Chatham Animal Rescue and Education

Home 		Chatham Animal Rescue & Education, Inc.
Post Office Box 610 Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919) 542-5757
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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

This page contains a list of commonly asked questions, along with typical answers from CARE. Please take advantage of this information, along with additional links provided, before contacting CARE regarding one of these issues. CARE is an all-volunteer organization, and as such members often work full time jobs in addition to rescue work, leaving little time to address questions.

Also, be sure to use the comprehensive list of additional Web sites and articles which CARE has amassed and categorized. This list can be reached via the Information/Favorite Articles and Web Sites menu selection, or by clicking here.
This list is divided into categories, but since all questions and answers are on this page, you can also use your Web browser's search facility. For Internet Explorer, this is the Find option under the Edit menu. For Netscape, this is the Find option under the Search menu. Both browsers also use Ctrl-F as the shortcut key.
Rescue and Rehoming
  1. Q: A neighbor keeps a dog tied out in the yard, with little or no shelter (or otherwise abuses their dog). Can CARE save this dog from this situation?

    A: This is a difficult situation, and CARE is not equipped or authorized to seize animals. If you can not intervene and diplomatically suggest better conditions, or perhaps relinquishing the dog to a rescue group, contact your local animal control division, which is authorized to deal with such situations.

  2. Q: I have a dog (or cat) that I need to find a new home for, I can no longer keep it because _____ (insert reason here). Can CARE take it, or help me find a new home for it?

    A: Note that:
    • CARE is an all-volunteer organization. Most of us also work full time jobs.
    • CARE is composed of a network of individual foster homes.
    • CARE foster homes are typically full, as we generally fill openings ASAP by transferring in shelter animals whose days are truly numbered.
    We will do our best to accept new animals, but:
    • There really are a lot of other 'perfect' dogs and cats currently looking for homes.
    • Threatening to take an animal to the shelter if we do not accept it only increases tension and anxiety. Space is truly limited.
    Since you obviously care enough about the animal to try finding a new, good home, please take the time to explore alternatives open to individuals discussed at Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal.

  3. Q: I have to give up my beloved dog (or cat), and can not take it to a shelter where it will be euthanized. Since CARE is no-kill, can you take it?

    A: Be sure to read the answer to the prior question concerning acceptance of pets from individuals, including Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal. Also, it is worth reading about CARE's relationship with the Chatham County Animal Shelter, which touches on pet overpopulation, animal euthanization at shelters, and other complex topics.

  4. Q: A cat is roaming in my backyard, and I would be willing to keep it if I could catch it. Can CARE help me trap it?

    A: CARE has traps available to borrow, and your local animal control department can also help. Be sure the cat is not actually lost a lost pet - the information at CARE's Lost and Found Pets page can help with this.

  5. Q: There is a stray cat in my neighborhood that I am worried about. Can CARE catch it and find a home for it?

    A: CARE has traps available to borrow, and your local animal control department can also help. However, CARE generally has few if any available foster openings. First, be sure the cat is not actually lost a lost pet - the information at CARE's Lost and Found Pets page can help with this. If the cat is not a lost pet, consider helping to find it a new home - the information at CARE's Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal page can help with this.

    (Note: Many county animal control ordinances, including Chatham County's, require that anyone who allows a stray animal to stay around their home has an affirmative duty to report that animal to the local shelter. The shelter then makes a determination whether the animal should be taken to the animal shelter or kept by the person pending location of a lost owner. Since the animal shelter is the primary place to look for a lost pet, it makes sense to channel that information to them. However, most shelters are more than happy to allow someone who has found an animal to take responsibility for providing either a permanent or temporary foster home for it.)

  6. Q: A dog wandered into my yard and I am taking care of it, but can not keep it. It appears to have no current owner. Can CARE find a permanent home for it?

    A: CARE generally has few if any available foster openings. First, be sure the dog is not actually lost a lost pet - the information at CARE's Lost and Found Pets page can help with this. If the dog is not a lost pet, consider helping to find it a new home - the information at CARE's Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal page can help with this.

