Adopting a pet is a wonderful decision, bringing joy and companionship into your life. At BARC Animal Shelter, every pet adoption is designed to set you and your new furry friend up for success. When you choose pet adoption, you’re not just gaining a loving companion; you’re also receiving a comprehensive package of care to ensure a healthy start together.
What’s Included in Your Pet Adoption?
BARC is committed to responsible pet ownership, and that begins with ensuring each adopted animal is healthy and ready for their new home. Every pet adoption fee includes essential services, providing you with peace of mind and significant savings on initial veterinary costs. These standard inclusions are:
- Spay or Neuter Surgery: This crucial procedure prevents unwanted litters and offers numerous health benefits for your pet.
- Dewormer: Parasite prevention is vital for your pet’s health and comfort, and a dewormer is included to address common intestinal parasites.
- Age-Appropriate Vaccinations: Protecting your pet from preventable diseases is key. They will receive all necessary vaccinations suitable for their age.
- Rabies Vaccination: Required by law and essential for public health, the rabies vaccine is included for all eligible pets.
- Flea Prevention: Keep your pet comfortable and your home pest-free with preventative flea treatment.
- Pet Microchip: In case your pet ever gets lost, a microchip provides permanent identification and increases the chances of a happy reunion.
- City of Houston Registration: Your adoption includes the first year of registration with the City of Houston, ensuring compliance with local ordinances.
We strongly advise scheduling a check-up with your veterinarian within 72 hours of bringing your adopted pet home. This follow-up exam helps ensure a smooth transition and allows your vet to establish a baseline for your pet’s health.
Addressing Heartworm in Adopted Dogs
BARC diligently tests all dogs over 6 months old for heartworms upon intake. Heartworm disease is a serious condition transmitted by mosquitos, not directly from dog to dog. It’s important to understand that adopting a heartworm-positive dog is safe for other pets in your household in terms of transmission.
Heartworm disease is treatable, and BARC offers support to adopters of heartworm-positive dogs. When you purchase six months of heartworm prevention medication (ranging from $25-$45), BARC can sponsor the heartworm treatment at no additional cost to you. With proper treatment, heartworm-positive dogs can recover fully and live long, joyful lives as cherished family members.
If the dog you are interested in adopting tests positive for heartworms, our medical team will provide you with comprehensive information. They will answer your questions, explain the disease in detail, and outline the treatment process.
Prevention is always the best approach when it comes to heartworm disease. Given the prevalence of mosquitos and heartworm in our region, it is recommended that all dogs in your household, regardless of adoption status, are on year-round heartworm prevention medication. For in-depth information about heartworm disease in dogs, please visit the American Heartworm Society at www.heartwormsociety.org.
Choosing pet adoption is a rewarding experience. With BARC’s inclusive adoption package and support for conditions like heartworm, you can confidently welcome a new pet into your home and heart.
