Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Homeward Bound part of the Humane Society of the United States or connected to other humane societies? Is Homeward Bound a government organization?
A: Homeward Bound is the Addison County Humane Society. We are a private non-profit organization serving Addison County, Vermont. Although we interact and when appropriate work with other humane societies including national ones, we are not a branch of them or governed by them, etc.
Q: Where does Homeward Bound get the funds to operate?
A: We rely on donations, fees for services, and fund raising activities to bring in the income to run the shelter 365 days a year and to provide the programs for animals and people that fulfill our mission.
Q: Does the Government provide funds for Homeward Bound?
A: We do not receive any federal or state funds. We do receive some funding from local towns either to provide contracted services or as a charitable contribution.
Q: What do I do if I want to become a volunteer?
A: Please click here for complete information and details on the volunteer program and how to get involved.
Q: Why do you have a minimum age for volunteering?
A: We currently require volunteers to be 16 to volunteer independently at the shelter. Children under 16 may volunteer in select capacities with one-to-one adult supervision.
Q: Is Homeward Bound a volunteer organization?
A: We are governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and operated by paid staff. We operate a year-round volunteer program and our volunteers support and expand the services staff provides the animals and in the community.
Q: Is Homeward Bound a No-Kill shelter?
A: While Homeward Bound’s policies and practices about euthanasia are the same as most no-kill shelters we choose to not use that term. Homeward Bound does not euthanize animals who are adoptable regardless of length of stay or space available in the shelter. When we do decide to euthanize an animal, the decision is made because the animal is either so injured, sick or behaviorally damaged that adoption would be an inhumane or unsafe choice.
Homeward Bound is an open admission—or open door—humane society. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors. Many of these animals are healthy, good natured dogs and cats who go up for adoption—and there are no time limits on how long they can stay up for adoption.
Q: If you act like a No-Kill shelter why don’t you just call yourself one?
A: The phrase “no-kill” can make people feel very good about supporting an organization and it can also be very confusing and misunderstood. There are many good shelters that call themselves “no-kill,” just as there are many fine shelters that are “open admission.” Ultimately, much of the confusion about “no-kill” stems from the fact that there is no universally accepted definition of the term. One organization’s idea of no-kill can vary widely from another’s. Therefore, it is important to look into the issues surrounding the idea of no-kill in order to understand the ways in which organizations help animals.
Q: Do you provide veterinary services like spay/neuter surgery or vaccinations?
A: We do over basic preventative wellness care and subsidized spay/neuter surgery to qualifying pet owners enrolled in our PetCORE program. We offer affordable spay/neuter services to pet owners in Addison County and Brandon through our PetFIX program.
Q: Do you provide boarding/temp care?
A: Due to the constraints of our kennels, we are unable to board owner animals or provide temporary care. We do make an exception for pet owners who are experiencing crisis or are victims of domestic violence and you may click here for more information on this program.
Q: Do you adopt out FIV+ or FELV+ cats? We do not currently adopt out FELV+ cats but we do adopt out FIV+ cats with counseling and specific adoption requirements. For information on FIV+ cats, please click here.
Q: Is there a fee for surrendering an animal?
A: We accept and offer shelter and care to all animals in need. Therefore we do not require a fee from anyone surrendering a pet or bringing in a stray. However, because of the expenses we incur to feed, house, vet, and re-home an animal, we ask that you give as generous a donation as you are able at the time of surrender.
Q: I’ve heard that if someone surrenders a pet they will never be allowed to adopt from your shelter. Is that true?
A: No. First and foremost, making a good match is our top priority – and if that means that someone who previously surrendered an animal winds up being a great match for another pet somewhere in the future, then we’re thrilled to make that match. We understand that people’s lives change and that sometimes, due to a variety of circumstances, people are unable to keep, maintain, and care for their pets. Years later, under different circumstances, that same person may be ready and interested in adopting a new pet.
Q: Why do you require appointments for surrendering animals?
A: Due to the fact that we are open limited hours each week, and sometimes care for more than 100 animals each day, we utilize appointments to keep the shelter on schedule. Likewise, we have limited space and resources and – because we are housing healthy and behaviorally sound animals for as long as it takes to find a home – effective resource management is key to our success. Occasionally, depending on the current pet population in our shelter, we may have a wait list for people need to re-home their pets.
Q: What do I do if I have an animal I need to surrender?
A: First, please take a moment to gather all the information about your pet that you have gotten while you owned them and think about your pet and what special needs and quirks he or she may have. This will enable you to answer the staff questions quickly and easily. Please call the shelter during our open hours and you will speak with a staff person who will take down your information and schedule your appointment. As mentioned before, you may be placed on a wait list if the shelter is full. Please don’t wait to the last minute before calling us if you think you may need to re-home your pet. We would much rather cancel your appointment than be unable to accommodate you!
Q: Do you have employees that pick up strays?
A: We accept stray animals from citizens and Animal Control Officers but we do not have the staff resources to go out and “catch” them.
Q: What do I do if I see a stray?
A: Try first to find out if the animal has a collar or tags and is an owned pet out for a stroll! If not or if you are not sure, you may bring the animal into us or call your town Animal Control Officer to do so for you. Even if it outside of our usual hours, we have staff here taking care of the shelter animals and can always help a stray.
Q: What happens to stray animals that are brought to Homeward Bound?
A: We are required by state law to hold the animal for 5 business days to allow an owner a reasonable amount of time to locate their pet. During that period, we will provide any urgent medical care if required. After that period, we will begin to ready the animal for adoption—scheduling vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, veterinary check-ups and behavioral assessments.
Q: What if I find a wild animal? Do you accept wild animals?
A: We do not have the capacity or authority to accept wild animals at the shelter. If you find an injured wild animal please check this list of trained wildlife rehabilitators to locate assistance.
Q: Do you have “Animal Cops”?
A: We do not conduct animal cruelty or neglect investigations on our own. Please click here for information on how we work with law enforcement.
Q: What do I do if I suspect animal neglect or cruelty?
A: Please call your local law enforcement agency (this would be whomever does the police work in your town or the Vermont State Police if you do not have a local agency). Animal cruelty is a crime and our certified law enforcement officers are the best people to handle potential criminal cases! Law enforcement will call us if they need help resolving a problem that requires education and resources.