Adoption Information
All animals available for adoption from the Potsdam Animal Shelter are:
- Determined to be healthy according to an assessment by shelter staff
- Spayed or neutered to help reduce overpopulation of unwanted animals
- Up-to-date on age appropriate vaccinations, including a Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella
- Microchipped (with a 24 Hour Pet Watch Microchip) to help reunite them with their owners in the instance that they are lost
- Dogs (6 months of age and up) are Heartworm tested and started on monthly Heartworm prevention
- Cats (6 months of age and up) are Feline Leukemia tested
- All pets are de-wormed and kept on Flea/Tick prevention
New owners receive:
- A free bag of food from Hill’s Science Diet, generous donor of all the Shelter’s animal food.
- A free local Vet Office Check (with participating Veterinarians) to get established with your new pet at their practice.
- A forever support system- PHS staff is here to help!
Adoption Fees:
Dogs (dogs 4 months of age and up) $100.00
Puppies (dogs under 4 months of age) $150.00
Cats (cats 4 months of age and up) $60.00
Kittens (cats under 4 months of age) $85.00
*Pocket Pets (rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters) and Reptiles vary
Benefits of Pet Ownership
According to the Humane Society of the United States, owning a pet may make help senior citizens live healthier lives by easing loneliness. Other potential health benefits can include lower blood pressure, decrease stress, reduce bone loss, lower cholesterol levels, and improve blood circulation. Research also indicates a link between pet ownership and an increased survival rate for cardiac patients.
Adoption Programs
Seniors for Seniors
Potsdam Humane Society is proud to offer a Senior for Seniors program that places older pets in the homes of senior citizens at no cost (with an approved application). Any persons ages 60 and up can adopt a pet 7 years and up at no charge. Below are the top ten reasons to adopt a senior pet (from the ASPCA):
1.) What you see is what you get! Senior pets are open books-from the start, you’ll know important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. If you are no into surprises, an older pet is for you!
2.) Easy to Train! Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Hogwash! Older pets are great on focusing on you- and on the task at hand- because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.
3.) Seniors are Super-Loving! One of the cool parts of our job is reading stories from people just like you who have opted to adopt. The emails we get from pet parents with senior pets seem to all contain beautiful, heartfelt descriptions of the love these pets give you- and those of you who adopted pets already in their golden years told us how devoted and grateful they are. It’s an instant bond that cannot be topped!
4.) They’re Not a 24-7 Job! Grownup dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies and kittens do, leaving you with more freedom to do your own thing. If you have young children, or just value your “me time”, this is definitely a bonus!
5.) They Settle in Quickly! Older pets have been around the block and already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of the family in no time!
6.) Fewer Messes! Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you for adoption a senior pet! Older pets are likely to already be housetrained- and even if they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really fast!
7.) You Won’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew! Some people hold back from adoption because they worry what might happen in their lives in the years to come- which is very wise! A pet can anywhere from an 8 to 20 year responsibility! Providing a loving home for a pet in their golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one.
8.) They Enjoy Easy Livin’! Couch potato, know thyself! Please consider a pet retiree rather than a high energy young pet who will run you ragged. Not that older pets don’t require exercise-they do- but they’re not going to need, or want, to run a marathon every day.
9.) Save A Life, Be A Hero! At shelters, older pets are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.
10.) They’re CUTE! Need we say more?
Veterans Adoption Program
In November of 2013, the Potsdam Humane Society created our own Veterans Adoption Program. The program was developed to show gratitude for our Veterans who have so honorably served our Country. With an approved adoption application, Active Duty and Retired Military Veterans can adopt a pet from PHS for no charge. To learn more about the program, pet availability, or to SPONSOR A PET FOR A VETERAN through our program, please contact the shelter (315) 265-3199 or moc.sppasyawduolc.3718793-407306-sserpdrow@retlehs.
