Adoption FAQ's
DO YOU ADOPT OUT of state?
*Please note due to COVID-19 we are not doing any out of state adoptions at this time, we will update when we begin allowing out of state adoptions again
While the Hill Country SPCA does allow out of state adoptions for dogs, we require all potential adopters to visit with the animal in person before adoption. We will not send an animal on a transport to an owner they have never met. We also do not adopt cats out of state due to the stress of transport.
Also, when placing puppies in "Best Match" homes, we will process applications for in-state homes first, and depending on the amount if interest the litter has, we may not consider out-of-state home. Please contact us at info@hillcountryspca.com to ask about a puppy or litters availability!
While the Hill Country SPCA does allow out of state adoptions for dogs, we require all potential adopters to visit with the animal in person before adoption. We will not send an animal on a transport to an owner they have never met. We also do not adopt cats out of state due to the stress of transport.
Also, when placing puppies in "Best Match" homes, we will process applications for in-state homes first, and depending on the amount if interest the litter has, we may not consider out-of-state home. Please contact us at info@hillcountryspca.com to ask about a puppy or litters availability!
Is this dog housetrained?
Unfortunately we do not know. Rarely do we get animals surrendered with a full history, and because most of our dogs come from unknown backgrounds and stay in kennels we are unable to provide that information.
How big will this puppy get?
Most of the time we can give you a guesstimated range, but it is truly just that, a guess. Sometimes we don't get to see either mom or dad and don't have any information to go on except how quickly they grow in care. Other times we only get to see mom, and dad could have been much larger or smaller.
Is every animal Spayed/Neutered before adoption?
YES!! All animals who come through our program MUST be spayed or neutered before they can leave. NO exceptions.
If we have animals that are too young, unhealthy, or geriatric they will stay in foster until surgery can be provided, or for the rest of their natural life.
If we have animals that are too young, unhealthy, or geriatric they will stay in foster until surgery can be provided, or for the rest of their natural life.
Can you hold an animal for me?
No. While our shelter is a no-kill facility, every day a dog or cats stays with us animals at nearby shelters are euthanized of lack of space.
However once an application is submitted that will place a temporary 24hour hold on an animal, and once approved we can hold for up to 24 hours.
If you have an approved application on file with us and are looking at traveling to visit with an animal, please call us after 4pm the day before your travel and we can place a hold for the pickup the following day. This does not apply to dogs being placed in best match homes.
However once an application is submitted that will place a temporary 24hour hold on an animal, and once approved we can hold for up to 24 hours.
If you have an approved application on file with us and are looking at traveling to visit with an animal, please call us after 4pm the day before your travel and we can place a hold for the pickup the following day. This does not apply to dogs being placed in best match homes.
Do you have a trial period?
We do not have a trial or foster period. If you are interested in adopting you are urged to come spend sometime with the animal here at our shelter and see if you believe they would be a good fit.
The only time exceptions may be made is in cases of long-term dogs who have been with us for over 3 months, or those that may have behavioral or medical conditions. All trial periods are at the discretion of our management team.
The only time exceptions may be made is in cases of long-term dogs who have been with us for over 3 months, or those that may have behavioral or medical conditions. All trial periods are at the discretion of our management team.
Can I bring my pet in to visit a shelter dog?
If you have an approved adoption application you are welcome to bring your current dog in to visit with animals you are interested in adopting, Canine visitors to the shelter MUST have proof of current Rabies and DHLPP vaccinations to be allowed to visit with any shelter animals.
We currently do not allow feline meet and greets.
We currently do not allow feline meet and greets.
What are your adoption requirements?
Every dog or cat is different, and that means the requirements for each animal may be different. For instance, while some dogs may require a fence, others may not. The best way to figure out what the requirements are for a specific animal is to call or email us and we can let you know!
Our shelter does not have exact requirements posted in an effort to get true and honest answers on our applications, versus adopters just telling us what they think we want to hear. Our goal is always to place the animals in the best match home, and that means sometimes animals you fall in love with, may not adjust well to your home environment.
Our shelter does not have exact requirements posted in an effort to get true and honest answers on our applications, versus adopters just telling us what they think we want to hear. Our goal is always to place the animals in the best match home, and that means sometimes animals you fall in love with, may not adjust well to your home environment.
Do you adopt to Canada/Mexico?
At this time we do not adopt outside the contiguous United States.