The UDT Adoption Center

CHARLES HENDERSON ANIMAL RESCUE

How To Adopt A Pet from Charles Henderson Animal Rescue

• • What is the adoption process at Charles Henderson Animal Rescue?

  • How long does it take to adopt a pet?

  • Can I put a pet on hold?

  • Once I’ve decided on which pet to adopt, when can I take him home?

  • How many references do adopters need?

Choosing the Right Pet for You

• • How will I know which dog or cat is right for me?

  • Will I be able to get to know a pet before I make my decision to adopt?

  • Do you have purebred animals?

  • I want to adopt a specific breed or pet of a certain size. Can I submit a request?

Behavior Issues & Resources for Adopters

• • Will I be responsible for house training my adopted pet?

  • Can I expect that the animal I adopt will be obedience-trained?

  • What if my adopted pet needs obedience classes? Do you have resources?

  • What if the pet I adopt has behavior problems?

  • Before bringing my adopted pet home, can I introduce her to the pets I already have?

How Much Does It Costs to Adopt a Dog or a Cat? What’s Included in the Fee?

• • Is there an adoption fee?

  • Why isn’t it free to adopt?

  • Will I be responsible for spaying or neutering my adopted pet?

  • Will I be responsible for microchipping my adopted pet?

  • If I adopt from Charles Henderson Animal Rescue, will I receive special medical or veterinary services for my pet?

New Adopters: What to Expect & What Happens Next

• • I’ve just adopted a pet from Charles Henderson Animal Rescue. Will you follow up to see how it’s going?

  • What can I expect from my new pet when I bring him home?

  • What if I adopt a pet, but it's not working out—can I return him?

  • What if I adopt a pet, but it’s not working out—can I give him to a friend?

General Information and Services

• • Does Charles Henderson Animal Rescue euthanize animals?

  • If an animal hasn’t gotten adopted, how long will you keep him in your shelter?

  • Can I give a pet as a gift?

  • I found a litter of kittens. Can I bring them to Charles Henderson Animal Rescuer?

  • I can no longer care for my pet. Can I leave her with Charles Henderson Animal Rescue?

  • Do you have species other than dogs and cats at your shelter?

  • Are pets allowed to live in apartments in NYC?

What is the adoption process at Charles Henderson Animal Rescue?

When you arrive at the shelter, the Adoptions staff will ask you to complete a short Canine-ality^™ or Feline-ality^™ Assessment developed by the ASPCA to identify what sort of dog or cat will best suit your lifestyle. For example, after work, do you love to go for long jogs or do you prefer to plop down in front of the tube? Depending on your response, The UDT Adoption Center could match you with a dog who’s been identified as a “Go-Getter” or a “Couch Potato.”

After the survey, we’ll walk you through the shelter to meet our resident dogs and cats. If you meet a pet and fall in love at first sight, you will then fill out an application for adoption. We require two forms of identification, including a telephone, utility or cable bill as one form, plus a driver’s license or passport.

If you don’t meet that “special one” during your first visit, you’re welcome to fill out an application and come back at a later date. Applications remain active and current for two months.

How long does it take to adopt a pet?

Adopting a pet can take as little as a an hour or a few hours depending on the animals being adopted, the adopters and provided you bring the materials required to complete an application. Charles Henderson Animal Rescue provides same-day adoptions for both cats and dogs.

Can I put a pet on hold?

We do offer a hold service for pets, but only for unavailable dogs. If you meet a pet in the shelter who still needs to be neutered, for example, you may adopt the animal but the adoption donation is a nonrefundable deposit and must be paid in full.

Once I’ve decided on which pet to adopt, when can I take him home?

If your dog or cat is ready for adoption, you can take him home the same day your application is approved.

How many references do adopters need?

Charles Henderson Animal Rescuer requires three references and utilizes the Meet Your Match^™ & S.A.F.E.R. programs developed by the ASPCA. Three references from each adopter in addition to filing out the Meet Your Match surveys. Charles Henderson Animal Rescue values the benefit of useful information and has potential adopters fill out the Meet Your Match survey. The Meet Your Match^™Assessment & S.A.F.E.R.Assessment programs were developed by the ASPCA, which scientifically evaluates and assesses an animal’s behavior and matches him or her to an adopter’s personality and lifestyle preferences utilizing the Meet Your Match survey questionaire & S.A.F.E.R. behavioral assessments.

Selecting the Right Pet for You

How will I know which dog or cat is right for me?

Please know that when you come in to Charles Henderson Animal Rescue to look for your new pet, you’re not alone in the search. Charles Henderson Animal Rescue has full-time behaviorists and dog trainers who have gotten to know the animals at Charles Henderson Animal Rescue. Charles or one of the other S.E.R.V.I.C.E. specialists will be happy to guide you in your selection.

Will I be able to get to know a pet before I make my decision to adopt?

