Adoption Program- Saving Animals for Euthanasia (SAFE)
Adopting a Shelter Pet
Congratulations on taking the first step towards saving an animal when they need it most! Adopting a shelter dog or cat can be an extremely rewarding and exciting experience. Not only are you adding a new member to your family, but you are also saving a life that has been previously cast away. It is important that you and your family are prepared for the life-long commitment that comes with adopting a pet. To make sure you are ready for adopting, ask yourself these questions:
- Can you commit to caring for this animal for its entire life?
- What will you do with the pet if you have to move?
- Will you be able to afford unexpected medical bills for your pet?
- Will you have the time and resources to help correct any behavioral problems that the pet may have?
These are just a few of the situations that may come up during the lifetime of your pet. If you have any doubts that you would not be able to properly care for a pet in the situations above, it may not be the right time to adopt a pet.
Why adopt from a shelter?
Adopting a shelter pet can be a much different experience than purchasing from a breeder or pet store. While some shelter dogs and cats have been abused or neglected the majority of animals in shelters are there because of “people reasons”, not because they have done anything wrong. Things like divorce, lack of time, and financial problems are the most common reasons why pets lose their homes. When you adopt a shelter dog or cat, you are giving them a second chance at life and becoming the hero they deserve! Some of the great things you’ll experience when you adopt from a shelter:
- You’re saving a life that others have given up on
- Adopting a shelter pet is much less expensive than buying a pet from a store or breeder. In addition, all Haven dogs and cats are spayed or neutered and inoculated.
- You won’t be supporting puppy mills or stores that put profit ahead of the welfare of the animals
- Building lasting memories by adding a new four-legged friend to the family!
Application Process
When you meet a dog or cat that you would like to adopt you will be asked to complete a short Adoption Application. One of our Adoption Coordinator will then review your application and speak with you before finalizing the adoption process. While we want all of our dogs and cats to find loving homes, we are NOT the adoption police. We are not trying to find the perfect homes for each of our animals, but simply a good match for both the animal and the adopter.
Adoption Fees
Our adoption fees are an integral part of helping us continue to care for animals in need. This costs covers are wide range of services that would be much more expensive if done independently by an adopter. Everything from boarding and day-to-day care to emergency medical services is factored in when setting our adoption fees.
Dogs: The adoption fee for dogs is $90. This includes the dog being spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, kennel cough, distemper, de-worming, nail trimming, medicated baths, and monthly flea preventatives. All dogs ages 6 months and older are tested for heartworms. If they are positive, they are treated by one of our professional veterinarians we partner with. If negative, we administer monthly heartworm preventive while at The Haven.
Cats: The adoption fee for cats is $65. This includes the cat being spayed or neutered, test for Feline AIDS and Feline Leukemia, vaccinations including rabies, de-worming, nail trimming, and monthly flea preventative. Cats are also tested for heartworms and if negative, receive monthly heartworm preventative while at The Haven.
About Our 501(c)3
The Haven no-kill, non-profit animal shelter has placed over 4,400 unwanted, abandoned, and homeless cats and dogs since we were formed in 2000 by veterinarian Dr. Teresa Marshall. The Haven seeks to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable cats and dogs through our adoption, education, and outreach programs.
One of the ways The Haven is able to achieve our goal is by forming partnerships with our local animal control shelters. Our dogs and cats that we place up for adoption have been pulled from partnering animal control shelters in Baldwin County. Many of these animals might have otherwise been destroyed due to lack of space at the shelters and/or treatable illnesses.
Come Meet Our Pets
The Haven adoptable cats and dogs are available for adoption at three easy locations:
The Haven No-Kill Animal Shelter – located at 559 S. Section St., Fairhope, AL
(251)929-3980
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10: a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month
Petsmart Cat Adoption Center – located at 10200 Eastern Shore Blvd. #110, Spanish Fort, AL (251) 625-4025
Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
NOTE: Completed adoption applications can take up to 24 hours to process if application is submitted after Haven business hours
Pet Supermarket of Daphne – located at 27955 U.S. Hwy 98, Daphne, AL
(251) 625-6411
Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
NOTE: Completed adoption applications can take up to 24 hours to process if application is submitted after Haven business hours
We also hold monthly off-site pet adoptions on the 2nd Saturday of each month at Petsmart located in the Eastern Shore Shopping Plaza(see address above).
