Humane Shelter

If you're looking to adopt a pet, volunteer, or simply learn more about the services offered by the Autauga County AL Humane Shelter, you're in the right place. This article provides an in-depth look at the shelter's mission, services, adoption process, volunteering opportunities, and how to help pets in need. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive resource to help you navigate all aspects of animal care and support in Autauga County.

What is the Autauga County Humane Shelter?

The Autauga County AL Humane Shelter is a non-profit organization dedicated to the care, shelter, and adoption of homeless animals in the Autauga County area. Serving the local community, the shelter provides a safe environment for cats, dogs, and other animals that are found as strays or surrendered by their owners. The mission of the shelter is to give these animals a second chance at life by promoting adoption, spay/neuter programs, and responsible pet ownership.

The shelter is a hub for individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of these animals through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or donations. By collaborating with local authorities, the shelter ensures the well-being of animals while striving for a no-kill policy whenever possible.

How to Adopt a Pet from the Autauga County Humane Shelter

Adopting a pet from the Autauga County AL Humane Shelter is an exciting and rewarding experience. Here's everything you need to know about the adoption process.

Step-by-Step Adoption Process

Visit the Shelter or Browse Online
You can start by browsing the shelter's available pets either online or by visiting the shelter in person. The shelter’s website regularly updates the list of adoptable pets.

Fill Out an Adoption Application
Once you find a pet that captures your heart, the next step is to fill out an adoption application. This ensures that you are ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership and helps the shelter match pets with suitable families.

Meet the Pet
After submitting your application, you’ll schedule a time to meet the pet. This allows you to interact and assess the compatibility of the animal with your family and lifestyle.

Adoption Fee
The adoption fee covers essential services, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and a courtesy vet exam. For cats, the fee is typically $75, while dogs have an adoption fee of $120. This fee helps support the shelter's mission and care for other animals in need.

Take Your New Friend Home
Once approved, you'll be able to bring your new pet home. The shelter provides guidance on how to transition your new pet into your home and offers post-adoption support to ensure the best possible outcome for both the pet and the family.

For more details about the adoption process, visit the How to Adopt page.

Fostering a Pet: A Vital Role in Saving Lives

Fostering is a crucial part of the shelter's mission. If you are not ready for the long-term commitment of adoption but still want to help, fostering may be the perfect option. Foster homes provide temporary shelter and care for animals, giving them a chance to thrive outside the crowded shelter environment.

Why Foster?

Prevent Shelter Overcrowding: Foster homes provide much-needed space in the shelter for other animals in need.

Give Extra Love: Some pets require extra attention, especially those recovering from surgery, medical treatments, or socialization.

Save Lives: By fostering, you directly contribute to saving the lives of animals that may have been overlooked or unable to thrive in a shelter setting.

If you're interested in becoming a foster parent, you can apply online through the Foster page.

Responsibilities of Foster Parents

Provide food, shelter, and love to the animal in your care.
Assist with transportation to and from the shelter for adoption events.
Help socialize and train the animal to prepare them for adoption.

Volunteering: Make a Difference in the Lives of Animals

Volunteering at the Autauga County AL Humane Shelter offers a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of local animals. Volunteers are an essential part of the shelter's operations, helping in a variety of ways.

How Can You Help as a Volunteer?

Volunteers can assist with:

Adoption Events: Helping match animals with potential adopters.

Fostering: Taking in animals temporarily when needed.

Cleaning and Grooming: Ensuring the shelter is clean, comfortable, and sanitary for the animals.

Fundraising and Special Events: Organizing or assisting with fundraising efforts to support shelter activities.

How to Become a Volunteer

To get involved, you’ll need to complete a volunteer application. The shelter is always looking for dedicated individuals to help out. You can find more information about volunteering and submit your application through the Volunteer page.

Donating to the Shelter: Support a Good Cause

The Autauga County AL Humane Shelter relies on donations to fund its operations, which include animal care, medical treatment, adoption programs, and community outreach. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps the shelter continue its vital work.

How You Can Donate

Monetary Donations: Your financial contributions help cover the costs of animal care, including food, shelter, medical treatment, and adoption services.

