FAQ

Overpopulation in animal shelters is a serious issue across the United States, but intake in shelters in the Southeastern part of the county is especially high. Unfortunately, the most commonly used solution to controlling overpopulation in animal shelters is euthanasia, which we know does not solve the problem, it simply creates space for another animal to come in, their fate also likely being euthanasia. The other unfortunate thing is there is no quick overnight fix to solve this crisis, it’s a community problem, and the only way to solve this is by having access to low cost spay and neuter services for community pets, and having robust adoption, fostering, rescue transport, and community support programs within the shelter (like a community pet food and resource pantry, behavior and training resources, and access to low cost vet resources).

While we will be contracted with the City of Dothan and Houston County to take in stray animals, our owner surrender program will be on a managed intake schedule to ensure we have the space to accept this owned pet. Shelters that enact these programs and partner with community vet and clinics to help spay and neuter do not have to euthanize for space. It’s difficult, but possible, and we can do it. We do not foresee having to euthanize for space given the programs we will have available when we open. At times it will be a struggle, but we can do it if we have involved community members to help us succeed.

We will also hold weekly Pathways meetings in shelter, these meetings are to discuss the shelters most at risk and vulnerable pets and to work on a placement pathway for them through adoption, foster, or rescue transport. The last thing to mention as it is our responsibility to provide full transparency, when we open, the home page our of website will have every single intake and release number, so every community member will know how many animals we have taken in, how many were adopted, fostered, transported by rescue, returned to owner, or euthanized.

Adduendum 10/23/25

Our mission is to give every pet a chance at a happy, healthy life. While we work tirelessly to avoid euthanasia, limited space and resources may occasionally force difficult decisions. We are continually expanding partnerships and foster programs to minimize these situations. Sometimes Wiregrass Pets may have to make that call.

Adopters must be at least 19 years of age to adopt and bring a valid form or identification.

The adoption process can take about an hour and does not require you filling out any paperwork ahead of time.  Please note: the wait times might be longer on our busier days.

No, you never need to make an appointment! You may visit Wiregrass Pets during normal business hours. We are open seven days a week.

Please email adopt@wiregrasspets.org with the pet that you are interested in meeting to set up a meet and greet or get additional information

We recommend if you have other dogs in the home, to bring them to meet the dog you are interested in adopting. We can facilitate a dog-to-dog introduction with our staff to make sure it’s a good fit. Please note: some of our adoptable dogs require a meet with potential other dog(s) in the home.

We do not do cat-to-dog meets at Wiregrass Pets. Instead, our team will talk with you and provide resources on how to successfully transition your new dog or cat into a home that has cats.

$85 for cats and $150 for dogs

All of our adopters are expected to have a proper leash and collar for their dogs or a carrier to take home cats. We offer a variety of retail items that may be purchased.

Adopters should be prepared to budget for ongoing annual expenses including food, veterinary care, supplies, and potential training, insurance, or grooming

During our adoption process, we strive to make good matches between people and pets; however, we recognize that there can be some unknowns in terms of how a pet will fit into your home. Slumber parties and foster-to-adopt can help alleviate some of those concerns! This allows you to take a pet home for a specified amount of time to see how they do in your home environment before committing to an adoption. 

Yes, in most cases!

We understand that not all adoptions are the best fit once they get to their new home. We do allow returns of our pets at Wiregrass Pets within 30 days of adoption.  Please call us if it’s been more than 30 days after adoption.

We do not keep a list, we would recommend you go to adoptapet.com and fill out what type of pet you are interested in, that way if a pet matching that description comes into Wiregrass Pets, you’ll get a notification from the adoptapet.com website.

All shelters across the country are having a difficult time right now with their intake numbers going up and many do not have space for all the pets coming in, which unfortunately means many shelters are euthanizing for space.  Even more unfortunate is that the owner surrendered pets are the first to be euthanized. Rehoming your pet privately has many benefits. The first being you’re preventing your pet from having to enter a stressful shelter environment. Many owned pets have a difficult time transitioning in a shelter due to the sounds, smells and new interactions. This stress can impact how potential adopters view them, and prolong their stay in the shelter. Privately rehoming a pet can also help owners transition after giving their pet away. The guilt that can accompany the unknown outcome of your pet is no longer present as you are able to meet their new family, and maybe even stay in contact to see how the pet is doing in their new home. Lastly, privately rehoming gives shelters the ability to reserve open kennels for animals who truly need shelter services and prevents organizations from having to make difficult decisions regarding the animals in their care due to capacity issues.