Of course! You’ll have an opportunity to socialize with the dog or cat you’ve chosen to meet. Our meet & greet playrooms, training center and dog runs are available for you and your dog of choice, and you’ll be given all the time you need to hold, hug, snuggle and play with the cats who strike your fancy. Charles Henderson Animal Rescue makes sure you have plenty of hands-on interaction and opportunities for bonding before you make your decision.

Do you have purebred animals?

Yes, Charles Henderson Animal Rescue has both purebred and mixed-breed pets. It is a myth that shelters only house mixed-breed dogs and cats.

I want to adopt a specific breed or pet of a certain size. Can I submit a request?

Yes, absolutely, however, please note that The UDT Adoption Center believes that the best pet/people matches are based on compatible personalities, not on what a dog or cat looks like. Therefore, rather than reserve a certain breed or size of pet for you, we prefer that you come down to the shelter. The animals in our care range widely in size, age and personality type, and our highly trained behaviorists will help you to find a pet who fits best with your personality and lifestyle perfectly. In some instances, it may be the specific breed you are looking for and in other instances, it may not be the right breed for you at all. We see this at the UDT Adoption Center all the time. Educating adopters about breeds and matching them properly is a major key to success at The UDT Adoption Center.

Behavior Issues & Resources for Adopters

Will I be responsible for house training my adopted pet?

Most of our pets are housetrained; however, if you adopt a puppy or under-socialized adult dog, you may need to work with him during the transition. Charles Henderson Animal Rescue provides literature to guide you through the housetraining process.

Can I expect that the animal I adopt will be obedience-trained?

Charles Henderson Animal Rescue does screen all pets for behavior traits prior to adoption. Some of our animals are trained, but others may require a refresher course or a complete retraining program.

What if my adopted pet needs obedience classes? Do you have resources?

Yes, The UDT Adoption Center offers obedience classes for dogs adopted from our shelter.

What if the pet I adopt has behavior problems?

The UDT Adoption Center provides behavior counseling over the phone to new adopters and you can come by The UDT Adoption Center for assistance. Call the rescue before coming to ensure someone will be available to help you.

Before bringing my adopted pet home, can I introduce her to the pets I already have?

Yes, in fact we encourage and require potential adopters to bring their dogs so we can do a professional introduction together with them on neutral ground. If you have a cat and want to adopt a dog, make sure to let us know so we can test the dog to make sure the dog is good with cats.

Costs to Adopt from The UDT Adoption Center—and What’s Included in the Fee

Is there an adoption fee?

Yes, adoption fees for companion animals are:

• Fees include the dog or cat being spayed or neutered, all shots are up to date,and a 1 free vet visit at one of our local participating veterinarian hospitals. A temporary leash for a new dog adoption and a temporary cardboard cat carrier for a new cat adoption will be provided to transport the newly adopted animal safely home as well as information about what to expect from your new pet.

Why isn’t it free to adopt?

In addition to supporting our shelter’s ability to care for incoming animals, The UDT Adoption Center adoption fees cover spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping and registration, as well as FeLV/FIV testing for cats.

Will I be responsible for spaying or neutering my adopted pet?

No. All The UDT Adoption Center animals are spayed or neutered before the animal is permitted to leave The UDT Adoption Center.

For New Adopters—What to Expect and What Happens Next

I’ve just adopted a pet from The UDT Adoption Center. Will you follow up to see how it’s going?

A member of our staff will contact you by phone or email within the first 2-4 weeks after adoption to make sure the settling-in process is going smoothly. This is especially helpful if the pet you’ve adopted is working through a behavior issue or has a health condition that takes extra care. The UDT Adoption Center will be available to provide ongoing support and guidance through:

The B.E.S.T. K9 Team

The Behavior Enrichment Socialization Training (B.E.S.T.) K9 Team is a special unit of The UDT Adoption Center.

The B.E.S.T.K9 Team offers a variety of services and support. The B.E.S.T. K9 Team is dedicated to promoting balanced, respectful and enriched relations between people and pets through education and the provision of practical, humane advice on pet behavior for owners.

What can I expect from my new pet when I bring him home?

Our trainers and behaviorists know the animals in our shelter and will discuss their personalities with you. Please remember, however, that it takes time for an animal to settle into a new home, and your new friend must be treated with patience and given time to adjust.

What if I adopt a pet, but it's not working out—can I return him?

We actually ask that you do return a pet with whom you’re not getting along, whether it’s after one week or ten years. Before we take him or her back, however, we’ll discuss the problem you’re having. If it’s a behavior issue, you can call The B.E.S.T. K9 Training Team and speak to a B.E.S.T. K9 trainer provided exclusively to The UDT Adoption Center adopters to discuss possible behavior solutions. You may also want to consult a reputable trainer for assistance. If all else fails, you are more than welcome to bring the animal back to us. There are NO REFUNDS for animals returned to The UDT Adoption Center however The UDT Adoption Center will replace the animal with another animal.

