(A) The purpose of these adoption rules is to enable the Animal Control Administrator or his or her authorized agent to find the best possible homes for unclaimed animals.
(B) Only those persons willing to comply with the rules as set forth herein and willing to provide loving care for the animals need apply.
(1) A waiting period of 24 to 48 hours is required before taking possession of any animal.
(2) No one under the age of 18 may adopt an animal without the written consent of parents or legal guardian.
(3) Any person who rents his or her residence must have the written permission of the landlord allowing animals on the rental property.
(4) No one convicted of cruelty to any animal will be allowed to adopt an animal from the Animal Control Administrator or his or her authorized agent.
(5) If the adopter’s residence is within the county, the home shall be visited by a representative of the Animal Control Administrator or his or her authorized agent at least once in the six-month period following adoption.
(6) If a dog is adopted, the dog must be secured on a chain or in an enclosed fence or pen when not with the owner or on the owner’s property. The dog must be on a leash when walking, running or jogging. The dog may be with the adopter in a car, van or recreational vehicle without being restrained, but cannot be in an open truck bed without being properly restrained.
(7) If a cat is adopted, it must be kept on a leash when not confined in the adopter’s residence, and shall not run at large anywhere within the county.
(8) If, at the time of adoption, the animal is less than four months of age, it shall be vaccinated against rabies within seven days of reaching four months of age, and re-vaccinated at one year of age. After one year of age, the animal may be vaccinated with either a three-year or a one-year inoculation, as determined by a veterinarian.
(9) Every adopted animal must be examined by a veterinarian within 48 hours of adoption. Failure to do so will void any guarantee of health.
(10) No refund or animal exchanges will be given if the adopted animal becomes ill or dies unless the animal has been examined by a veterinarian within 48 hours of adoption and the attending veterinarian states in writing that the animal was ill at the time of adoption.
(11) If a veterinarian determines, within 48 hours of adoption, that the animal is in need of medical treatment to prevent death, or that the animal was ill at the time of adoption, the animal may be returned to the Animal Control Administrator or his or her authorized agent. In this event, the animal may be exchanged for either another animal or a refund of adoption fees minus a $5 recordkeeping fee.
(12) The Animal Control Administrator or his or her authorized agent or the county shall not be legally or financially responsible for any animal after adoption. This includes, but is not limited to, a biting incident. If the adopted animal bites someone, the owner must have the animal examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours of the biting incident. The animal must then be confined for a rabies observation period of ten days, as required by law in the state. If the animal has been legally vaccinated against rabies at the time of the incident, the animal may be confined at the adopter’s residence. If the animal had not been legally vaccinated at the time of the incident, the animal must be confined by a veterinarian for the ten-day period at the owner’s expense. The owner of the offending animal must also notify the Animal Control Officer, the Sheriff or the police within 24 hours of the incident.
(13) (a) If the adopter allows the adopted animal to run at large within any city, village or unincorporated area of the county, the animal may be impounded by the County Animal Control Officer and replaced for adoption.
(b) If a complaint should be received by the Animal Control Officer, the adopter is allowing the animal to run at large or make disturbing and annoying noise (barking dog or caterwauling cat), and the complaint is determined to be valid, the Animal Control Officer may issue the owner a citation or a notice to appear in court.
(c) The animal may also be impounded and not returned to the adopter for violation of the adoption agreement.
(14) If the adopter finds another home for the adopted animal, the adopter must notify the County Treasurer’s office within three days. The adopter must provide the name, address, city, state, zip code and telephone number of the new owner.
(15) All receipts for medical treatment and vaccinations for adopted animals shall be kept for at least six months.
I, , have read, understand and will comply will all rules and regulation stated above. Adopter’s Signature Signature of person releasing animal Date |
(C) Adoption fees shall be established as follows:
(1) Adoption fee (general public or adoption agency): $15;
(2) Deposit for spayed or neutered fee: $30;
(3) Rabies vaccination fee: $12; and
(4) Registration fee for each altered or unaltered animal:
(a) Altered (1 year): $10;
(b) Unaltered (1 year): $20;
(c) Altered (3 years): $23; and
(d) Unaltered (3 years): $55.
(Prior Code, § 90.83) (Motion carried 5-16-1991; Ord. passed 11-13-1997; Ord. passed 4-16-1998; Res. passed 12-17-2015; Res. 2016-02, passed 1-21-2016)