Our Adoption Process
The Haven’s goal is to place our adoptable cats and dogs in loving lifelong homes with caring individuals and/or families. We match our animals with homes that are well suited to their needs, temperament, age, and energy level. Every cat and dog that is transferred into The Haven’s “Adoption” and/or “Foster” program receives the following:
| Dogs Intake weight and temp for baseline Bath, nail trim, clean ears Spay/Neuter Procedure Rabies Vaccine Distemper-Parvo Vaccine Bordatella Vaccine Dewormed Frontline or Advantage Test for Heartworms Micro-chip ID |
Cats Intake weight and temp for baseline Bath, nail trim, clean ears Spay/Neuter Procedure Rabies Vaccine Panaleukopenia, Calcivirus Vaccine Rhinotracheitis Vaccine Frontline or Advantage Test for Heartworms Test for Feline Aids, Feline Leukemia Micro-chip ID |
We also include a FREE pet training DVD, FREE adopter bag of Hill’s Science Diet, 30 days of FREE pet health insurance, and a $25 coupon off any product at Pets Plus located 803 Hillcrest Road in Mobile, AL (251) 343-9702.
Our Adoption Process
- We ask potential adopters to personally meet the animals at our shelter and/or view their photographs and biographies online at www.havenforanimals.org.
- Once an animal has been selected and you have spent some time interacting with them, we will ask you to complete an adoption application. You will need to have proper identification like a valid drivers license You will also need all of your veterinarian information listed on the adoption application (NOTE: Completing an adoption application DOES NOT guarantee an adoption).
- Applications can take up to 24 hours to process depending on the time in which the application was submitted and also depending upon accuracy.
- One of our adoption coordinators will review your application with you.
- Once approved, the adoption process will be concluded when the Adoption Contract has been completed.
- We request an adoption fee of $90 per dog and $65 per cat.
All adopters are welcome to increase the fee to make the difference a tax-deductible donation.
Shelter Enrichment
If you like to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, then put on your sneakers and come meet some of our four-legged friends waiting to hang out with you! On any given day at the shelter, we care for 20 to 30 dogs and puppies. Reducing stress and helping these animals learn how to socialize with humans and other canine companions is important when trying to find their life-long loving home.
Individuals interested in participating in this important life-saving program will attend our volunteer orientation and a 2-hour training session with our volunteer canine obedience instructor. This shelter enrichment program is very important to the physical and mental well-being of the animals while staying here at The Haven. Classes are held on two Tuesdays a month. You must be 18 years of age or older. For more information please call our office at 251-929-3980 or click here for more information.
Haven Resale Shop
The Haven’s Resale Shop offers fine jewelry, antiques, furniture, DVDs, household items and more! The shop was created in 2002 and has been operated by a dedicated team of volunteers who help ensure that funds are generated to help The Haven’s homeless animal population. The Haven is a 501 (c) 3 no-profit animal shelter relying on donations and fundraisers. The shop is an important source of revenue for our shelter operations.
Whether you are moving, spring cleaning, or just downsizing please consider donating your new or gently used items to the shop. We ask that you not donate items that are not sellable as it costs The Haven more funds to properly dispose of the items. When donating, take a look at all of the wonderful items the shop has for sale. Remember, we have GREAT bargains and it is for a GREAT cause.
SHOP
357 Morphy Ave.
Fairhope, AL 36532
Tues – Fri: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
DONATE
Tues – Fri: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
(251)929-1911
VOLUNTEER at the Haven Resale Shop: Contact Joni Euler at jeuler@havenforanimals.org
| We are always in need of the following items: Housewares(dishes, cookware, glassware, etc.) Decor Books DVDS and CDs Collectibles and Antiques Jewelry Furniture |
Items Not Accepted ClothingBaby cribs and car seats Infant toys Mattresses Open cosmetics Firearms Food Television sets, used computers and monitors, keyboard, etc. |
Thanks again for your support. Your donation is tax deductible and proceeds benefit the homeless cats and dogs at The Haven No-Kill Animal Shelter.
