Question 1

Is HSNT affiliated with national animal welfare organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®)?

Accepted Answer

No. HSNT is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit that receives no operational funding from any national animal welfare organization.

Question 2

Is HSNT a "no-kill" shelter?

Accepted Answer

HSNT has built our policies around saving lives. Our adoptions have grown in the past few years by expanding our transfer and foster programs in order to help save even more lives.  This past year our average live release rate has been 96% or greater. Our live release rate in 2021 was 96%.  We do everything in our power to find homes for all pets in our care or transfer them to other shelters, rescues or fosters. We continue to make great strides.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Can I place an adoptable animal on hold?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Does HSNT sell adopter information?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Are my donations to HSNT tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Does HSNT receive funding from the government or taxpayer dollars?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Does HSNT sell donor information?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

I lost my pet. Have you picked it up?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

We offer vaccinations for pets on Thursday by appointment only. Email clinic@hsnt.orgt to schedule your appointment. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I surrender a pet?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

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 municipal or county 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.

Question 16

How much does HSNT charge for Humane Euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

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, that may be able to help.

Question 20

What is fostering?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

Why should I foster?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

What if I get attached to my foster pet?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

What are your adoption fees for equine and livestock?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

How much does it cost to own a horse?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 29

Need to rehome your equine or livestock?

Accepted Answer

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.

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