Wish List Donations: The shelter also accepts donations of pet supplies. Check the Wish List for a list of needed items.

Memorial Donations: Honor a loved one or pet by making a memorial donation to the shelter.

You can donate online through the Donate Now page or contact the shelter directly for other ways to contribute.

Surrendering a Pet: What You Need to Know

While the shelter is dedicated to helping animals find new homes, it also provides assistance for those who need to surrender their pets. If you are facing the difficult decision of surrendering your pet, there are resources available to help you explore all your options.

Alternatives to Surrendering

Before surrendering your pet, the shelter encourages you to consider the following options:

Behavioral and Training Resources: If your pet is displaying behavior issues, resources are available to help train and rehabilitate them.

Spay/Neuter Assistance: If your pet’s behavior is due to lack of spaying/neutering, the shelter can help with low-cost options.

If you still need to surrender your pet, the shelter asks that you make an appointment to ensure proper care and support for both you and your pet.

Visit the Surrender a Pet page for more details.

Lost and Found Pets: What to Do

Losing a pet can be a traumatic experience. If your pet is lost, it is important to take immediate action to increase the chances of a safe return.

Steps to Take if Your Pet is Lost

Check Local Shelters: Visit the shelter regularly, as not all lost pets are posted immediately.

Submit a Lost Pet Report: The shelter helps connect lost pets with their owners through reports and networking.

Flyer Distribution: Create flyers and post them in the neighborhood where the pet was lost. Include a photo and contact information.

Social Media and Online Resources: Post on social media groups like Facebook and Nextdoor to reach a broader audience.

The shelter also provides a Lost a Pet page with helpful tips and resources for lost pet recovery.

Found a Pet? Here's What to Do

If you find a pet, the first step is to determine whether the animal is lost or abandoned. Many pets that appear to be stray may simply be lost, and reuniting them with their owners is the top priority.

What to Do if You Find a Pet

Check for Identification: Look for a collar, ID tags, or a microchip.

Contact the Shelter: If you cannot find the owner, contact the shelter to report the found pet.

Help Reunite the Pet: You can also help the pet find its home by posting online and distributing flyers.

Visit the Found a Pet page for more information.

Shelter Departments and Contact Information

Here are the important departments and contact details for the Autauga County AL Humane Shelter:

Adoption Services: (334) 358-2882
Volunteer and Foster Programs: (334) 358-2882
Pet Surrender Services: (334) 358-2882
Lost and Found Pets: (334) 358-2882
General Inquiries: adopt@prattvilleautaugahumane.org

Autauga County Humane Shelter FAQs

How Can I Adopt a Pet from the Autauga County Humane Shelter?

To adopt a pet from the Autauga County Humane Shelter, begin by browsing their available pets either online or by visiting the shelter in person. Once you find a pet you are interested in, you’ll need to fill out an adoption application to ensure compatibility and readiness for pet ownership. After approval, an adoption fee is required to cover vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and a vet exam. For more information on the adoption process, visit the How to Adopt page.

What Are the Requirements for Fostering Pets?

Fostering a pet is a great way to help animals in need without the long-term commitment of adoption. Foster parents provide temporary care, including food, shelter, and transportation. Pets that need fostering include puppies, kittens, and animals recovering from medical treatment. To learn more or apply to foster, visit the Foster page.

How Can I Volunteer at the Shelter?

Volunteers are essential to the Autauga County Humane Shelter’s operations. You can assist with various tasks like helping at adoption events, cleaning, grooming, or fundraising. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, fill out the volunteer application on the Volunteer page.

What Should I Do if I Lose My Pet?

If you lose your pet, start by submitting a Lost Pet report with the shelter. Regularly check local shelters, as not all lost pets are posted immediately. You can also create flyers and share them in your neighborhood. For more tips and resources, visit the Lost a Pet page.

How Can I Donate to the Shelter?

The shelter greatly appreciates donations, which help cover the costs of animal care, medical treatment, and adoption services. You can donate directly through their Donate Now page, or contribute items from their wish list.