Broward County Humane Society Changes Policy For Giving Up Pets
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Anyone wanting to give up their pet or pets to the Humane Society of Broward will have to make an appointment first, starting on January 15.
According to our news partners the Sun Sentinel, owners would have to sit down for an estimated 45 minute interview and give shelter staff details about their pet and why they are surrendering them.
Details gathered during the interview will allow staff to determine if they can find a new home for the pet.
Spokeswoman Cherie Wachter told the Sun-Sentinel, "Animals can act differently in a shelter than they do at home. Knowing when and why a pet is being surrendered can help make the transition easier when a new animal arrives."
The appointment will also include an exam and evaluation of the pet's temperament, activity level, diet and medical history. If the pet turns out to have health issues which would prevent or prohibit the animal from getting adopted, the staff would give the pet owner the option to keep the pet, turn it over or have it euthanized.
"Previously, people would drop their pet off and they wouldn't know the outcome. We will do an exam while the person waits. They may not know the pet had a heart murmur. Now the owner will make the decision," Wachter told the Sun-Sentinel.
The shelter run by the Humane Society of Broward County, at 2070 Griffin Road, takes in dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.