  7. Q: I took in a stray dog/cat that ended up having puppies/kittens. Can CARE take the ones I can't adopt? Should I post "free to a good home" notice in local establishments?

    A: Please take the time to explore alternatives open to individuals discussed at Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal. If you still need help, do contact CARE. While CARE generally has few if any available foster openings, we are more likely to be able to work in puppies/kittens, and perhaps even pregnant dogs/cats.

    Once the mother dog or cat gives birth, it should be spayed to prevent further unwanted litters. See CARE's Please Spay/Neuter Your Pet page for a list of low cost spay/neuter resources. Finally, CARE can provide assistance if abandoned puppies or kittens need to be bottle fed.

    And do NOT advertise animals as "free to a good home". These ads often attract the wrong kind of people - people selling animals to research labs, people who will not pay to properly care for an animal, etc. Rather, phrase your adds to indicate that the animal is available for adoption to a good home. You should ask adopters questions, and check references if possible. For more information, see Free to a Good Home?.

    (Note: Many county animal control ordinances, including Chatham County's, require that anyone who allows a stray animal to stay around their home has an affirmative duty to report that animal to the local shelter. The shelter then makes a determination whether the animal should be taken to the animal shelter or kept by the person pending location of a lost owner. Since the animal shelter is the primary place to look for a lost pet, it makes sense to channel that information to them. However, most shelters are more than happy to allow someone who has found an animal to take responsibility for providing either a permanent or temporary foster home for it.)

  8. Q: We just had a new baby, and can no longer care for our pet. Can CARE find a new home for it?

    A: Since your pet is likely a beloved family member, first be sure that you have no other available options. Many, many families with babies and small children also have pets. In fact, Cary, North Carolina based Family Paws (http://www.familypaws.com) specializes in preparing expecting parents for safety and success with their new babies and their dogs. If there is no way to keep your pet, see if a neighbor or relative that knows the animal would like to adopt it. Otherwise, CARE generally has few if any available foster openings. and you will likely need to find a new home for your pet - the information at CARE's Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal page can help with this.

  9. Q: I am moving, and need to find a new home for my pet. Can CARE find a new home for it?

    A: Since your pet is likely a beloved family member, first be sure that you have no other available options. For instance, all cities have apartments that allow pets. Or, if there is no way to take your pet with you, see if a neighbor or relative that knows the animal would like to adopt it. Otherwise, CARE generally has few if any available foster openings, and you will likely need to find a new home for your pet - the information at CARE's Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal page can help with this.

  10. Q: I am currently helping with, or want to help with, with a feral cat colony. Can CARE help?

    A: The key to managing feral cat colonies is the trap, neuter/spay, release (TNR) method. In essence, the cats are fixed and then rereleased, and volunteers continue to feed them. With TNR, sterilized cats are identified by a notched or cropped ear, to prevent trapping them again. See CARE's Please Spay/Neuter Your Pet page for a list of low cost spay/neuter resources. If you call animal control, feral cats are usually immediately euthanized.

    To find out more about managing feral cat colonies and the TNR method, see:
    Note that feral cats are difficult to domesticate, so finding homes is generally not an option.

  11. Q: How can I post a dog/cat for adoption on CARE's Web site?

    A: It depends. CARE's Web site lists animals available for adoption from:
    • CARE foster homes
    • The Chatham County Animal Shelter
    • Rescue Referrals - see the next question for who can use this service.


  12. Q: Who can have an animal posted on Courtesy Listings?

    A:
    • Vets that CARE works with
    • Non-profit rescue groups that allow CARE to post on their site
    • Members of the public who actively support CARE by making donations or attending fundraisers
    • Members of the public who have an animal they have taken in from Chatham County
    Other people wishing to post animals for adoption will be referred to Petfinder.com.

  13. Q: What service does CARE provide on the Courtesy Listings page?

    A: Any group or person who falls into one of the categories in the prior answer would list their own personal contact information, including email address and telephone number. They will receive the applications directly via email from potential adopters, and be responsible for responding to them.

