F.A.Q.

Have a question about one of our programs or the pet adoption process?  Take a look through our Frequently Asked Questions below and you will likely find the answer.  If not, you can send us a question through our contact us page.

Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: Business Hours: Monday-Friday 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Drop-off Hours: Monday-Saturday at 8 am and accepts animals until we are full.

The Humane Society is closed Sundays and on the following Holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Q: What is the cost to adopt a pet?
A: Dog: $75 - $250* Cat: $25 - $50*
*Does not include $50 spay/neuter deposit.

Q: What does the adoption fee include?
A: It includes all of the following:

• First round of temporary vaccinations.
• First health exam certificate from participating vet clinic.
• First application of heartworm/flea protection, Heartworm testing on dogs and puppies.
• Feline Leukemia testing on cats and kittens.
• Adoption packet including valuable coupons, sample packs of food, training video and other helpful items.
• Reduced spay/neuter costs are available thanks to your local participating veterinarians. Also, senior citizens may adopt qualified pets at no cost through our golden friendship program.

Q: What is the procedure for adoption?
A: Once you have selected the pet you would like to adopt, we will need the following:

• Adopter must be 18 years of age.
• Adopter must provide landlord approval or provide proof of home ownership.
• Adopter must provide proof of current vaccinations for all other animals in home.
• Entire families encouraged to visit.
• On site dog-dog introductions offered.
• All applications subject to approval by an adoption advisor.

Q: Is it true that seniors can adopt pets for free?
A: Through our Golden Friendship Program, fixed-income senior citizens may adopt qualified pets (adult and sterilized) at no cost.

Q: What is the process for surrendering a pet to the Humane Society?
A: When an animal is surrendered to the shelter a Pet Profile is created. The pet is examined, evaluated, and vaccinated. The pet is then placed for adoption.

If the pet is too young to be placed, it is put into a foster home until it is old enough. Stray pets are held for five days before being adopted.

And, as a "Thank You" to the Genesee County Humane Society, we ask for a donation to keep the shelter going strong.

Q: I'd like to make a donation to the GCHS; how can I do that?
A: All HSGC funding is done through the gifts and donations from people like you. The HSGC is privately run and receives NO city, county, state or federal funding. We use the adoption fees, donations, and grants from you and local businesses to pay for all expenses needed to run the HSGC.

Donations can be given in the form of cash, stocks, real estate, gifts of insurance, establishment of a trust, appreciated gifts, and other planned giving instruments.

Thank you for your support and contributions.