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Frequently Asked Questions

The material in this question and answer series is for your information only. It is not legal advice and is not designed to be used in place of legal advice. You should consult your own attorney for legal advice. The St. Joseph Legal Department provides this series to provide a general summary of procedures concerning violations of city ordinances in the City of St. Joseph, Missouri. It is issued to inform generally, not to advise of specific rights. As with any general information, the answers given here may not specifically apply to you.
What if I want to adopt a pet that is on stray hold?

Our adoptions are processed on a first come, first serve basis but animals on stray hold must be held for five business days including a Saturday allowing the owners an opportunity to claim their animal. If you find a stray pet you want to adopt, you can pay the adoption fee in full as a deposit. If the animal is redeemed by its owner, the deposit will be refunded to you by mail. If the animal is not claimed by its owner during its hold period, you will have one business day from the day the animal becomes available to come to the shelter and complete the adoption paperwork. If you do not complete the adoption within one business day, you will forfeit the adoption deposit.

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1. What are your adoption hours?
2. Where can I view adoptable pets?
3. Do I need an appointment to see a pet?
4. The pet that I want to meet is in foster, how do I set up an appointment to meet them?
5. The dog that I want to meet is in is in the Puppies for Parole program, how do I set up an appointment to meet them?
6. Can I place a hold on any of your adoptable pets?
7. What if I want to adopt a pet that is on stray hold?
8. I have another pet at home, can I bring them to meet the pet I am interested in adopting?
9. What do your adoption fees include?
10. What happens if I need to return the pet that I adopted?
11. What if I have questions after I get my pet home?
12. Do I need to fill out an adoption application?
13. Can I bring my adopted pet home the day I adopt it?