Animals for Adoption

At the Monadnock Humane Society, adoptions are at the very center of our mission. We do our best to ensure that your adoption process is easy, fun, and informative, and that you leave MHS with the best possible animal companion for your individual situation.

Adoption counselors are on hand to answer questions, recommend certain animals available for adoption and assist you in processing your adoption application.

Are you in a position to consider adopting a senior animal?

Would you actually prefer not to go through
the puppy or kitten stage?

If you answered "YES" to either of these questions, click here to learn some additional facts and benefits to adopting a senior pet.

The adoption process at MHS can take 45 minutes to a full hour, and requires you to fill out a brief adoption application. Once your application has been successfully processed and you have paid your adoption donation, you will have a wonderful new companion with whom to share your life!

But your relationship with MHS doesn't end there you will have access to lifetime of pet behavior assistance, discounted pet training classes, and much more! Adopting a pet at the Monadnock Humane Society is more than a one-day transaction it is an entire lifetime of love, respect, and humanity. Plus, check out these important checklists for important items and reminders when bringing home that new adoptee!

• Dog check list
• Cat check list
• Rabbit check list
  
  

Check this list to make sure you are prepared to care for your new canine companion. All items are available at Animal Tracks, our non-profit store located in the Adoption and Learning Center.

• Dry dog food (Puppy food if your dog is under 1 year) a premium food such as Precise, Wellness, Canidae or Nutro. Canned food is an excellent source of moisture and necessary nutrients.

• Two ceramic or stainless steel bowls one for food, one for water. Some dogs are allergic to (and may chew on) plastic bowls.

• Quick-Snap or buckle collar Not too big, not too small. Two fingers should fit between your dog’s collar and neck. {Puppies will need several collars as they grow - check the sizing every week.} Choke chains or slip collars are not neccessary, and should never be left on your dog while unattended or playing with another dog. They can accidentally cause serious neck injuries or strangle your dog. Ask our staff about the Premier Gentle Leader(tm) head collar--a very effective training collar and walking aid.

• Leash(es) sturdy nylon or leather to keep your dog safely under control. You will need a short leash (4-6 feet) for walking and a long one for training and exercise (15-30 feet). If you already have dogs at home, make sure you have at least one leash for each of them.

• Chew toys if you don't provide interesting and sturdy chew toys, your dog will find her own! A Kong (rubber chewtoy) can be stuffed with peanut butter or cream cheese for a long lasting treat. For strong chewers or young dogs, try an edible Nylabone chew or cotton rope Booda bones. Just make sure to buy the right size for your dog. The Animal Tracks staff can assist you with choosing appropriate toys.

• Dog crate available at the Adoption and Learning Center for rent on a limited basis -- with many sizes and styles for sale at Animal Tracks.

• Baby gate for confining your dog until she is fully crate trained or house trained.

• Dog bed your dog will need a comfortable and warm bed to sleep on.

• Brush, comb and nail clippers every dog should be routinely brushed and nails maintained at an appropriate length.

• Shampoo regular bathing will keep your dog's coat healthy and smelling nice.
  
  
• Enzyme Cleaner to clean up those inevitable accidents during your dog's adjustment period we use and recommend Nature's Miracle.

  

Check this list to make sure you have what you need to care for your new feline friend.

• Dry and canned cat food – premium brands such as Precise, Wellness, Feldae and Nutro contain little or no additives. Canned food is an excellent source of moisture and necessary nutrients for your cat or kitten.

• Two ceramic or stainless steel bowls – one for food, one for water.

• Litter box – and a scoop for cleaning it.

• Cat litter – we use wood pellets. Young kittens should not use fine, scoopable litter as they sometimes inhale it.

• Brush, comb and nail clippers – for grooming.

• Cat bed – your cat will need a soft, warm spot on which to sleep. We sell cat beds, but a soft piece of blanket or a pillow in a box works fine.

• Scratching post – to keep their claws groomed and stretch their arm, shoulder, and back muscles.

• Cat toys – your cat needs to exercise. Toy mice, feather wands, crinkle balls provide a great outlet for fun and exercise. Your cat will enjoy playing with simple household items too!

• Quiet room – to help your cat adjust to her new home.

Things to think about before adopting a rabbit...

• Rabbits belong indoors with you! Rabbits are intelligent and very social animals with personalities as varied as any cat's or dog's.

• Rabbits can live for a long time. House rabbits who are spayed and neutered and given an appropriate diet can live to over 10 years of age.

• Rabbits are prey animals they are affectionate, but do not like to be picked up or held.

• Rabbits are smarter than you might think! Rabbits can learn their names and understand when they have misbehaved; they can be stubborn, affectionate, and show anger. They play with toys and they learn to trust.

• Think twice before adopting a rabbit as a companion for your child. Young children are generally too noisy and rambunctious for a rabbit, but older children can make good rabbit companions.

• Rabbits aren't low maintenance pets. Just like cats and dogs, rabbits need consistent care including regular feeding, grooming, playtime, and veterinary care.