FAQs

1. Where can I look at animals that are currently available for adoption?
   Visit us at 99 North Avenue during our walk-in hours, or click here to view our animals online.
2. Where do you get your animals?
   The majority of our sheltered animals were either lost or surrendered by their owners.
3. If an animal was surrendered by its owner , will it have behavioral problems?
   Not necessarily.  Many of our pets are excellent companion animals that have been abandoned for reasons completely unrelated to their behavior. You can always visit with our animals in our of our play areas and get to know them before making the decision to adopt. Some of the top reasons for pet relinquishment in the United States includes moving, landlord not allowing pet, too many animals in the household, cost of pet maintenance, owner having personal problems, inadequate facilities, no homes available for litter mates, having no time for pet, pet illness(es), biting, allergies in family, house soiling, and incompatibility with other pets.
4. I want to adopt an animal.  What do I do?
   If you're under 18 years of age, consult with your parent or guardian.  You must be over 18 years of age to adopt. You must not have any Animal Control violation citations within the past two (2) years. If you rent or lease, you must have written permission from your landlord to possess a pet on their property.  Be prepared to schedule, pay for, and follow through with all vaccinations and sterilization of the adopted animal within a set time period.  Be prepared to pay the $40 dog or $35 cat adoption fee using cash, check, debit, Visa or Mastercard.  Have your driver's license and physical address on hand.  Visit our facility at 99 North Avenue and follow our standard adoption procedure.
5. How much does it cost to adopt an animal?
   $35 adoption fee for cats, and $40 adoption fee for dogs.
6. If I adopt a dog or cat, am I required to have it fixed?
   Yes, it is a state law that all animals adopted from shelters in Georgia be spayed or neutered.  State law and County ordinance also requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies and wear the proper tags.  It is very important that all shots are administered as recommended by your veterinarian, along with heartworm, flea and tick preventatives.
7. How many animals are adopted at your facility?
   Animals are adopted on a daily basis.  In 2020, we found homes for 2,604 cats and dogs, and returned 141 lost pets to their owners.  Our live release rate was 94.67%.
8. How much does it cost to spay/neuter an animal?
   Sterilization fees vary from vet to vet.  It is recommended that you call around to find the best price for the procedure.
9. Is there a leash law in Floyd County?
   There is a restraining law which requires that you be outside with your animal when it is off leash, provided that you have verbal control over your animal.  If you are not physically outside with your pet, it must be restrained to your property.  This law applies to dogs and cats.  There is also a leash law that applies within Rome City limits.  
10. How can I start an animal rescue group?
    Click here to learn Floyd County's standard operating procedures.
11. Help! I've lost my pet.
    Oh no!  Less than 2% of cats and 15% of dogs that end up in shelters are returned to their owners. It’s important for you to act as quickly as possible so this doesn’t happen to you. If you call to describe your pet over the phone, we most likely will not be able to give you an answer, as we have dozens of animals in our facility. However, we do want to help! Come to our facility in person and take a look to see if your pet is here. We’ll gladly point you in the right direction! We advise that you have a microchip implanted and keep an ID tag and collar on your pet at all times to ensure its quick return to you in a case of separation. Follow these pet safety tips to ensure the well-being of your pet. Some additional tips to help you find your pet include asking your neighbors if they have seen your pet.  It is possible someone could have taken it in for protective purposes.  Call veterinarians in your area to see if your pet has been seen.  Check the Lost and Found board at our facility.  We have a downloadable poster template you can use.  Place a Lost Pet advertisement in the local newspaper and check the "Found Pets" section every day.  Check with local schools about announcing your pet's description and missing status over their public address systems.  Place "Lost Pet" signs in grocery stores, on street posts, and at other places like laundromats.  Print a colored photo of your pet and keep it with you at all times to help with identification.  Check with us and the Rome/Floyd Humane Society frequently.  we hold pets for three days before they are made available for adoption.

Don't see your question listed?  Contact us using our online form, or call us directly during telephone hours at 706-236-4545.