What if I adopt a pet, but it’s not working out—can I give him to a friend?

Although the adopter’s contract you receive states that you must return the pet to The UDT Adoption Center if it doesn’t work out, you may feel you’ve found an appropriate home with a family that is well-suited to your pet. If this is the case, please contact The UDT Adoption Center so that we can update our records.

General Information about The UDT Adoption Center and Our Services

Does The UDT Adoption Center euthanize animals?

The UDT Adoption Center is a limited admission shelter which takes in only as many animals as we can comfortably, humanely care for. As a result, the The UDT Adoption Center does not euthanize animals for lack of space, and The UDT Adoption Center does not support euthanasia as the predominant means of managing the pet overpopulation problem. We consider euthanasia as a last resort used only in extreme cases. We make every effort to place each of our shelter animals in a safe, responsible home. In a small percentage of cases, this may not be possible due to severe medical conditions that cause the animal to suffer, or due to extreme aggression that poses a danger to the community and the animal's quality of life. In these rare instances, humane euthanasia is carefully weighed and considered, and when it is absolutely necessary that an animal be euthanized, the euthanasia is done painlessly and humanely so as to prevent the animal from suffering.

If an animal hasn’t gotten adopted, how long will you keep him in your shelter?

The UDT Adoption Center does not place a time limit on the search for a pet’s home. Since The UDT Adoption Center does not euthanize animals for lack of space, animals who are physically and behaviorally healthy will remain under our care until they are adopted. .

Can I give a pet as a gift?

If you think that a friend or family member would benefit from having a pet, there’s a way for you to offer this gift while letting your friend have the experience of meeting and choosing the animal. The UDT Adoption Center offers the opportunity to acquire a "Save an Animals Life" diploma, which says that your are receiving this adoption diploma because you were personally responsible for getting a dog or cat adopted to their new, forever home AND this diploma allows someone who wants to save an animals life to pay the adoption fee of a dog, cat, puppy or kitten for to someone else, a friend or family member, who is ready, willing and able to take care of an animal properly. The recipient of the diploma may then come to The UDT Adoption Center and visit the dogs, puppies, cats and kittens at The UDT Adoption Center.

I found a litter of kittens. Can I bring them to The UDT Adoption Center?

Please call The UDT Adoption Center at 347 889 7317 before bringing in strays. If we have room in the shelter, we’ll ask you to bring them in during our public intake hours. However, we cannot guarantee that there will be space in the shelter for found animals. In the case that we do not have space, we’ll direct you to Animal Care & Control (AC&C) of New York City at 326 East 110^th Street, between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues. AC&C can be reached by calling 311. The facility is not a no-kill shelter, and animals brought there have only a limited time in which to be adopted.

I can no longer care for my pet. Can I leave her with The UDT Adoption Center?

The UDT Adoption Center considers pets to be members of the family who will be deeply affected by such a drastic change. We ask that you take a moment to consider that your pet’s life is in your hands. If your final decision is to surrender your companion animal, please call The UDT Adoption Center at 347 889 7317. If we have space, you’ll be asked to bring your companion animal in to us during our public intake hours. In the case that we do not have space, we recommend that you use your personal contacts (veterinarian, dog walker, pet sitter, friends, family, coworkers, etc.), to find a healthy, suitable new home. Animal Care & Control (AC&C) of New York City at 326 East 110^th Street, between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues, is also an option. Please note, however, that AC&C is not a no-kill shelter, and animals who are brought to this facility have only a limited time in which to be adopted.

Do you have species other than dogs and cats at your shelter?

No. If you’re interested in adopting a pet of another species, please visit Animal Care and Control of New York City at 326 East 110^th Street. AC&C can be reached by calling 311.

Are pets allowed to live in apartments in NYC?

Yes but you need to ask permission, be approved or talk to your landlord, building Board or Directors whether it is a co-op or condominium. Please check with your landlord, leasing company or co-op to see if pets are permitted in your building. Many apartments allow pets with an extra deposit.

The UDT Adoption Center is a limited admission shelter which takes in only as many animals as The UDT Adoption Center can comfortably, humanely care for. As a result, The UDT Adoption Center does not euthanize animals for lack of space, and The UDT Adoption Center does not support euthanasia as the predominant means of managing the pet overpopulation problem. The UDT Adoption Center considers euthanasia as a last resort used only in extreme cases. The UDT Adoption Center makes every effort to place each of our shelter animals in a safe, responsible home. In a small percentage of cases, this may not be possible due to severe medical conditions that cause the animal to suffer, or due to extreme aggression that poses a danger to the community and the animal's quality of life. In these rare instances, humane euthanasia is carefully weighed and considered, and when it is absolutely necessary that an animal be euthanized, the euthanasia is done painlessly and humanely so as to prevent the animal from suffering.