Pike County Humane Society

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
Shelter Procedures
Getting Involved/Volunteering
Medical Questions
Online Donations/Paypal

For general (non-PCHS) pet questions, check out the HSUS
Pets For Life Page.

General Questions

Q: Are you a "no-kill" shelter?
A: We follow the "No Kill Conference", which states that if an animal is adoptable it will stay with us as long as it takes. By "adoptable" we mean that it is not aggressive, not sick, or does not require extensive medical care.

Q: If an animal requires medical care, can I adopt it and just take care of it?
A: One of the factors we consider when euthanizing a sick animal is the quality of life for the animal itself. If we think it can be treated but will live in pain, it is more humane to have it put to sleep. Otherwise, an animal requiring medical care may be adopted.

Q: Do you spay or neuter animals that are adopted?
A: Yes. It is our policy to spay and neuter all adopted animals before they leave the shelter. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Q: Are there any paid staff?
A: We have two employees who clean and feed during the week. During the summer and on the weekends we may hire school kids for additional help. However, most people are volunteers, including the board members. No board member makes a salary or gets compensated in any way.

Q: What are your hours?
A: Our normal hours are 12-3 Tuesday-Friday and 12-4 on weekends. Off-hours are available only by appointment.

Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: You do not need an appointment to come in during our regular operating hours. If you need to come in during the times we are closed, you may be able to make an appointment based on the schedules of the volunteers.

Q: I saw an animal on Petfinder on the internet and want to come in to see it. Can I just walk in?
A: Yes, you are welcome to just walk in during our regular operating hours. However, you may want to call to make sure it is still available.

Q: I called about an animal on Petfinder but it was adopted. Why is the listing still there?
A: Petfinder is maintained by a volunteer at his home, not on the grounds of the shelter. Sometimes the information can take a few days to coordinate. That is why it is recommended that you call the shelter before coming to see a certain animal.

Q: I left a message on the answering machine. Why hasn't anyone called back?
A: We try to return all calls on the day they're received. However, emergencies can come up that require us to close the shelter. We will try to return all calls as soon as possible. Please also remember to speak clearly when leaving a message. Some are garbled or difficult to understand.

Q: How do I catch a stray dog?
A: You should not try to catch a stray dog. It may be aggressive and/or sick. You should call the dog warden at 570-685-2495

Q: How do I catch a stray cat?
A: The best way is to trap them. For a (refundable) deposit of $50 the PCHS will lend you a Have-A-Heart trap and instruct you how to use it. Once trapped, a towel or blanket should be thrown over the trap. A stray cat should NEVER be handled. It may be aggressive or diseased.

Q: What's this about disease?
A: Pike County is one of the worst areas in the United States for feline diseases. A high percentage of feral cats contain Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or Panleukopenia/Distemper.

Q: Why did a separate cat facility need to be built?
A: Originally, the PCHS was created as a shelter for dogs. No formal cat facilities were installed. Furthermore, due to the high incidents of cat diseases in the area, it is important to have a facility where new cats can be quarrantined.

Q: Where do your animals come from?
A: Some are dropped off by owners, and some are brought in as strays. We will also act as an animal rescue by obtaining animals from other shelters.

Q: Are you associated with the Humane Society of the United States?
A: No, we are completely independent and receive no funding from them.

Q: Is the PCHS a state or federal agency?
A: No. The PCHS receives no state or federal aid of any kind. A small allowance is budgeted by Pike County every year for us, but it is considered a donation, not a subsidy for a county institution.

Q: But you are called the "Pike County" Humane Society.
A: That is true. However, the PCHS is not a state or county agency.

Q: So how does PCHS make money?
A: Mainly through private donations and animal adoptions. We also have various fundraisers during the year, including our annual Tricky Tray, bake sales, etc.

Q: What kind of donations do you accept?
A: See the "Volunteers & Donation" page. Monetary donations are always best, but we will accept any products that are useful to us. Please do not use us as a garbage dump, though. For example, we will take blankets that you want to get rid of, but we don't need old dresses so please don't give them to us.

Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, we accept credit cards through Paypal, but only for general donations or payments toward memberships.

Q: What is Paypal?
A: It is a way to accept credit card transactions through the internet. For more information see our "Online Donations/Paypal" section below, or Click Here.

Q: Are my contributions tax deductible?
A: Yes! We are a 501-(c)-3 corporation, which means any donation of cash or goods is 100% tax deductible. Unfortunately, intangible donations, such as helping with construction, maintaining the website, or using similar skills is not tax deductible. However, if you use your vehicle in service to the shelter, the standard IRS mileage deduction applies.

