What We Do

Since its founding in 1992, this non-profit rescue organization has helped over 4,000 homeless pets. Why so many? Death, divorce, relocation, abandonment, and landlord problems are some of the most common reasons. Many who are rescued suffer from the effects of abuse and neglect; too many are in poor or life threatening condition. Most are rehabilitated.

Medical care and careful screening before placement of a rescued animal are very important to the animal's welfare. Each animal taken in by HHS is examined by a veterinarian, treated, if necessary, vaccinated, and tested. All HHS animals are spayed or neutered. All HHS animals are provided with a HHS tag; should the animal become lost or stolen it is easily identifiable as a HHS animal and the owner will be traceable.

Pending placement, our animals are kept in foster homes or are boarded at various facilities in the Richmond area. Each animal is carefully evaluated before placement. This is one step in assuring that the animal and its new owner are a good match.

Each prospective adoptive parent is screened. An application form must be completed and an interview is conducted by a HHS volunteer. A determination is made that the desire to adopt a Homeless pet is not just a passing whim - that the members of the household are aware of the nature of the Homeless pet and of the commitment required for animal ownership. In rental situations, the landlord may be contacted to ensure animals are allowed, as landlord disputes are such a common reason for turn-in.

Henrico Humane Society is not just a rescue organization. Another important function of HHS is public education. The organization produces a newsletter and supplies educational materials to animal owners. Where appropriate, volunteers are available to counsel animal owners, or to help find a solution to enable the animal to remain in its original home. HHS members (and previously adopted homeless pets) regularly staff booths at pet fairs and pet stores to educate the public about the characteristics of the homeless pets, animal care, and obedience. We need people like you to support us financially and with your time as a volunteer to allow us to continue these efforts.

Henrico Humane Society Adoption Procedure

HHS has successfully placed more than 4000 homeless pets. All animals placed through HHS have received a full medical exam, been spayed or neutered, and have been immunized and tested. Additionally, each animal has a tag to make it easy to identify as a HHS animal if it becomes lost.

HHS generally has 50-85 cats and dogs available at any given time. We have kittens and puppies available at various times of the year. We suggest that if you wish to have a very young kitten or puppy that you give it serious thought before adopting. A young kitten or puppy is not for everyone. We often receive young animals from homes that did not fully research the advisability of acquiring a kitten or puppy.

Our available animals generally range in ages up to 8 or 9 years and come in various mixed breeds. We will ask you a set of questions to help us determine what animal will most closely match the environment you can provide. You have already taken the first step in the adoption process by indicating your interest in a rescued animal. We ask that you have patience throughout the adoption procedure. The procedure for adopting a homeless pet through HHS is as follows:

1. Complete an application and give it to one of the adoption volunteers.
2. First time applicants are interviewed to ensure that the adoptive families understand the responsibilities of owning and caring for a homeless pet and the needs of a rescued animal. At HHS's option, if you have already adopted from us, and your circumstances have not changed, this visit may not be necessary.
3. After the initial interview, if your application is approved, you will work with an adoption volunteer who will work with you to match you with an available homeless pet that best fits your circumstances.
4. We reserve the right to refuse an applicant if, in our judgment, the home situation is not compatible with the needs of an animal or if the animal is not suitable for the applicant.
5. We will do our best to assist in finding a compatible animal. HHS does not, however, guarantee a successful placement. If a pet has been selected and you are unable to make a decision, HHS is under no obligation to hold the animal or cat while you decide.
6. An adoption donation of $100 is requested at the time of the adoption. This donation goes to help defray the costs incurred while the animal is in our care. Expenses normally incurred include a full medical exam, medical treatment, spaying and neutering, a full set of vaccinations, heartworm test and medication, other medications that may be required by the animal, boarding, food, and tags.
7. You will be required to complete an adoption contract at the time of adoption.
8. You will be required to license your pet, provide shelter, food, yearly vaccinations, heartworm testing and medication, and medical care. Most importantly, you must intend to make the animal you adopt a member of your family.
9. Shortly after the adoption, your Adoption Coordinator will call to assist with any problems you may be having in integrating the animal into your household. Never hesitate to contact your Adoption Coordinator with questions or problems. It is easier to address such problems as they occur rather than at some later time. We ask that you stay in touch with us and maintain your current address with us in the event your animal is ever lost and tracked to HHS.
10. If, for any reason, the adoption is not satisfactory, HHS requires that the animal be returned to HHS. The animal must not be sold or given away. HHS retains the right to reclaim any rescued animal that is neglected, improperly cared for, or allowed to roam free.

Our non-profit organization is run solely by volunteers. These volunteers give numerous hours to homeless pets that have been rescued in addition to their own work and family duties. Their only reward is in knowing that they have helped to provide warm and loving homes to animals in need. Please have patience with these hard-working, caring individuals.