Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have a question not answered here, please contact us.

Adoption Process

How do I adopt an animal?
How should I prepare for the adoption process?
Will my dog or cat be spayed or neutered when I adopt it?
What happens if I adopt an animal from Safe Harbor and it just doesn't work out? Can I return the animal?
Is there a way to expedite the approval process?
Do I need to bring a leash or carrier to take my pet home after I adopt?
How long will it take for me to be approved for adoption?

Foster Care

What types of animals are available for me to foster?
Do I have to apply to be a foster parent?
What are the requirements for fostering an animal?

Hours of Operation

When can I come look at animals?

Payments

How much does it cost to surrender an animal?
How much does it cost to reclaim an animal?*
What forms of payment does Safe Harbor accept?
Does Safe Harbor provide payment plans for adoption, reclaim, etc?
How much does it cost to adopt an animal?
Does it cost more to reclaim a pet the second time I reclaim it?
How much is the boarding fee for reclaiming a pet?

Volunteering

How can I volunteer? What opportunities are there for me to volunteer?
How old do you have to be to walk dogs / socialize cats?
Can my 12 year old daughter volunteer to walk dogs / socialize cats?

Stray Animals

I found a dog or cat? Now what?
Who do I call with wildlife concerns?

Lost & Found

Where can I find my lost pet?
How do I report a lost pet?

Services

Does Safe Harbor offer a vaccination clinic?
Does Safe Harbor offer a microchip service?
Does Safe Harbor offer a euthanasia/cremation service for the general public?

Surrender

I'm not a Kenosha County resident. Can I still surrender my animal?
Do I have to make an appointment to surrender an animal?

Veterinary Care

After I adopt a pet, will the Safe Harbor vet give regular exams or see my pet for emergent / urgent care?

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Adoption Process

How do I adopt an animal?
Follow the steps found on our Adoption Process page.

How should I prepare for the adoption process?
You'll need your renter's lease, your landlord's name and telephone number, proof of home ownership (a deed, mortgage paper, payment book). When you do complete the Application for Adoption (online or in person), it will be essential to fill out all information completely and accurately. Inaccurate information will delay the processing of your application. We will not process applications with missing information until accurate information is provided.

Will my dog or cat be spayed or neutered when I adopt it?
All dogs will be spayed/neutered prior to going home, and will receive a rabies vaccine and microchip.

What happens if I adopt an animal from Safe Harbor and it just doesn't work out? Can I return the animal?
If, for any reason, an adoption does not work out, you sign a contract that you will bring the animal back to us.

Is there a way to expedite the approval process?
There are only two ways:
1. Call your veterinarian to release your records or submit them to us directly prior to us calling them.
2. If you rent, discuss policies and procedures with your landlord regarding pets on the property prior to us calling them.

Do I need to bring a leash or carrier to take my pet home after I adopt?
Yes. By law, all dogs must leave on a leash. All cats must leave in a carrier. Carriers and leashes are available for purchase in our Shop. 

How long will it take for me to be approved for adoption?
It usually takes around 12-24 hours to process an application.

Foster Care

What types of animals are available for me to foster?
We typically foster out animals that are sick, babies or mothers. Check out our Foster page for more information.

Do I have to apply to be a foster parent?
Yes. The foster application is available at our shelter. Check out our Foster page for more information.

What are the requirements for fostering an animal?
Check out our Foster page for more information.

Hours of Operation

When can I come look at animals?
We're closed to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday you can come by between 1pm and 6pm. On Saturdays you can come by between noon and 5pm.

Payments

How much does it cost to surrender an animal?
$39.00 (tax included) per animal. Check out our Surrender/Reclaim page for more information.

How much does it cost to reclaim an animal?*
$39.00 (tax included). A $17.00 (+tax) per day boarding fee is charged after the first day. Reclaim fees must be paid by cash, debit or credit card. Pleasant Prairie dog owners will be charged an additional $100 fee. Bristol, Paddock Lake, Salem, Twin Lakes or Paris (or any resident west of I-94) is an additional $55 fee. The $39 fee doubles the second time an animals comes in ($78) and triples the third time ($117) and so on..

*AN UP-TO-DATE RABIES VACCINATION WITH PROOF IS REQUIRED BY LAW BEFORE AN ANIMAL IS RELEASED BACK TO THE OWNER. Also for Paddock Lake residents, you must show proof of dog license AND rabies vaccine before reclaiming.

What forms of payment does Safe Harbor accept?
Safe Harbor accepts cash, debit or credit card. We do not accept checks!

Does Safe Harbor provide payment plans for adoption, reclaim, etc?
No. We ask that you have the appropriate payment at the time of service.

How much does it cost to adopt an animal?
It varies by type of animal (cat, dog, other) and age of the animal. Check out our Adoption Process page for more information.

Does it cost more to reclaim a pet the second time I reclaim it?
Yes. The $39 fee doubles the second time an animals comes in ($78) and triples the third time ($117) and so on..

How much is the boarding fee for reclaiming a pet?
A $17.00 (+tax) per day boarding fee is charged after the first day.

Volunteering

How can I volunteer? What opportunities are there for me to volunteer?
Check out our Volunteer page for more information.

How old do you have to be to walk dogs / socialize cats?
18 years old (16 years old with a parents consent).

Can my 12 year old daughter volunteer to walk dogs / socialize cats?
Unfortunately, no. To walk dogs / socialize cats, a volunteer must be at least 16 (with parental consent). Although she can’t work directly with the animals, there are other volunteer opportunities for kids of all ages. Check out our Volunteer page for more information.

Stray Animals

I found a dog or cat? Now what?
If you are a Kenosha County resident, please bring the animal to our shelter during business hours. If you are a Racine County or Lake County resident or if it is after hours, refer to our City & State Services page for the appropriate local animal control service.

Who do I call with wildlife concerns?
Check out our Resource page for more information.

Lost & Found

Where can I find my lost pet?
Check out our Found page for a list of the newest animals in our shelter.

How do I report a lost pet?
Check out our Lost page for more information.

Services

Does Safe Harbor offer a vaccination clinic?
Yes, we do! Check out our Vaccination Clinic page for more information.

Does Safe Harbor offer a microchip service?
Yes. We offer microchip services for non-shelter pets. It costs $20 and takes no time at all! Check out our Low Cost Vaccination Clinic page for more information on other veterinary services we provide.

Does Safe Harbor offer a euthanasia/cremation service for the general public?
Yes. Check out our Euthanasia/Cremation page for more information.

Surrender

I'm not a Kenosha County resident. Can I still surrender my animal?
We can only accept pets from Kenosha County residents. We will need to verify this information by taking a copy of a valid ID.

Do I have to make an appointment to surrender an animal?
Yes. This ensures that we have cage space available and do not have to make any tough decisions.Check out our Surrender/Reclaim page for more information.

Veterinary Care

After I adopt a pet, will the Safe Harbor vet give regular exams or see my pet for emergent / urgent care?
No. Our vet is not able to give check-ups or see your pet for any medical needs. We suggest you check out our Resources page to contact a local vet as needed.