Health, Behavior and Spay/Neuter Issues
  1. Q: Can CARE help with spay/neuter costs for our pet, or provide guidance on low cost spay/neuter sources?

    A: CARE can not help with expenses, but can offer a number of low cost spay/neuter options. See CARE's Please Spay/Neuter Your Pet page for more information.

  2. Q: One of our family members has become allergic to our pet. Can CARE find a new home for it?

    A: Since your pet is likely a beloved family member, first be sure that you have no other available options. For instance, there are household sprays available that are designed to neutralize allergens. One such spray is Aller-Rx, which neutralizes allergens, including those from pet danders. While not endorsed or even recommended by Chatham Animal Rescue and Education, some rescue group members claim that it did alleviate allergic symptoms caused by dogs and cats. Aller-Rx's Web site is http://www.aller-rx.com/. Otherwise, CARE generally has few if any available foster openings. and you will likely need to find a new home for your pet - the information at CARE's Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal page can help with this.

  3. Q: We recently took in a new pet, and it does not get along with our existing pets. We don't want to take it to the shelter. Can CARE find a new home for it?

    A: First be sure that you have no other available options. Sources for help include: Otherwise, CARE generally has few if any available foster openings. and you will likely need to find a new home for your pet - the information at CARE's Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal page can help with this.

  4. Q: We took in a stray animal, and it needs significant vet care due to injuries (or illness). Can CARE help with the costs?

    A: CARE can not help with expenses. Some other organizations may be able to help, and some vets may be more willing to work with you in this situation. Unfortunately, CARE does not have specific information on such organizations or vets.

    (Note: Many county animal control ordinances, including Chatham County's, require that anyone who allows a stray animal to stay around their home has an affirmative duty to report that animal to the local shelter. The shelter then makes a determination whether the animal should be taken to the animal shelter or kept by the person pending location of a lost owner. Since the animal shelter is the primary place to look for a lost pet, it makes sense to channel that information to them. However, most shelters are more than happy to allow someone who has found an animal to take responsibility for providing either a permanent or temporary foster home for it.)

  5. Q: One of our pets has been diagnosed with an illness that requires expensive medication or veterinary care. Can CARE help with expenses, or find a new home for it?

    A: Unfortunately, CARE can not help with expenses. Since your pet is likely a beloved family member, be sure that you have investigated all other options. For instance, perhaps an illness can be addressed via alternative means. For instance, while CARE neither endorses nor specifically recommends this, some members have had success using nutritional-based approach. PurelyPets at www.purelypets.com is one Web site dedicated to pet nutrition. Otherwise, CARE generally has few if any available foster openings. and you will likely need to find a new home for your pet - the information at CARE's Finding a New Home for a Rescued Animal page can help with this.

  6. Q: Can a pregnant dog or cat be spayed?

    A: Yes. See CARE's Please Spay/Neuter Your Pet page for more low cost spay/neuter resources. Also, spaying a pregnant dog or cat does abort the puppies or kittens.

  7. Q: Can a spayed dog or cat become pregnant?

    A: No.

  8. Q: Does spaying a pregnant dog/cat abort the puppies/kittens?

    A: Yes. See Spaying a Pregnant Dog/Cat for more information.

General CARE Information
  1. Q: Where is CARE located, and what are your hours?

    A: CARE is not located in any one place - it is a network of foster homes. The best way to contact us in order to meet an animal is to send us an email, so we can arrange something either at the foster's home, at the potential adopter's home, or at an adoption event. For more information:

  2. Q: Does CARE adopt out to people who live outside the area, or even in a different state than North Carolina?

    A: Yes, though realize that CARE requires foster homes to meet with prospective adopters in person. Thus, should you fall in love with one of the CARE animals but live a considerable distance away from the Chapel Hill area of North Carolina:
    • Fill out an Adoption Request Form for the desired animal.
    • If the foster decides the match between you and the animal is appropriate, you will need to work with the foster home to 'hold' the animal and set up a face-to-face meeting.
    • You will need to arrange to travel to the area within a timely period and meet the foster and the desired animal. Given the problems and dangers of airline travel for animals, though, travel should be by motor vehicle.
    • If all goes well, you will be traveling back home with a new family member!
    CARE has adopted out animals to people from many different states, including Michigan and Connecticut. Just be aware that if, for some reason, the adoption does not work out, you are obligated to return the animal back to CARE, not to a local shelter or rescue group.