Q: Who runs the shelter?
A: The shelter is run by a 9-member board of directors, who make all decisions about shelter policy. Elections are held every November.

Q: Can I attend board meetings?
A: Yes, the public is welcome to attend. There are two meetings a month, and the second meeting of the month is designed to meet with people who want to volunteer in some capacity.

Q: When are the board meetings, and where are they?
A: Board meeting are held on the Fist and Third Monday of every month at 7:00. They take place at the Biondo Building in Milford. The Biondo Building is located at 221 Main St. (next to the Pike County Public Library) and the meeting room is on the first floor, all the way in the back.

Q: Do you adopt to residents who don't live in Pike County?
A: Yes. We will adopt out of county and even out of state.

Q: Should I bring family members to meet a new pet first?
A: We recommend bringing family members to meet a new pet. We can arrange time in a private area so that everyone may interact. Sometimes there are surprises so it's better to know before you get a pet home.

Q: What if I'm adopting a dog and have other dogs?
A: We encourage people to bring their dogs to the shelter to meet other dogs. It may seem silly but dogs are social creatures and have their own rules about living in packs. It is better to know beforehand what all their reactions will be.

Q: Do all dogs get along with other dogs?
A: No, some are agressive and even violent towards other dogs.

Q: Are cats better in a house with no other pets?
A: Not necessarily. It depends on the cat. Some are social, and some will not tolerate other pets in a home. At our shelter we are in a position to see how cats behave socially, and can make recommendations about how social it is.

Q: How do I report animal cruelty?
A: Contact the State Police or the shelter. If available, an animal cruelty officer will ask you questions and if necessary, investigate the claim.

Q: Why would the animal cruelty officer not investigate? Shouldn't all cases be investigated?
A: Sometimes animal care is perceived as cruel when it is not. For example, some people think a dog should not be left outside in the winter. But if the dog has a doghouse (shelter) outside, then it will not suffer.

Q: A neighbor's dog keeps barking all night. Who do I call?
A: If you live in a community, you should call your security personnel if available. If there is no security, or if you do not live in a community, there may be nothing you can do. You can call the police, but there is actually no ordinance against barking dogs in Pennsylvania.

Shelter Procedures

Q: Are you a "no-kill" shelter?
A: We follow the "No Kill Conference", which states that if an animal is adoptable it will stay with us as long as it takes. By "adoptable" we mean that it is not aggressive, not sick, or does not require extensive medical care.

Q: If an animal requires medical care, can I adopt it and just take care of it?
A: One of the factors we consider when euthanizing a sick animal is the quality of life for the animal itself. If we think it can be treated but will live in pain, it is more humane to have it put to sleep. Otherwise, an animal requiring medical care may be adopted.

Q: What are your adoption fees?
A: We have changed our fee structure. Adoption fees are based on the animal. Please call the shelter for any animal you are interested in to inquire.

Q: What forms do I need to fill out? Are any forms online?
A: You will need to complete our "Adoption Application" and "Placement Contract." You can do both at the time you adopt, but if you wish to read them ahead of time, they are both available online.

Click here for the
Adoption Form

Click here for the
Placement Contract

Q: What are fees to spay and neuter?
A: Please contact the shelter for current fees.

Q: Do you have waiting lists for adoptions?
A: Yes. You may place your name on our list, along with your phone number, with the type of animal you wish to adopt. It can be specific (for example "Tortoishell Maine Coon") or general (for example "Any small dog").

Q: Do you have lists for missing pets?
A: Yes. If your pet is missing and you would like to leave us its name, breed, description, etc. you may call us.

Q: Can I bring an animal in?
A: Yes, but please call first. We need to make sure you come during the times we are open. Also, we may be full and ask you to keep it an extra day. No animal should be brought in unless you have first spoken to the kennel manager.

Q: Is there a drop-off fee for the animal?
A: Yes. If you drop off an animal you will be asked to make a donation.

Q: Can I board an animal with you?
A: Sorry, we are not licensed to board privately owned animals. We are only licensed to act as a temporary shelter for homeless animals.

Q: What are procedures for surrendering an animal?
A: Please call the shelter first to ask when to bring the animal in. We require you to sign an "Animal Release" form which will legally surrender the animal to us. We also require a drop-off fee.

