desire, how much time will the pet be left alone, and the reason for getting a pet.

3. How do I prepare before I adopt?

Check local municipal ordinances and HOA restrictions for your area, research the type of pet you want to adopt, make sure the area where the pet will be kept is secure, purchase the necessary supplies to care for the pet (food/water bowls, food, bedding, toys, collars, leashes, etc.), and locate a veterinarian that you will take the pet to for annual checkups and medical treatment.

4. What is included in the adoption and what is the process?

Upon choosing a pet that you are interested in adopting at the Adoption Center, you must fill out an adoption application. The completed application will be reviewed by an Animal Services Officer and once the application is approved, the adoption process is completed and the animal can go to its new home. Your new pet will have received a veterinary exam, Rabies vaccination, DAPP-L (dogs), Bordetella (dogs), FVRCPC (cats) , spay or neuter, heartworm check (dogs), Feline Leukemia/Feline AIDS test (cats), microchip, and city license (if living in the city limits of Schertz).  

5. What do I need to do after the adoption? (responsible pet ownership)

Follow laws, statutes, and ordinances governing animal care, make sure your pet gets plenty of socialization and play time, get them annual vaccinations and exams, and make sure pet licensing is kept up-to-date.

6. What is your return policy?

As per the Animal Services Adoption Contract, Schertz Animal Services does not accept pets under an owner surrender basis. 

Should you find yourself unable or unwilling to continue to maintain ownership of your pet, you will need to find a suitable home or alternate placement with a reputable rescue agency or foster group for the animal. It's important that each adopter understand that if you need to re-home your pet, that you do so responsibly. You should also assist the new owner in transferring the registered microchip information.

7. What can I do as a volunteer?

Volunteers perform many duties around the shelter including washing dishes, washing laundry, cleaning kennels, sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning windows, cleaning animal waste from yards, socializing cats, exercising dogs, and many other tasks that help keep the shelter running smoothly.

8. How do I become a volunteer?

Come by the Animal Adoption Center to fill out an application and sign up for a shift. An orientation will be given on the first day of volunteering.

9. What are the requirements to be a volunteer?

All volunteers ages 10-14 years must have an adult with them, ages 15-17 must have a parent contact number, and all volunteers must sign up at the Animal Adoption Center for the time slots that they wish to work.

10. What happens if my pet is brought into the shelter?

When a pet is brought in, it is scanned for a microchip and checked for identification tags. If an ID is available, attempts are made to contact the owner. If the pet is not claimed after 5 days, it becomes the property of the City of Schertz and is started through the process of testing for the possibility of being adopted. If there is no ID present, the pet becomes the property of the City of Schertz after 3 days and it begins the process of testing for the possibility of being adopted.

11. What does it cost to reclaim my pet from the shelter?

To reclaim a pet that is brought into the shelter, one must provide proof of Rabies vaccination and pay impoundment and boarding fees. Impoundment fees are $30 for altered pets and $45 for unaltered pets for the first offense. Boarding fees are $15 a day for each day that the pet has been in our care.

12. How do I obtain a City registration certificate for my pet?

As soon as a pet is vaccinated for Rabies, the Rabies certificate should be brought to Schertz Animal Services to obtain a city license.  Licenses are $5 for altered pets and $10 for unaltered pets.

13. How do I report a pet I have found?

Found pets should be brought to the shelter to be checked for microchips and to be cared for until the owner can be found. If the pet cannot be brought in to the shelter, the shelter should be called to pick the pet up. If the person wants to hold onto the dog until the owner is found, the shelter should be contacted and given the pet's description and where it was found, in case the owner calls the shelter looking for their pet.

14. How do I report a pet I have lost?

Send a picture, along with your contact information to animalservices@schertz.com. We will contact you if a pet matching that description comes into the shelter.

15. What is a stray hold?

Stray hold is the amount of time a found pet is held at the shelter while the shelter searches for its owner. After the appropriate stray hold period, the pet becomes the property of the City.