Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

General

Is HSNT a "no-kill" shelter?

HSNT has built our policies around saving lives. Our adoptions have grown almost 30% in the past two years by expanding our transfer and foster programs in order to help save even more lives. We do everything in our power to find homes for all pets in our care or transfer them to other shelters, rescues, or fosters. At times, we do have to euthanize animals, but mainly for reasons pertaining to health or temperament. When our shelter is full, unfortunately we may need to euthanize for space; however, only as a last resort.



Is HSNT affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA?

No, HSNT is an independent, local non-profit organization. We rely on the donations of our supporters in the North Texas community to keep our doors open.



Does HSNT receive funding from the government or taxpayer dollars?

HSNT is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit that receives no operational funding from the city, state or local governments.



Adoptions

Can I bring my dog to your shelter to meet the dog I am interested in adopting?

We are happy to assist with a meet and greet once you have selected a pet. We ask that you bring a friend or family member along to walk your family dog or keep them company in a running vehicle until it is time for the introduction. *Please note: You may not leave any animal unattended in a vehicle or tie any animal up outside of our facility.



Can I place an adoptable animal on hold?

All adoptions are made on a first come, first served basis by approved adopters. Any consideration for holding a pet will need to be determined by a supervisor.



Does HSNT sell adopter information?

The privacy of our donors, supporters, and adopters are very important to HSNT. We do not sell any information, at any time.



Donations

Are my donations to HSNT tax-deductible?

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, donations made to HSNT are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult an accountant or the IRS for more information. HSNT's Tax ID is 75-1245911.



Does HSNT receive funding from the government or taxpayer dollars?

HSNT is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit that receives no operational funding from the city, state or local governments.



Does HSNT sell donor information?

The privacy of our donors, supporters, and adopters are very important to HSNT. We do not sell any information, at any time.



Lost & Found

I lost my pet. Have you picked it up?

Found pets are brought to us by Good Samaritans; we do not have Animal Control officers on staff. We would encourage you to visit our East Lancaster location seven days a week between the hours of 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. as well as visiting the Lost Pets page on our website to search for your missing pet.



Clinic

My pet is sick/injured. Do you have veterinary services?

Our clinic offers low cost spay and neuter services as well as vaccinations. HSNT does not offer a wellness clinic.



Can I bring my pets anytime to have their vaccines updated?

We offer vaccinations for pets on the second Saturday of every month between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. You do not need an appointment for vaccines! All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.



When can I bring my pets in to be spayed or neutered and how much will it cost?

Please contact our clinic by calling 817-332-4768 x112, email clinic@hsnt.org, or visit the Clinic page on our website to see current pricing.



Owner Surrender

How do I surrender a pet?

The Humane Society of North Texas’ (HSNT) primary goal is to keep pets in loving homes whenever possible thereby, reserving shelter space for those with no other options as a last resort. To set up an appointment, we encourage you to call and leave a voicemail at 817-332-4768 x106 or email animalresource@hsnt.org. Your call or email will be returned within 24 hours.



Strays

I saw a stray cat with its ear tipped. What does that mean?

When a stray, feral, or community cat is spayed or neutered, veterinary clinics (including HSNT’s Spay & Neuter Clinic) will notch the cat’s left ear. This is a universal symbol to individuals in the animal welfare field that indicates that particular cat has been altered. Unless the cat is injured or ill, a cat with a tipped ear should not be brought into a shelter.



There is a stray animal in my area. Can you come pick it up?

HSNT is not an Animal Control agency, nor do we staff Animal Control Officers. If you find an animal you believe is lost, please contact your local municiple animal shelter closest to where they were found. If you bring a stray animal to HSNT, we will scan for a microchip and help locate the owner.



Humane Euthanasia

Why has HSNT begun charging for Humane Euthanasia (a service that had been free for years)?

Over the past year, euthanasia requests have increased by 65% (1,000) but our funding and staffing have not. Therefore, HSNT must begin charging a fee to continue providing this service to the public. Humane euthanasia will be by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m.–6 p.m. Please check with your local animal control office to find out if they offer humane euthanasia services to reseidents of their community.