If you do not feel comfortable having the potential adopter come to your home to meet your pet, we would suggest using a local park such as West Gate Park or East Gate Park, or the Forever Wild Trails as a meet up spot. We are unable to accommodate meetings inside or outside the shelter. Wiregrass Pets would not have any involvement with the potential adopters that contact you about your pet. We are unable to facilitate the meet-n-greet or assist with the transfer of ownership.

• Meeting new people in a new space can cause stress to your pet which in turn may cause them to act differently than they normally would. It’s important to keep this in mind when setting a meeting place. Bringing your pet into a shelter environment for introductions is not the best option for your pet. When at all possible, we highly recommend introducing your pet to their potential new owners in an environment that is already familiar to your pet.

• While you can reach out to other rescue organizations, remember many rescues in Houston County are normally full, so be sure to include reaching out to organizations further away and surrounding and northern states.   Foster based rescues typically can take pets if they have a foster home available, but it can take time to find an available foster home. 
• If your pet is in need of low cost spay and neutering, the Spay and Neuter Alliance is a great resource for our area: http://www.wiregrassspayneuter.org/

Requirements vary depending on the type of foster program (long-term, short-term, bottle baby, dog day out, or slumber party). Please contact us directly for the most up-to-date details and to find the best fit for you. 

Email for more info->info@wiregrasspets.org

We’ve got you covered! All foster families receive:

• Food & Supplies (bowls, litter, toys, crates, bedding, etc.)

• Medical Care (vet visits, vaccines, medications, and emergency support)

• Training & Guidance (access to our dog trainer and behavior specialist)

• Ongoing Support (our staff is just a call or message away for questions or help)

• Long-Term Foster – Until adoption, or you need a break, often several weeks or longer.

• Short-Term Foster – A few days to a few weeks.

• Bottle Baby Foster – Until the kitten/puppy is old enough to eat on their own or transition to adoption.

• Dog Day Out – Just a fun day adventure with a pup!

• Slumber Party – An overnight or weekend stay to give a dog a break from the shelter.

No worries! We’ll work with you. Just let us know as soon as possible, and we’ll arrange for another foster home or bring the pet back to the shelter.

Absolutely! Many fosters fall in love with their foster pets (we call this a “foster fail” in the best way). If you decide your foster is meant to stay forever, we’ll guide you through the adoption process.

Not at all. We’ll provide guidance, resources, and support every step of the way. Our goal is to make fostering a positive experience for both you and the pet.

• Kid Volunteers (12 & under, with adult supervision): Enrichment projects, donation drives, “Book Buddies,” decorating, and participate in family-friendly events.

• Junior Volunteers (13–17): Help with adoption events, create toys and treats, assist with light shelter tasks, and learn teamwork and animal care.

• Adult Volunteers (18+): Provide direct animal care (walking, feeding, socializing), assist with administrative work, serve as transport heroes, support fundraising and outreach, and even mentor newer volunteers.

Just reach out to us to get the process started! We’ll guide you through everything—from filling out an application to scheduling your first shift.

 Volunteer Here

You’ll receive all the support you need, from onboarding and hands-on training to having experienced volunteers and staff ready to answer your questions. You’re never alone in this.

Not at all! We welcome everyone, whether you’re pet-savvy or just a big animal lover. We’ll give you clear instructions and support to make sure you feel confident and comfortable.

We’re flexible! Whether you can help once a week or once a month, your time matters. Let us know your availability, and we’ll find a role that fits your schedule.

Yes! We love having volunteer support at adoption events, fundraisers, and community outreach programs. You can also assist with transporting pets to partners and vet visits if that’s something you’d like to do.

Many volunteers go on to take on leadership roles or even join us professionally. Volunteering is a great way to grow your skills, connect with like-minded people, and become a vital part of our team.