Benefits of Pet Ownership
According to the Humane Society of the United States, owning a pet may make help senior citizens live healthier lives by easing loneliness. Other potential health benefits can include lower blood pressure, decrease stress, reduce bone loss, lower cholesterol levels, and improve blood circulation. Research also indicates a link between pet ownership and an increased survival rate for cardiac patients.

Potsdam Humane Society is proud to offer a Senior for Seniors program that places older pets in the homes of senior citizens at little or no cost. For more information, click here.

Adoption Information

All animals available for adoption from the Potsdam Animal Shelter are:

• Determined to be healthy according to an assessment by shelter staff
• Spayed or neutered to help reduce overpopulation of unwanted animals
• Up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, including a rabies shot if the animal is four months or older, and de-wormed

      Also,

• Dogs receive a New York State license
• Dogs are tested for heartworm and are started on heartworm preventive medication
• Cats are tested for feline leukemia

New owners receive a free bag of food from Hill's Science Diet, generous donor of all the Shelter's animal food. They also receive a free training DVD from Petfinder.com and Animal Planet.

    NOTE: PHS uses Meet Your Match™ Adoption Program

    The Potsdam Humane Society has incorporated the ASPCA's
    Meet Your Match™ Adoption Program to help you find the type of
    shelter dog or cat that's right for you and your lifestyle.

        Learn more about our Meet Your Match™ adoption program.

Adoption Process

The following process is designed to ensure all animals are placed in a mutually beneficial situation for the animal and the owner.

• File an application. (NOTE: On Petfinder.com, the ID number requested is not the Petfinder number, but our own internal five-digit one.) You may fill out an application online or download an application (below) to fill out at home. You may also request one to be faxed to you; call (315) 265-3199 or e-mail potsdamhumanesociety@verizon.net.
• Provide required documentation (see application form).
• Interview conducted by shelter staff. (NOTE: If traveling a long distance, avoid an unproductive visit by contacting the shelter first to confirm your application and all necessary documents have been received).
• References are checked.
• There is a 24-hour waiting period for first-time PHS adopters.
• Decision is made on application.

Adoption Fees  (an essential source of revenue for the Shelter):

    Type of Animal/Fee

      Cat (3 months and older) - $50
      Kitten (younger than 3 months old) - $60
      Dog (3 months and older) - $90
      Puppy (younger than 3 months old) - $100

Important Notes:

Our adoption fees may appear slightly higher than other shelters because PHS spays and neuters all animals before they leave the shelter. It is a responsible way to do our part about overpopulation of unwanted animals. It also prevents the possibility of these animals’ offspring becoming shelter residents in the future.

Discounts are available! Any individual interested in adopting a senior animal or more than one pet at a time should contact shelter staff for more details at (315) 265-3199 or potsdamhumanesociety@verizon.net.

---

Adoption Application

    Online Adoption Application
    Adoption Application  in PDF format
    Adoption Application  in Word Document format