  3. Q: Where can I see CARE animals available for adoption?

    A: CARE schedules a number of adoption events, listed on the Web site's home page and also on CARE's events page.

    If you are interested in a particular animal or animals, fill out an Adoption Request Form and the foster home will contact you to set up a meeting if they believe the animal is appropriate for your home and lifestyle.

  4. Q: Where do CARE animals come from?

    A: CARE animals mainly come from the Chatham County Animal Shelter, but also include some strays and occasionally animals that need rehoming from individuals. By taking animals from the Chatham County shelter, CARE can truly rescue animals whose time is limited.

  5. Q: How do I get in touch with the foster home for a CARE animal I am interested in?

    A: If you are interested in a particular animal or animals, fill out an Adoption Request Form and the foster home will contact you to set up a meeting if they believe the animal is appropriate for your home and lifestyle.

  6. Q: Will CARE animals go to the animal shelter if they are not adopted?

    A: No. CARE never returns, or turns in, animals to the animal shelter.

  7. Q: How do I become a foster home for CARE, and what is involved?

    A:
    • Transport the animal to veterinary appointments for spay/neuter/rabies.
    • Transport animal and attend one adoption day per month at one of: Cary PetsMart, Durham PetsMart, Phydeaux in Carrboro.
    • Communicate promptly with and screen potential adopters to ensure the animal is placed in a quality home.
    • Allow potential adopters to visit the animal, by appointment only.
    • Make the final decision as to the placement of the animal in its permanent home.
    For more information, see CARE's Web page discussing fostering requirements..

Adoption Questions and Problems
  1. Q: I submitted an electronic adoption request for an animal on the CARE Web site, but have not heard back now for several days. Can someone from CARE contact me?

    A: Adoption requests are forwarded to the foster home of the animal. Please understand that most CARE fosters also work fulltime jobs, and may also be away for some reason. In addition, some animals may generate significant interest, resulting in delays - this is typical of some popular breeds, such as Golden Retrievers or Wheaton Terries, and also of small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers. Give the fosters up to a week or so to respond, and if you still have not heard anything, send us a follow-up email indicating this and we will check on it.

  2. Q: I submitted an application for an animal on the CARE Web site, but that animal is no longer on the site. Was it adopted?

    A: Maybe, but sometimes fosters request that an animal be removed from the Web site because it has already generated a number of promising adoption requests, and a permanent home will likely be found among them. Thus, your request is likely under consideration. Give the fosters up to a week or so to respond, and if you still have not heard anything, send us a follow-up email indicating this and we will check on it.

  3. Q: I want to adopt an animal from the CARE Web site. What is the first step?

    A: The first step is to fill in an Adoption Request Form for the desired animal. We can't do anything without getting this background information from a potential adopter, and filling in and submitting this form does not obligate you in any way. You can also bring up an Adoption Request Form by clicking on the animal's name while viewing the animal listings.

    After completing and submitting this form, the foster responsible for the animal will consider the information and respond accordingly, perhaps to set up a meeting. Alternatively, you can submit an Adoption Request Form and visit with one or more animals at one of CARE's adoption events.

  4. Q: I saw an animal on the CARE Web site that I am interested in adopting. Can you tell me more about it?

    A: Most of the animals on the CARE Web site include a description. To find out more about an animal, we need to first find out more about you, so be sure to fill out an Adoption Request Form for the desired animal. Then, if the situation is appropriate for the desired animal, the animal's foster home will set up a meeting so you can visit with the animal in person, and learn additional details if any are available.