How You Can Help by Donating Goods
Thank you for thinking of The Haven. Everyday an estimated 70 homeless cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens call The Haven home. Our life-saving team is onsite 7 days a week ensuring every animal receives love, shelter, food, water, and any medical care necessary. The Haven is always in need of “in-kind” donations to help us save on our operating costs. If you like to, review our wishlist and make a donation today.
While thinking about making an in-kind donation, you may want to take a look at items we often need for our Haven ReSale Shop. This upscale thrift store is located in beautiful Downtown Fairhope at 357 Morphy Ave. For questions regarding donations for the The Haven ReSale Shop please contact Nancy Langmaid, Volunteer Shop Manager at (251) 929-1911.
Thank you for your interest in The Haven’s Internship Program. The Haven places thousands of homeless cats and dogs into life-long loving homes each year. We work with other animal advocates and open admission animal shelters to help end euthanasia as a means of animal control – creating a no-kill community.
The Haven addresses the needs of companion animals in Baldwin County through the operation of a no-kill, limited-admission animal shelter. We have satellite adoption locations for our cats and kittens at PetSmart in Spanish Fort and also at Pet Supermarket in Daphne. We offer other programs and services to support the effort of creating a no-kill society.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Haven appreciates interns and understands that their support plays a vital role in supporting our mission. There are two types of unpaid internships at The Haven: one is focused on animal care and daily operations and the second is focused on The Haven’s Programs and Services.
ANIMAL CARE TECH:
One to two Internships are offered quarterly and will be scheduled for 24 hours/week. The exact schedule can be determined between the intern and the shelter’s Executive Director. This may include some weekend and/or some holiday work. This is a great opportunity to gain hands on experience with different aspects of operating a no-kill shelter.
Interns complete a volunteer application and attend a volunteer orientation. Interns assist with the daily task of caring for the animals at The Haven. This may include feeding, walking, and giving medications to cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies.
Qualifications:
- Age: Must be 18 or over
- Must have a strong interest in animal welfare, be self-motivated and work well with others.
- Experience working with the public and providing excellent customer service skills-in person, over the telephone, and including email.
- *Preference given to students considering a career working with animals such as a Vet Tech.
PROGRAMS and SERVICES:
One to two internships are offered quarterly and will be scheduled for 8 to 24 hours/week. The exact schedule can be determined between the intern and the shelter’s Executive Director.This may include some weekend and/or some holiday work. Interns work with administration assisting with marketing and promotion of animals available for adoption, including writing press releases, bios for the animals, production of artwork using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, and communicating with our media contacts. Interns are also able to assist with our mobile pet adoptions held monthly at locations throughout Baldwin County.
Qualifications:
- Age: Must be 18 or over
- Must have a strong interest in animal welfare, be self-motivated and work well with others.
- Experience working with the public and providing excellent customer service skills-in person, over the telephone, and including email.
Application Instructions:
Thank you again for your interest in applying to participate in The Haven’s Internship Program. Please complete the online application. Applications can be completed, printed and mailed to:
The Haven
Attn: Mike Graham
Post Office Box 1063
Fairhope, AL 36533
MADDIE’S FUND
“About Maddie’s Fund®”
Maddie’s Fund®, The Pet Rescue Foundation (www.maddiesfund.org), is a family foundation funded by PeopleSoft Founder, Dave Duffield, and his wife, Cheryl, to help create a no-kill nation. The first step is to help develop programs that guarantee loving homes for all healthy shelter dogs and cats throughout the country. The next step will be to save sick and injured pets in animal shelters nationwide.
Maddie’s Fund is named after the Duffield’s beloved Miniature Schnauzer. The foundation makes good on a promise the family made to Maddie to give back to her kind in dollars that which Maddie gave to them in friendship and love. Maddie passed away in 1997, but thanks to this one little dog, abandoned shelter dogs and cats have new opportunities to find loving homes in which they, too, may share in the joy, love and companionship that Dave and Cheryl enjoyed with Maddie.
