The New Hanover County Animal Shelter: A Comprehensive Guide to Pet Adoption and Animal Welfare

Introduction

The New Hanover County Animal Shelter is a vital resource for the community, providing a safe and caring environment for abandoned, lost, and stray animals. With a mission to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, the shelter offers a wide range of services, from adoption and foster care to spay and neuter surgeries and educational programs.

Adoption Process

Adopting a pet from the New Hanover County Animal Shelter is a rewarding experience that brings joy and companionship to both the animal and the new owner. The adoption process is designed to ensure that every animal finds a suitable home where they will be loved and cared for.

Steps to Adopt:

1. Visit the Shelter: Browse the available animals online or in person at the shelter to find a potential match.
2. Meet and Greet: Arrange a meet-and-greet with the animal to learn more about their personality and behavior.
3. Submit an Application: Fill out an adoption application providing information about your lifestyle, experience, and commitment to pet ownership.
4. Home Visit: A staff member may conduct a home visit to assess the suitability of your environment for the animal.
5. Approval: The shelter staff will review your application and home visit and determine if you are a suitable adopter.
6. Adoption Fee: Pay the adoption fee, which covers expenses such as vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping.
7. Take Home: Bring your new furry friend home!

Foster Care

Foster care is a temporary program that provides short-term shelter and care for animals awaiting adoption. Fostering gives animals a chance to socialize in a home environment and receive individualized attention.

Benefits of Fostering:

• Saves Lives: Fostering helps reduce stress and improve the well-being of shelter animals, increasing their chances of adoption.
• Provides Companionship: Fosters offer animals love and affection, breaking down their barriers and preparing them for their new homes.
• Frees Up Space: Fostering temporarily frees up space at the shelter for other animals in need.

How to Become a Foster:

1. Apply: Fill out a foster care application and provide references.
2. Training: Attend a training session to learn about animal care, safety, and behavioral issues.
3. Home Visit: The shelter staff will conduct a home visit to assess the suitability of your environment for foster animals.
4. Select Animals: Work with the shelter staff to identify animals that match your lifestyle and experience.
5. Care for Animals: Provide foster animals with food, water, shelter, exercise, and any necessary medical care.
6. Socialization: Help socialize animals by interacting with them, taking them on walks, and exposing them to different experiences.

Spay and Neuter Surgeries

Spaying and neutering is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. It prevents unplanned litters, reduces aggression, and improves the overall health and behavior of animals.

Benefits of Spay and Neuter:

• Population Control: Prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the number of animals in shelters.
• Improved Health: Decreases the risk of certain cancers, infections, and hormonally influenced diseases.
• Reduced Aggression: Spaying and neutering can reduce territorial behavior, roaming, and aggression.

Surgical Procedure:

• Consultation: Discuss the procedure with a veterinarian and obtain a preoperative exam.
• Surgery: Animals are typically anesthetized and the reproductive organs are removed laparoscopically (through small incisions).
• Recovery: Most animals recover quickly and require minimal post-operative care.

Educational Programs

The New Hanover County Animal Shelter offers a variety of educational programs for adults and children to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Programs Include:

• School Visits: Staff members visit local schools to teach students about animal care, safety, and compassion.
• Humane Education Workshops: Workshops are held at the shelter to provide in-depth information on animal behavior, training, and responsible pet ownership.
• Community Outreach: Shelter staff participate in community events to raise awareness about animal welfare issues and promote adoption.

Shelter Statistics

According to the 2022 Annual Report, the New Hanover County Animal Shelter:

• Received 12,567 animals in 2022
• Adopted out 8,345 animals in 2022
• Performed 4,212 spay and neuter surgeries in 2022
• Conducted 624 school visits in 2022

Testimonials

"Adopting my dog from the New Hanover County Animal Shelter was one of the best decisions I've ever made. She brings so much joy to my life and I'm so grateful to the shelter staff for helping us find each other." - Sarah Johnson

"I've been fostering animals from the shelter for years and it's such a rewarding experience. Not only do I get to care for animals in need, but I also help prepare them for their forever homes." - John Smith

"Spaying and neutering my cat at the shelter was a great investment. It's given her a longer and healthier life and has prevented her from having unwanted litters." - Mary Jones

Stories of Impact

Story 1: Bella's Journey

Bella was a stray cat that came to the New Hanover County Animal Shelter with a severe eye infection. The shelter staff provided her with immediate medical care and nursed her back to health. After several months of socialization and rehabilitation, Bella was adopted into a loving home. She is now a happy and healthy companion to her new family, thanks to the care and compassion of the shelter staff.

Story 2: Max's Miracle

Max is a dog that was abandoned in a park as a puppy. He was found by a good Samaritan and brought to the New Hanover County Animal Shelter. The shelter staff discovered that Max had a heart murmur and required surgery. Through the shelter's partnership with a local veterinary clinic, Max received life-saving surgery free of charge. He was later adopted by a family who loves him unconditionally.

Story 3: Lucy and Roger's Second Chance

Lucy and Roger are a bonded pair of guinea pigs that were surrendered to the New Hanover County Animal Shelter by their previous owner. The staff realized that the pair had a special bond and kept them together. Lucy and Roger were eventually adopted by a family that provided them with a spacious enclosure and plenty of love. They are now living their best lives as cherished members of their new family.

What We Learn

From these stories, we learn:

• The importance of responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering
• The value of humane education in preventing animal cruelty and promoting compassion
• The power of community partnerships in providing essential services to animals in need
• The resilience and adaptability of animals in crisis
• The importance of second chances for animals who have faced abandonment or neglect

How to Support the New Hanover County Animal Shelter

There are many ways to support the New Hanover County Animal Shelter:

• Adopt: Give a deserving animal a loving home.
• Foster: Provide temporary care for animals awaiting adoption.
• Donate: Financial contributions help cover the cost of food, medical care, and other expenses.
• Volunteer: Assist with animal care, adoption events, and fundraising.
• Advocate: Spread the word about the shelter's mission and promote responsible pet ownership.

Pros and Cons of Adopting from a Shelter

Pros:

• Save a Life: Adopting from a shelter provides a second chance for an animal in need.
• Reduce Overpopulation: Adoptions help reduce the number of animals in shelters and on the streets.
• Variety of Animals: Shelters have a wide variety of animals available for adoption, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds.
• Health Checks: Animals at shelters are typically examined and vaccinated before being made available for adoption.
• Support a Worthy Cause: Adoption fees help support the shelter's vital services.

Cons:

• Behavioral Issues: Some shelter animals may have behavioral issues due to previous neglect or trauma.
• Medical Expenses: Adopting an animal can involve ongoing expenses for food, medical care, and other supplies.
• Time Commitment: Pets require significant time and attention, which may not be compatible with every lifestyle.
• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to certain animals, which can limit their adoption options.
• Home Ownership: In some cases, rental agreements may restrict pet ownership.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to adopt a pet from the New Hanover County Animal Shelter?

• Adoption fees vary depending on the type of animal and its age and medical history. Current adoption fees can be found on the shelter's website.

2. What are the adoption hours?

• The New Hanover County Animal Shelter is open for adoption seven days a week, usually from 12 pm to 6 pm.

3. Can I foster a pet?

• Yes, the New Hanover County Animal Shelter has a foster care program. To apply, fill out a foster care application on the shelter's website.

4. Where can I find information about lost animals?

• The New Hanover County Animal Shelter maintains a lost pet database on its website. You can also call the shelter to report a lost pet or inquire about found animals.

5. How can I report animal cruelty?

• If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, contact