Q: What if I adopt an animal from you but want to give the animal up?
A: If you adopt an animal from us and want to give it up, we will accept it back. Due to the conditions of the Placement Contract that adopters must fill out, legally you must return the animal to the PCHS.

Q: What if I didn't adopt from the PCHS?
A: You should return it to the agency where you adopted it.

Q: Will all places, such as shelters or breeders, take an animal back?
A: No. Unfortunately, some places (especially breeders) are not willing to take the animal back. You should inquire about a return policy before adopting any animal.

Q: My stray pet was brought to your shelter. How do I get it back?
A: Come in and fill out the "Return to Owner" form. We require a "Return Fee" of $25. If you are coming for a dog you will be required to provide proof of license. Anyone without proof of license will be required to purchase a license through us.

Q: What if an owner never claims a stray animal?
A: It will be checked by our vet and if the animal is adoptable, we will make it available for adoption.

Q: Do you adopt to residents who don't live in Pike County?
A: Yes. We will adopt out of county and even out of state.

Q: What are the procedures for adopting an animal?
A: If you find an animal you would like to adopt, you must fill out our Adoption Application and Placement Contract, and you must pay our adoption fee. Please note that any Pike County residents who adopt a dog will be required to pay an extra $6.50 for a license.

Q: What if other people are interested in the same animal that I am?
A: We operate on a "first come, first served" basis.

Q: Should I bring family members to meet a new pet first?
A: We recommend bringing family members to meet a new pet. We can arrange time in a private area so that everyone may interact. Sometimes there are surprises so it's better to know before you get a pet home.

Q: What if I'm adopting a dog and have other dogs?
A: We encourage people to bring their dogs to the shelter to meet other dogs. It may seem silly but dogs are social creatures and have their own rules about living in packs. It is better to know beforehand what all their reactions will be.

Getting Involved/Volunteering

Q: How do I become a volunteer?
A: To volunteer at the shelter, you may call the shelter directly or email swarshaw@ptd.net. The phone number of the shelter is 570-296-7654. Contact us if you would like to help with our fundraising events.

Q: What does a volunteer do?
A: Anything and everything. You may be asked to answer phones, to feed animals, and scoop poop, to name a few things. You can be active at the shelter itself or help at fundraisers such as bake sales. Volunteers have done the following: build Kitty's Kottage, go to other shelters to rescue dogs, maintain the website, and call animal lovers in their communities to get donations. Anything that helps maintain the shelter, raise funds, educate people and promote the shelter is needed.

Q: I have no experience in caring for animals or volunteering at a shelter. Can I still volunteer?
A: Yes! We just want people who care about animals and want to help. Most of us have never volunteered at a shelter before. When you come up you will be trained in our procedures, and we encourage people to ask questions and come up with ideas.

Q: What if I can't give a lot of time?
A: That's all right. Any time you can give us will help out. We have some volunteers that come up twice a week, and some who come up once a month, and some who only bake for bake sales. Any amount of time helping the shelter is appreciated.

Q: How do I become a member of the Pike County Humane Society.
A: A monetary donation is required. We have different levels of membership, all of which can be found on the "Volunteers & Donation" page. Please include your name, address and phone number, and a brief note that you are making a donation to become a member.

Q: What does membership entitle me to?
A: You will receive a copy of our newsletter four times a year. Donations of $25 are considered voting memberships and will entitle you to one vote during our November Board elections.

Q: Who runs the shelter?
A: The shelter is run by a 9-member board of directors, who make all decisions about shelter policy. Elections are held every November.

Q: Can I attend board meetings?
A: Yes, the public is welcome to attend. There are two meetings a month, and the second meeting of the month is designed to meet with people who want to volunteer in some capacity.

Q: When are the board meetings, and where are they?
A: Board meeting are held on the Fist and Third Monday of every month at 7:00. They take place at the Biondo Building in Milford. The Biondo Building is located at 221 Main St. (next to the Pike County Public Library) and the meeting room is on the first floor, all the way in the back.

Medical Questions

Special Note: The information below is intended as guidelines and should not be considered medical advice. Please see your doctor or vet for all medical questions pertaining to you and your pet. For a list of emergency contacts in the area, please see our "Contact Info" page.

Q: A dog bit me. What do I do now?
A: Contact the dog warden immediately at 570-685-2495. The dog warden will advise you what to do. The dog should also be brought to your nearest humane society or vet's office. The dog may be quarrantined for 10 days. If it is infected with rabies, the dog will die within the 10 days.