“About Maddie”
Maddie was a beloved Miniature Schnauzer whose unconditional love, devotion, loyalty and spirit inspired her caregivers to start a charitable foundation, Maddie’s Fund®, in her name. The Maddie’s Fund mission and purpose is to help the nation’s most needy dogs and cats: Dogs and cats who, for one reason or another, have ended up in our animal shelters-homeless, desperate, hoping for a new loving home–and running out of time…
Dave and Cheryl Duffield fell in love with Maddie when she was only ten days old. “We held her in our arms, and loved her immediately,” says Dave. “Maddie melted our hearts from the first second we saw her,” adds Cheryl. “We loved her sweet ways, her stubbornness, her independence, her intelligence, her spirit, and her devotion.”
Dave, Cheryl and Maddie shared ten memorable and happy years together, years filled with walks in the woods, trips to the beach, and good times at home. Dave remembers one particularly good day during the formation of his company, PeopleSoft. Playing with Maddie, he picked her up and made the following promise: “If we ever make some money, I promise we will give it back to you and your kind so others can be as happy as we are today.”
Dave and Cheryl are fulfilling their promise to Maddie. They have spent $54 million so far to save dog and cat lives, and have personally given more of their personal wealth to the animal welfare cause than any other individuals–ever. Dave and Cheryl don’t want to make a big fuss about their unprecedented personal contribution. But, they do want to honor their beloved dog and the special bond they shared with her.
Animal lovers can understand this sentiment. More and more of us view our companion animals as family, giving them the same care and love we provide our two-legged family members. Our pets enrich our lives with their unconditional devotion to us. They enhance our lives by being a source of stability, love and companionship. The rewards of animal companionship are immeasurable.
The love Dave and Cheryl shared with Maddie inspired them to give generously to help save homeless, abandoned shelter pets in desperate need of love and care. Thanks to Maddie, the dog with the indomitable spirit, these special animals are afforded new opportunities to find loving homes in which they, too, may share in the joy, love and companionship that Dave and Cheryl enjoyed with Maddie.
On behalf of all sheltered dogs and cats, we give thanks to Maddie, whose spirit lives on through the lives her memorable gift has touched. For updates on Maddie’s Fund and its funded partners, sign up for Maddie’s free monthly e-newsletter at Maddie’s Fund News
Maddie’s Pet Rescue Project in Baldwin County
“Maddie’s Project in Baldwin County”
The Haven serves as lead agency for the Maddie’s® Pet Rescue Project in Baldwin County, thanks to the bountiful grant from Maddies_Fund®_the_Pet_Rescue Foundation, a family foundation funded by Workday and PeopleSoft Founder Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl. Maddie’s Fund is helping to create a no-kill nation where all healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats are guaranteed a loving home. Maddie’s Fund is named after the family’s beloved Miniature Schnauzer.The goal for this project is to find good forever homes for every healthy and treatable cat and dog in Baldwin County.
This collaborative project involves four animal control shelters and two 501 (c) 3 non-profit adoption guarantee agencies.
- The Haven – Adoption Guarantee Agency
- North Baldwin Animal Shelter – Adoption Guarantee Agency
- Baldwin County Animal Shelter – Animal Control Shelter
- Bay Minette Animal Shelter – Animal Control Shelter
- Daphne Animal Shelter – Animal Control Shelter
- Fairhope Animal Shelter – Animal Control Shelter
In order to achieve our goal, the partners will continue transferring animals out of shelters into non-profit rescue agencies and placing them into homes. With the added capacity of the North Baldwin Shelter, the coalition will strive to fully eliminate euthanasia of healthy animals in our county this year.
Each participating partner listed above will continue to focus on its own mission, while collaborating to create strategies and new creative ideas on reducing euthanasia in our community.
The coalition hopes to apply for additional funding after this fifth year to focus on animals that have minor health and behavior issues and require more resources to save. Moving forward in this way, the coalition hopes to one day see a Baldwin County where no animal is euthanized due to lack of space or resources.
For more information about Maddie’s Pet Rescue Project in Baldwin County, please call 251-928-4888.
Click here to see the community statistic’s in Baldwin County
Photo caption: From right to left: Haven executive director Michael Graham, Maddie’s project coordinator Casey Reynolds, Daphne animal control officer Rhonda Jones, North Baldwin Animal Shelter volunteer coordinator Judy Wilkins, Bay Minette animal control officer Gina Ramer, Baldwin County Animal Control director Charlotte Plumb, rescue agents Amy Boddie and James Pennington and Fairhope animal control officer Jerry Merchant