  5. Q: Does CARE have any _____ (insert specific breed here)?

    A: The majority of the CARE animals are mixed breeds, and often those breeds are determined only by educated guesses by experienced dog and cat people. The best way to see if CARE has a particular breed of animal is to scan the animal postings on the Web site, looking at the Breed specification. You can also search the listings using your browser's search facility:
    1. Bring up the appropriate page listing dogs or cats, under the Web site's Adoptions menu.
    2. If all of the animals are not displayed, there will be a link at the bottom of the page that says Click Here for All Dogs or Click Here for All Cats. Click on that link to display all dogs or cats.
    3. Bring up your Web browser's search facility. For Internet Explorer, this is the Find option under the Edit menu. For Netscape, this is the Find option under the Search menu. Both browsers also use Ctrl-F as the shortcut key.
    4. Enter the breed name, or partial name, to search for, along with the desired options. It is recommended that you do not use upper/lower case matching, and you use partial words to allow for variations. For instance, to search for Labrador Retrievers, consider entering just 'lab'.
    If you have your heart set on a specific breed, and CARE does not have any listed, you may want to check if there is a breed-specific rescue group online. For instance, there are Lab Rescue, Golden Retriever Rescue, and similar groups that typically foster specific breed and breed mixes for adoption. If you can not find a listing for the desired breed, contact CARE and we should be able to put you in touch with a rescue group for the desired breed.

    One more option is to use Petfinder.com's "Save This Query" feature. Whenever a pet matching a person's criteria is added to the database, the potential adopter will receive an e-mail with the animal's photo and description.

  6. Q: I am interested in _______ (insert specific breed here), but none are listed on the CARE Web site. Can you let me know when CARE has one is available?

    A: CARE does not maintain a 'wish list' at this time, so you will have to keep checking the Web site. If you have your heart set on a specific breed, and CARE does not have any listed, you may want to check if there is a breed-specific rescue group online. For instance, there are Lab Rescue, Golden Retriever Rescue, and similar groups that typically foster specific breed and breed mixes for adoption. If you can not find a listing for the desired breed, contact CARE and we should be able to put you in touch with a rescue group for the desired breed.

    One more option is to use Petfinder.com's "Save This Query" feature. Whenever a pet matching a person's criteria is added to the database, the potential adopter will receive an e-mail with the animal's photo and description.

  7. Q: I am looking for a pure bred ____ (insert specific breed here). Does CARE have any?

    A: The overwhelming majority of CARE animals are mixed breeds, though occasionally a pure bred animal is available. If you have your heart set on a specific breed, and CARE does not have any listed, you may want to check if there is a breed-specific rescue group online. For instance, there are Lab Rescue, Golden Retriever Rescue, and similar groups that typically foster specific breed and breed mixes for adoption.

    One more option is to use Petfinder.com's "Save This Query" feature. Whenever a pet matching a person's criteria is added to the database, the potential adopter will receive an e-mail with the animal's photo and description.

  8. Q: I am interested in several dogs (or cats) listed on the CARE Web site. Do I need to submit an application for each one?

    A: CARE actually prefers for you to submit a single application for all of the animals you are interested in. The easiest way to do this is to write down the names and numbers shown for the animals that you are interested in, and then fill out an Adoption Request Form, listing all names and numbers in the appropriate blanks, seperated by commas.

    Alternatively, you can submit multiple applications by:
    1. Scanning the CARE Web site and writing down the names and numbers of the animals that you are interested in.
    2. Fill out an Adoption Request Form for the first desired animal.
    3. After submitting the first request, use your browser's Back button to go back to the filled in Adoption Request Form, change the animal name and number, and submit it again. Do this for each animal.


  9. Q: I would like to adopt a dog (or a cat) from CARE, but am not sure which one. Can someone help me find one that would be the best fit for me?

    A: Yes. Fill out an Adoption Request Form, and set the requested animal's name to "match" or some similar indication, and leave the number set to 0. Someone from CARE will examine the information you provide and suggest some animals to consider further.

