Adopting a dog or cat from Orphans of the Storm is adding a new member to your family. Of course, the care, feeding and well being of your new family member is an important responsibility that you take on when you adopt. There are certain responsibilities that an Orphans adopter accepts and are expected of them by Orphans of the Storm.

In your home
Many dogs end up at Orphans of the Storm because they have ventured away from home, they had been let outside on a faulty line or runner system, or they have broken through an improperly fenced yard. To prevent this from happening to your new dog, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog is secure and that your yard has proper, strong fencing or a runner system. Also, this means keeping your dog on a leash at all times outside your yard.

A number of the orphaned cats that end up at our doors simply left home after having been let outside, or they were intentionally left outside. To prevent this from happening to your new cat, it is your responsibility to keep your cat indoors at all times. And with our responsibility to adopt out cats to loving adoptive homes, we do not require that our adopters refrain from declawing their cats.

Medical/Vet care and feeding your new pet
Just as with any member of the family, it is your responsibility to keep your adopted Orphan well fed, and provide adequate medical care and attention. As important as security is for your new pet, so is its medical care and proper feeding. This means a well balanced food product and clean water for your dog or cat. If your orphan is suffering from any symptoms or ailments, it is your responsibility to provide prompt and thorough medical care by paying a visit to your qualified Veterinary Doctor, and following his or her advice for treatment. Also, Rabies vaccination and other state-required shots and vaccinations that your vet will provide is your responsibility. Also, if you have adopted your pet from Orphans and it has not yet been spayed or neutered, it is your responsibility to get that procedure done either free with one of our vets (we provide a free form with all adoptions) or at another vet of your choice at your cost. You are required to fill out and return our enquiry form after having the animal confirming completion of the spay/neuter procedure.

Love and Attention
Finally, part of caring for a healthy pet is providing love and attention. As part of being a healthy animal, pets need attention and caring. Dogs and cats are companion animals which need and want attention from us. It is your responsibility to make sure that you do not neglect your new family member.

We at Orphans find that it is usually not a problem for our adopters to provide for the animals security, medical care, love and attention. Our current and former Orphans are so loveable that meeting and exceeding the requirements for responsible pet ownership come naturally. If you have any questions about the responsibilities of adopting a pet from Orphans, please contact us or come to the shelter.