FAQs
Q: WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO ADOPT AN ANIMAL?
Start by viewing all of our animals under the “available for adoption” tab. If you find an animal you’re interested in, the next step is to submit an online application for that animal. Once your application has been approved, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment for a meet & greet with the approved animal.
You are also welcome to stop by the shelter during open hours. All of our available animals are posted to view in our lobby, and applications are also available on-site. Once an application has been approved, a meet & greet can be scheduled.
In an effort to minimize stress to the animals, we do not offer open tours of our animals and only schedule meet & greets for approved adopters.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A LOST/FOUND ANIMAL?
You should call the shelter at 765-653-1943 and leave a detailed voice message or send a private message to the Putnam County Animal Care & Control Facebook page for further direction.
If you find a lost pet, it is important to attempt to find the owner before keeping the pet permanently or adopting to another family.
- Check the Putnam County Animal Care & Control Facebook page, as well as lost/found Facebook groups.
- The Hoosier Topics and Banner Graphic post free ads for lost and found pets.
- Post signs in your neighborhood, and check with neighbors
- Take the animal to a vet, groomer, the animal shelter or Rescued Treasures to see if the pet has a microchip.
If you decide to look for a new home for the animal, we suggest that you consider the following:
- Ask if they have other pets. If so (or if they once did), ask for the name of the veterinarian to insure that the family takes care of them. Call that office. Also, ask what they would do if other pets in the home do not accept this new member of the family.
- If they have never had a pet, make sure they know the costs and responsibility in owning one.
- Request that they take the pet to a vet for shots and examination within a week.
- If the pet is not spayed or neutered, make sure the adopter intends to have this done as soon as possible and recommend the contact us immediately if they need assistance.
- Be sure to tell the potential adopter any of the pet’s behaviors and needs you have discovered.
- Make sure you have contact information for each other.
- Be sure to explain how you acquired the pet so that the adopting family cannot blame you for theft or withholding information about future behavioral or health issues.
If your pet is missing or lost:
- Be sure to call the shelter and file a lost pet report
- Keep a close watch on the Putnam County Animal Care & Control Facebook page in case your pet arrives at the shelter
- Check lost/found animal Facebook groups
- The Hoosier Topics and Banner Graphic post free ads for lost and found pets.
Post signs in your neighborhood.
Q: WHAT IF I HAVE AN ANIMAL I AM UNABLE TO KEEP?
If you find yourself in a situation with a pet that you are unable to keep, please make every effort to re-home the animal yourself. We suggest the use of social media to reach out to your network of friends, family, neighbors and fellow animal lovers to make your best effort in finding the appropriate home for a pet in the unfortunate event that animals needs re-homed. The shelter must always keep space available for lost, stray and homeless pets, so please consider surrendering your pet as a last resort. If you find that you have exhausted all other options, please call the shelter at 765-653-1943 to speak to a staff member about your situation and schedule an appointment.
Q: HOW CAN I HELP?
We’re glad you asked! There are many ways to help out. You can volunteer at Rescued Treasures, donate goods or money, or host your own fundraiser! The possibilities are endless.