  10. Q: We are interested in adopting a dog, and both of us work 8 hours a day. We would keep it in a crate while we are gone. Which one of the CARE dogs would you recommend?

    A: CARE will not adopt out a dog to a situation where it would be crated for long stretches at a time. Such an environment is not fair to the dog, which is a complex social animal that needs companionship and exercise, and deserves a fulfilling life. While it is noble to offer a home to a homeless animal, such a restricted and lonely life will almost assuredly result in negative behaviors by the dog.

    However, CARE will adopt out dogs to homes where people are gone for the majority of the day, if the dog is provided with an indoor area protected from the elements that also allows for significant movement. This is only possible for adult dogs that do not require excessive companionship, and never for puppies. In fact, some older dogs may actually prefer all the quiet time. We will be glad to work with you in finding the right match if this is the environment you have to offer.

    In any case, consider looking into approaches such as overlapped schedules or reduced hours, at least until the dog is acclimated to its new home and family. As noted, dogs are social animals, and your new best friend will thrive best under conditions where it has considerable human contact.

  11. Q: We want to get our child (or children) a kitten (or puppy). Which of the CARE animals is good with children?

    A: In general, CARE discourages adopting out a kitten or puppy into the care of a young child. Kittens and puppies require considerable responsibility on the part of the guardian, including regular play time, exercise, housetraining, and behavior training (such as dog sit/stay, cat scratching locations, etc). Young children are rarely suitable as the primary guardians - what happens when they have late school or other events, sleepovers, summer camp, school projects, etc? CARE fosters will almost assuredly insist that an adult, or at least an older child, be the primary guardian.

    Additionally, if one of the primary reasons you want to adopt a pet is for your children, be sure to discuss it with them in detail first, and emphasize that the animal has everyday needs, and is not simple a toy. You should also consider adopting an adult dog or cat instead, as they often already have some training, including housetraining, and usually have already formed personalities. For further discussion on the adoption of puppies/kittens versus adult dogs/cats, see Consider Adopting an Adult Dog or Cat.

  12. Q: I want to get a guard dog for my house. Does CARE have any Rottweilers available?

    A: CARE adopts out animals as companions. They never have aggressive dogs available for adoption. If you want a guard dog, you should still make the dog first and foremost a companion. Many dogs are, by nature, protective of their home and guardians, and will at least bark and alert others when something is amiss. Getting an aggressive dog, or adopting a dog and training it to be aggressive, is like buying a loaded gun and leaving it out in the open, on your living room coffee table for instance. While it may provide protection, the potential for disaster is great.

  13. Q: We would like to adopt a cat, and plan to have it declawed to protect our house and furniture. Can you recommend a CARE cat that would be non-destructive?

    A: CARE is firmly against cat declawing, which is a cruel and invasive procedure. See Why You Should NOT Declaw Your Cat. Cats can, and should, be trained to eliminate or diminish what is often considered as destructive behavior. This includes where the cat is allowed to scratch. See also Cat Problem Behaviors: Q & A.

    However, if you want to provide a home for a cat, and insist on only a declawed cat, CARE may either have such a cat in its system, or know of one in a local shelter or in need of rehoming. Fill out an Adoption Request Form, and indicate that you must have a declawed cat, and ask if CARE can help you locate one.

  14. Q: Which breed of dog (or cat) is best for me?

    A: Many breeds exhibit common behavior, and you can check out the references at CARE's Breed Selection Guidance page. However, their are exceptions to the breed behaviors. In addition, many CARE and shelter animals are mixed breeds. Thus, you often have to consider each animal as an individual. In fact, if you need some specific traits, such as non-high energy, compatibility with cats or dogs, etc, you may want to consider an adult dog or cat with an established personality. For more information, see Consider Adopting an Adult Dog or Cat.

    In addition, include any specific requirements when you fill in the Adoption Request Form for a desired animal.