Q: What if a stray dog bit me and I can't catch it.
A: Contact the Dog Warden immediately.

Q: If a dog or cat bit me, should I see my doctor?
A: Yes, seek medical attention immediately. If the dog or cat is your own, contact your vet. If it was not your own animal, hold or catch the animal if possible.

Q: Can I bring in a sick animal for treatment?
A: For privately owned animals, you should take it to your veterinarian. If the animal is a stray, you may bring it in. However, you must sign a release form turning the animal over to us. Please note that, depending on the animal's condition, we may euthanize it on advice from our vet.

Q: If an animal requires medical care, can I adopt it and just take care of it?
A: One of the factors we consider when euthanizing a sick animal is the quality of life for the animal itself. If we think it can be treated but will live in pain, it is more humane to have it put to sleep. Otherwise, an animal requiring medical care may be adopted.

Q: Why did a separate cat facility need to be built?
A: Originally, the PCHS was created as a shelter for dogs. No formal cat facilities were installed. Furthermore, due to the high amount of cat diseases in the area, it is important to have a facility where new cats can be quarrantined.

Q: What's this about disease?
A: Pike County is one of the worst areas in the United States for feline diseases. A high percentage of feral cats contain Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Panleukopenia/Distemper.

Q: Do you have a vet on staff?
A: No, we have a relationship with an vet who has an independent business. This vet does all spays, neuters and medical treatments when necessary.

Q: Do you give vaccinations?
A: No, we are not licensed to give vaccinations.

Q: If I adopt an animal, should I have it vaccinated?
A: We require all adopted animals to see a vet within 60 days of adoption, and we recommend a general check-up and vaccinations.

Q: How often should I get my pet vaccinated?
A: Your pet should have a check up once a year. Your vet will also determine the timing for which to give vaccinations.

Q: Do you spay or neuter animals that are adopted?
A: Yes. It is our policy to spay and neuter all adopted animals before they leave the shelter. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Online Donations and Paypal

Privacy Policy
It is the policy of the Pike County Humane Society to never sell or share personal information. Any information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. will always be kept confidential.

Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, we accept credit cards through Paypal, but only for general donations or payments toward memberships.

Q: What is Paypal?
A: It is a way to accept credit card transactions through the internet. In our case, it is set up to accept donations.

Q: How do I use Paypal?
A: You can go to our Paypal section by Clicking Here. There are two options: one is to make a regular donation, the other is to make a payment towards membership. You can click either the "Make a Donation" or "Membership" button when you make your choice.

Q: Then what?
A: A new browser window will open, with forms to fill out. You decide on the amount you wish to give and then continue. You will be asked to provide your credit card number, shipping address and billing information.

Q: Do I need to open a Paypal account?
A: No. At one time, Paypal forced you to become a member to use their services. They have since changed their system to allow "One-Time Payments".

Q: I'm a Paypal member. Can I use my existing Paypal account?
A: Yes. When you go to our Paypal page, click either the "Make a Donation" or "Membership" button. A new browser window will open, where you can log in.

Q: Is it safe to give my credit card information online?
A: Yes. Paypal is one of the most safe and secure sites you can use to make online payments by credit card. Many major online retailers, such as eBay, use Paypal. Also, many shelters are starting to use Paypal to accept online donations.

Q: Will anyone from the Humane Society see my credit card number?
A: No. Paypal keeps all information of this type confidential. They simply transfer money to us, but provide no details about your credit card or Paypal account (if one exists).

Q: Is there any personal information that you receive?
A: We receive your name and email address. If you provide your Shipping Address then we will receive that information also.

Q: Why do you ask for shipping address? There is nothing being shipped.
A: For new members, we ask for your address so we have it on file. We use it mainly to mail the newsletter. Also, some people make donations and we would like the address to send "thank you" notes. Since most people donate by check, and their address is on the check or the envelope, it is usually no big deal for them to provide their addresses.

Q: How will this transaction appear on my credit card statement.
A: You will see it listed as "PAYPAL PIKECOUNTYH" on your statement, along with the amount.

Q: Why do you only accept regular donations and payments toward memberships through Paypal. Can't I adopt an animal and pay by credit card?
A: Currently we do not have a system in place to accept credit cards at the shelter. All transactions there, such as adopting an animal or buying merchandise (such as T-Shirts) must be done by cash or check.

Q: Is this still tax deductible?
A: Yes. Even online donations and payments toward memberships are tax deductible.