(A) Any animal impounded under the provisions of this chapter may, at the end of the legal detention period be evaluated by the shelter staff and be eligible for adoption, at the discretion of the Animal Control Supervisor or designee, by a person 18 years or older who will agree to comply with the provisions of this chapter. In determining whether an adoption is suitable for the animal, the behavior of the animal, how the animal responds to the prospective adopter, and any other characteristics of the animal or the placement that may affect the welfare of the animal or the prospective adopter.
(B) A person may be refused adoption of an animal by the Animal Control Supervisor if it is determined that the person wishing to adopt an animal has a history of (as evinced by County records) or past conviction of abandonment, maltreatment, or any other violation of this chapter.
(C) The Animal Control Supervisor or designee may schedule a home visit to verify the living conditions and health of the animal comply with the Animal Control Adoption Agreement. This home visit must occur no later than six months after the date of the adoption. Should the Animal Control Supervisor or designee find the living conditions or health of the animal violate the Animal Control Adoption Agreement or these ordinances, he or she may schedule additional visits to ensure compliance or seek an order from the magistrate court allowing Animal Control to remove the animal from the adopter’s home. Additionally, the Animal Control Supervisor or designee may enforce any violations of this chapter observed during a home visit.
(D) If a licensed veterinarian certifies within three days of the adoption of an animal that the adopted animal is ill, sick or injured, the person to which the animal was adopted may request a refund or exchange the animal for another animal.
(Ord. 1009, passed 2-2-09; Am. Ord. 2412, passed 10-15-12; Am. Ord. 3519, passed 9-3-19)