  15. Q: I really want to adopt a puppy (or kitten). Why should I consider an adult dog (or cat)?

    A: Many people only consider adopting a puppy or a kitten, but there are a lot of advantages to adopting an adult dog or cat. See Consider Adopting an Adult Dog or Cat for a detailed discussion.

  16. Q: We want to adopt a dog, and plan to keep it outside, in a fenced-in yard. What is the most humane and safest brand of invisible fence?

    A: None. CARE does not recommend invisible fencing, as all brands and kinds present a number of dangerous possibilities. See Invisible Fences for details. In addition, CARE generally insists that a dog be an accepted family member, and not simply left outside by itself in a fenced yard for extended periods of time. See Outside Dog for a thoughtful discussion of this.

  17. Q: I wanted a specific animal and filled out an online adoption request, but the animal's foster home said that it was not a good match. I really had my heart set on that animal, so is there any way I can adopt it anyway?

    A: No. The animal's foster knows a lot about the animal, and invests significant time, money, and love while the animal is in their care. If they believe a home is not appropriate for an animal, they are almost assuredly correct in their assessment. We are sorry that you were not allowed to adopt a specific animal, but please understand that CARE and the foster home only wants a good situation for both the animal and the new guardian. And, please do consider opening up your options and considering an animal that will provide a more appropriate fit for you and your lifestyle. Contact CARE for any help or questions in finding the right animal.

  18. Q: What are the costs to adopt an animal from CARE?

    A: The adoption fee for a dog is $165, or $265 if the dog has not been spayed or neutered. The sterilization fee of $100 will be refunded to you promptly upon our receiving proof of the spay or neuter from your veterinarian.

    This fee pays for: heartworm check, heartworm prevention, all current inoculations, deworming, and spay/neuter.

    The adoption fee for a cat is $100, or $150 if the cat has not been spayed or neutered. The sterilization fee of $50 will be refunded to you with proof from your vet of spaying/neutering.

    This fee pays for: feline leukemia check, all current inoculations, deworming, and spay/neuter.

    See Adoption Fees: A small price to pay for your new best friend.

    For discussion of animal rescue fees in general, see Are Rescue Fees Too High?.

  19. Q: Since I would be saving a homeless animal, why are the adoption costs from CARE so high?

    A: Actually, CARE and other rescue groups lose money on most adoptions. If a rescue group takes in a healthy pet that costs a minimal amount to make ready for adoption, the rescue fee may actually provide a small "profit". Yet, any such profit is applied to the vetting costs of the many others who are not as fortunate. When an animal comes into rescue, funds must be spent on neutering/spaying, vaccinations, and tests. Vetting expenses on a healthy dog, for instance, can run as high as $175 and more. Rescuers may do whatever is necessary, and it can often take several months to return an animal to good health. It is not unusual for the costs of this care to run from $450-$1000 per animal.

    See Adoption Fees: A small price to pay for your new best friend for a discussion of what the CARE adoption fees cover.

    For discussion of animal rescue fees in general, see Are Rescue Fees Too High?.

  20. Q: Can I return an animal if the adoption does not work out, or if a significant medical condition is discovered?

    A: Yes. In fact, you are obligated to return any animal originally adopted from CARE that needs to be rehomed back to CARE. Note that the adoption fee is non-refundable.

  21. Q: I adopted a dog from CARE, and the first vet appointment turned up a hip dysplasia condition, which can be costly. This condition was not disclosed at the time of adoption. I want to return the dog - can I get my adoption fee refunded?

    A: The dog can be returned, but the adoption fee is non-refundable.

  22. Q: What are the costs to adopt an animal from the Chatham County Animal Shelter?

    A: The adoption fee for a dog is $100 if the dog needed to be spayed/neutered, or $75

    The adoption fee for a cat is $90 if the cat needed to be spayed/neutered, or $50 otherwise.

    For discussion of animal rescue fees in general, see Are Rescue Fees Too High?.

Web Site Questions and Problems
  1. Q: How can I search the CARE Web site for a particular breed or breed mix?

