Listed below are some questions we receive from people concerning adopting dogs from the shelter. If your question is not addressed below, please email us and we will do our best to answer it.
Adoption:
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Our adoption fees are $23.50 for an altered dog. This adoption fee covers a 7-way vaccination and in some cases a rabies vaccination.
Why is there waiting period to adopt a dog?
We have a 5 business day holding period in order to give pet owners a reasonable amount of time to locate their pets. We also use this as a safeguard against anyone turning in a dog that is not their own.
How much does it cost to spay or neuter an adoptable dog?
Spay and neuter fees are based on the sex and size of a dog. There are extra fees if a dog is pregnant, in heat, or has a retained testicle.
How do you determine which home a dog will go to if there are multiple families interested in adopting?
We ask families interested in adopting a dog to fill out a pre-adoption application. If there are multiple families applying for a dog, the Adoption Coordinator will determine which home suits the dog best.
Is a dog house trained or good with other dogs/cats/kids?
When a dog comes to the shelter as a stray, we know very little about their background. Through temperament testing and volunteers working with the dogs we can sometimes tell if a dog appears to be house trained, or appears to be good with dog/cats/kids. This information will be on a dogs kennel card.
What happens if a dog does not work out in my home?
New owners may return a dog to the shelter within 21 business days with no charge if a dog does not work out. If you have had the dog longer than 21 business days, you must live in the city limits of Meridian and will need to pay the relinquishment fee. The city of Meridian does not refund adoption fees.
Why are your hours much shorter than other local animal shelters?
Our shelter is staffed by all volunteers. Currently we only have enough volunteers to have shortened adoption hours each day.
Do you ever get pure bred dogs at the shelter?
We often get pure bred dogs, as well as small breed dogs at the shelter. Please check our adoptable dog page which is updated each evening.
http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter76764-pets.html
Why don’t you accept cash?
The city of Meridian only allows the shelter to accept check or money order.
Lost and found pets:
How do I report my pet as lost/found?
Please contact the Meridian Police Department 888-6678 and ask to have your pet added to the lost/found data base. You may also contact Meridian Animal Control at 409-4251.
Relinquishing an animal:
What do I do if I can no longer keep my dog?
Please contact Meridian Animal Control, 409-4251. Animal Control must approve any dogs being relinquished to the shelter. You must live in the city limits of Meridian. There will be a $23.50 fee to relinquish a dog.
Licensing:
What animals must be licensed?
In the Meridian City limits all dogs 6 months and older must have a Meridian City license. Licenses renew each year in January.
How much is a license?
Meridian City license are $16 for an altered (spayed/neutered) dog and $21 for an un-altered dog. You must show proof of rabies and spay/neuter at the time of purchase. If you do not have your proof of spay/neuter, you will be charged $21.
Where can I purchase a license?
You can purchase a Meridian City license from the Meridian Police Department, Meridian Animal Shelter and most Meridian Veterinary offices.
Veterinary Services:
Can you spay/neuter my pet or provide other veterinary services?
Meridian Animal Shelter does not have a veterinary clinic at its location. We contract with local vets to care for the animals at the shelter. We do not offer any vet services to the public.
Animal Control Laws:
For a complete listing of the Meridian City Animal Control Laws, please visit:
http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=306. Click on Police, then Animal Control (right-hand side of the screen).