How much does HSNT charge for Humane Euthanasia?

The humane euthanasia cost is a flat fee of $50 dollars. As always, you are welcome to make an additional donation in your pet’s honor. Residents of the 11 underserved zip codes will receive 50% off the fee (reducing the fee to $25). The following zip codes are approved for a discount: 76102, 76103, 76104, 76105, 76106, 76110, 76111, 76112, 76114, 76115, and 76119.



Can I stay in the room with my pet to say goodbye when I have decided to humanely euthanize?

HSNT will allow you some time to say goodbye to your pet before sedation and then we will take your pet into the euthanasia suite alone, to perform the procedure.



Why do I have to schedule an appointment for Humane Euthanasia?

Appointments allow for HSNT staff and family members to set aside time to say goodbye to their loved ones without waiting in line for hours during such a difficult time for you and your pet.



Can I have my animal cremated? Will HSNT provide this service?

If you would like to take the body home, or decide to have your pet cremated, you may take your loved one home after the procedure. Please bring a carrier and blanket with you, if you plan to take your loved one home with you. HSNT does not offer cremation services or allow for deferred pick-up. There are several local crematories, such as Bluebonnet Hill or Faithful Friends Pet Cemetery & Crematory that may be able to help.



Foster

What is fostering?

Fostering is providing temporary care and housing for an animal (or animals) that need a little extra time or TLC to prepare for HSNT’s adoption program.



Why should I foster?

Aside from adoption, fostering is the single biggest impact you can have on an pet's life. You will give your foster pet the gift of time to grow and get healthy. You will also give HSNT valuable information to help tell your foster pet's story so it will get adopted – what it likes or dislikes, favorite toys or activities, etc. Plus, you get to soak up the laughter, snuggles and kisses of a new pet without making a permanent commitment.



What if my foster pet gets sick or we have a medical emergency?

HSNT provides all foster volunteers with an emergency number to reach our Foster Coordinator who will provide instructions in case of an emergency.



What if the pet I am fostering doesn't work out for me?

We try hard to match each pet with your lifestyle and household situation before beginning a foster engagement. We will always be happy to take back any animal in foster care if it’s not working for you.



What if I get attached to my foster pet?

It’s hard not to get attached to an animal that you’ve taken into your home, especially any animal that you’ve spent a great deal of time with providing loving care. You are always welcome to speak with your Foster Coordinator about the adoption process.



Equine & Livestock

What are your adoption fees for equine and livestock?

Our adoption fees vary from animal to animal based on numerous factors, such as age, health, condition, temperament, training of the animal, if the horse can be ridden, etc. You can view adoption fees by clicking on each animal's profile on our equine and livestock webpage.



Are the animals sound and current on vaccines, farrier work, deworming, etc.?

Yes, all animals are up-to-date on vet and farrier care. Adopter will get copies of records related to their animal. All animals are checked by a veterinarian upon arrival at HSNT; any obvious physical issues are evaluated and will be shared with adopters prior to adoption as part of their decision making process.



What if I don’t own a trailer, will you deliver my (equine/livestock) animal?

We ask that you make arrangements with a professional hauler to transport your own animal once an adoption is finalized; if that is not possible, we can discuss other options for additional fees.



How much does it cost to own a horse?

Owning a horse is a long-term financial commitment. The cheapest part of owning a horse usually is the adoption fee. Cost per year of owning a horse depends on many variables such as if you have your own property, or plan to board (rent) space at a stable. Hooves need care by a farrier every 2 months (~$40-$130), routine vet visits twice per year (~$200), and feed (grain and hay). Boarding fees can range from $100-$700+ per month. It is important to also plan for unexpected costs related to health care. Additional expenses will come in the form of supplies such as tack and other care items, in addition to lessons and training.

Need to rehome your equine or livestock?

To ensure a smooth transition before surrendering your farm animals (such as chickens, goats, pigs, sheep, horses, donkeys, and cows) please schedule an appointment with our Equine & Livestock Department. Please visit our Equine Resources & Livestock Resources pages to learn more about available options.