    A: Search the listings using your browser's search facility:
    1. Bring up the appropriate page listing dogs or cats, under the Web site's Adoptions menu.
    2. If all of the animals are not displayed, there will be a link at the bottom of the page that says Click Here for All Dogs or Click Here for All Cats. Click on that link to display all dogs or cats.
    3. Bring up your Web browser's search facility. For Internet Explorer, this is the Find option under the Edit menu. For Netscape, this is the Find option under the Search menu. Both browsers also use Ctrl-F as the shortcut key.
    4. Enter the breed name, or partial name, to search for, along with the desired options. It is recommended that you do not use upper/lower case matching, and you use partial words to allow for variations. For instance, to search for Labrador Retrievers, consider entering just 'lab'.
    If you have your heart set on a specific breed, and CARE does not have any listed, you may want to check if there is a breed-specific rescue group online. For instance, there are Lab Rescue, Golden Retriever Rescue, and similar groups that typically foster specific breed and breed mixes for adoption.

  2. Q: How can I search the CARE Web site for information or articles on specific breeds, or diseases/illnesses, or other topics?

    A: Search the Favorite Links listings, which include CARE articles/information, using your browser's search facility:
    1. Bring up the category listing of favorite CARE links, using the Favorite Articles and Web Sites option under the Web site's Information menu.
    2. Choose the All category's Show Both option to show all article and Web site links for all categories.
    3. Bring up your Web browser's search facility. For Internet Explorer, this is the Find option under the Edit menu. For Netscape, this is the Find option under the Search menu. Both browsers also use Ctrl-F as the shortcut key.
    4. Enter the word or phrase to search for, along with the desired options. It is recommended that you do not use upper/lower case matching, and you use partial words to allow for variations. For instance, to search for Canine Parvovirus, consider entering just 'parvo'.
    If you can't find what you are looking for, use one of the Web search engines, such as Google to search the entire Web.

  3. Q: I get a Server Error when submitting an Adoption Request on the CARE Web site. What's wrong, and what should I do?

    A: This usually happens when a strange or ill-formed email address is provided, and actually occurs after the information has been submitted to CARE. If you get this error, try resubmitting the application once, by using your Web browser's Back button and clicking on the Submit button again. If it fails again, please notify the CARE webmaster, providing details such as which browser and version you are using. Do not keep trying to submit the application - the CARE webmaster will let you know if the information came through before the failure occurred, which is often the case.

  4. Q: What are 'Courtesy Listings' on CARE's Web site?

    A: Courtesy Listings are animals available for adoption and listed by CARE as a courtesy to veterinarians and other rescue groups. Courtesy Listings appear at the end of the CARE animal listings.

Volunteer and Donations
  1. Q: I would like to do some volunteer work for CARE. What kinds of things are needed?

    A: CARE needs volunteers in many different areas. For instance:
    • Help out at pet adoption days
    • Assist with mailings
    • Write newsletter articles
    • Staff street fairs
    • Assist in rabies clinics
    • Make phone calls when volunteers are needed
    • Speak at schools and civic organizations
    • Volunteer at the annual cat show
    • Volunteer at the annual dog walk
    Click here for specific needs, with dates and locations.

    Click here to see CARE's How you Can Help page.

    Click here to contact CARE about volunteer opportunities.

  2. Q: I want to make a donation to CARE. Is CARE an official charitable organization, which would let me write off the amount on my taxes?

    A: CARE is a 501(c)(3) organization, and thus qualified for deductible donations. Be sure to check if your employer provides matching funds for donations.

    Click here to learn more about donations.

    Click here to bring up the online donation form.

    Click here to bring up the donation dedication pages.

    Click here to view donation site locations.

  3. Q: I made a donation to CARE via the Web site, and requested that a memorial be placed on the Web site. Why is it not shown?

    A: It may take up to two weeks for a donation memorial or dedication to appear on the Web site. Please be patient, and if you do not see it within two weeks, send a message to CARE.