Frequently Asked Questions About Adoptions

“I live in Georgia, can I still adopt from you?”
Yes you can! So long as you are a good match and can provide a safe, loving, appropriate home for your new pet we will adopt to you no matter what state you live in. We do ask that you meet the animal in person. We may elect to ask someone from a rescue group in your area to perform a home check before approving an adoption.

Virginia law stipulates that municipal shelters or impound facilities may only adopt animals to residents of the county in which it is located or of a contiguous county. If you are interested in one of Floyd’s beautiful pound pooches we would be delighted to help facilitate your adoption.


“Where is your shelter?”
The Floyd County Humane Society is a foster-based “shelter” so we do not have any central office or location. Our animals are housed at a variety of homes around the county. Once you have selected which animal you would like to meet arrangements are made directly with the keeper of that animal. Our dogs are usually featured at Christainsburg’s Petsmart on the fourth Saturday of the month. Floyd cats are often featured in the Petsmart. Watch our home page for updates on when and where we’ll be!


“We’ve fallen in love with a pet, how do we adopt?”
Begin by filling out an adoption application, which you can do online or by downloading from this page,  Submit your application and we will contact you to discuss which pet might be a good match. We will call your references and may perform a home check at our discretion.  A home check isn’t about your housekeeping but to determine what needs to be done so that the animal can be safe and happy with you. (Such as providing a secure run.)  Our foster families will do their best to help you visit your chosen pet, get to know their quirks, and decide which animal is right for you. A typical adoption takes one to two weeks.


“What if it doesn’t work out?”
It happens. We overestimate our ability to deal with behavior issues. Animals can change a little (or a lot) when they get comfortable. The dog that loved his new playmate at PetSmart may feel threatened when his new best friend moves in. In all these circumstances your first option is to call us for help and advice. May big issues have simple fixes.

An adoption isn’t considered final until you have had your pet for two weeks. This ‘trial period’ is designed because we know how common it is to realize an animal will be too much only after you’ve gotten them home. We’ll take her back and return your check but will ask lots of questions so that we can make a better match next time. If, after the 14 day trial period, you decide your pet isn’t fitting in you can still return it to us. Be aware that we will have to arrange a foster home first and that your adoption fee will not be returned to you after the trail period.


“Why do your animals cost so much?”
We charge what we do in order to recoup some of the costs of caring for our animals. If an animal is adopted quickly we just about break even on veterinary costs because we have generous veterinarians who give us deep discounts. Most animals end up costing the Society more than their adoption fee. The fees we charge are kept as low as possible so area residents can afford a pet. The veterinary care we provide pre-adoption can easily reach $300 - $500 at your veterinarian’s office so, really, you’re getting a pretty good deal when you write that big check!


“Why does my new pet have to be spayed or neutered before adoption?”
We completely understand your desire to perpetuate the already high standard of dogs in our county. While we are not opposed to those who carefully work to perpetuate and improve an individual breed, there are more dogs and cats in Floyd County than homes so we cannot, in good faith, break the law and add to the problem. We hope you will