Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take in stray (lost)pets?
Great question! We're committed to helping as many animals as possible find loving homes. However, it's important to note that under California law, stray animals must serve a legal stray hold at an appropriate facility, such as a local animal shelter, to give their original owners an opportunity to reclaim them. Animal Compassion Team is not equipped to serve these legal stray holds.
If you find a stray animal, we recommend that you take it to your local animal shelter where it can receive the medical care it may need and where its owners have the best chance of finding it. After the stray hold period is over, if the animal is not reclaimed, many shelters work with rescue organizations like ours to find new homes for these pets.
We encourage you to reach out to your local animal control or shelter to find out more about stray holds and the appropriate steps to take if you find a stray animal.
What are your hours of operation?
We're delighted you're interested in adopting a furry friend from Animal Compassion Team! Many of our wonderful pets are living in foster homes, which allows them to be part of a family setting even before they find their forever home. To meet one of these pets, the best first step is to fill out our online application. Once received, we'll coordinate a meet and greet for you and the animal at a mutually convenient time.
If you prefer to walk in and meet some of our available pets, you're welcome to visit us during our open hours for walk-in adoptions. We're open from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekdays are by appointment.
Do You Take in Owner Surrenders?
We truly understand that making the decision to surrender a pet is a difficult one, and we're committed to helping as many animals as possible. However, our ability to take in owner surrenders is often limited by the space available in our facility. Additionally, we're cautious to select animals that we feel can be safely and sustainably placed into a home.
Our primary concern is that while many dogs might do well in a home with no other pets or children, it's crucial to consider how they might react in a broader range of situations. It's not realistic to expect that a pet will never come into contact with other animals or children, so their behavior in these scenarios must be considered safe.
If you need to find a new home for your pet, we invite you to fill out our online surrender form. Our intake team will review your application and determine if your pet would be a good fit for our shelter at this time. If we're unable to accommodate your pet, our intake team may contact you with other options for placement.
Please note that stray or lost pets are not considered owner surrenders. These animals must follow California hold regulations before being placed for adoption. To fill out a surrender form or to learn more, please visit our surrender page: Animal Compassion Team Surrender Form. Make sure to read through the information provided on the page carefully.
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Do You Take in Dogs with Behavior Problems?
We appreciate your understanding that our primary commitment is to the welfare and safety of both the animals in our care and the families who adopt from us. Unfortunately, we are not equipped to take in dogs with severe behavior problems. Here are some reasons why a dog might not be considered safe for placement through our adoption program:
Aggression Toward Humans or Animals: Any history of unprovoked aggression or attacks on people or other animals can be a significant concern.
Severe Resource Guarding: While some level of resource guarding is natural, severe cases that result in aggressive behavior can be dangerous in a household setting.
Extreme Anxiety or Fearfulness: Dogs with extreme anxiety or fear may be prone to unpredictable behavior, including biting or snapping when scared.
High Prey Drive: Some dogs with a very high prey drive may not be safe around smaller pets and may pose a flight risk if they are motivated to chase.
Unpredictable Behavior: Dogs that exhibit unpredictable or erratic behavior can be difficult to manage and may pose a risk to household members and other pets.
History of Biting: A dog that has a history of biting, especially if the bites have broken skin, may not be considered safe for adoption.
Severe Medical Issues: Some medical issues can exacerbate behavioral problems, making the dog unsafe to place in a typical home environment.
If you are dealing with a dog with behavior problems, we recommend consulting with a certified canine behaviorist or another professional to assess the dog's behavior and provide expert advice. Our intake team may also be able to suggest alternative resources if we are unable to accommodate your pet.
Please note that each dog is assessed on an individual basis, and exceptions might be made under unique circumstances. However, the safety of our adopters and the well-being of our animals are always our top priorities.
Where Do You Get Your Pets From?
Great question! The majority of pets in our care come from local shelters after they've completed their legal stray hold period. By doing so, we assist our partner animal control facilities in managing the large number of pets they handle. This collaboration helps make space for incoming stray or lost animals, allowing those facilities to continue their important work.
In addition to pets from local shelters, we also take in owner surrenders that have been approved by our intake team. This process involves reviewing an online surrender form to assess whether the pet would be a good fit for our shelter at this time. If you're considering surrendering your pet, please visit our surrender page for more details and to access the form: Animal Compassion Team Surrender Form.
We're committed to providing loving and safe homes for all pets in our care, regardless of their origin. By understanding where our animals come from, we hope you'll also better understand our commitment to their well-being.
What Do I Do If I Have Found Kittens?
When to Intervene
National Resources
Observation is Key
First and foremost, do not rush to remove the kittens, especially if they appear to be very young. In most instances, the mother cat is not far away. Mom cats often hide when humans approach, making it easy to assume the kittens are abandoned when they are not. Signs that a mother cat is nearby and caring for her kittens include kittens that have full bellies and are generally quiet.
What to Do:
Observe from a Distance: Monitor the kittens from a safe distance for a few hours to see if the mother returns.
Check for Immediate Danger: Are the kittens exposed to harsh weather, traffic, or predators? If so, intervention may be necessary, even if temporarily.
Determining the Kittens' Age
Knowing the age of the kittens can guide you on the appropriate steps to take. Kittens less than 8 weeks old are generally not yet weaned and are best cared for by their mother.
When to Intervene
If, after several hours of observation, the mother cat does not return and the kittens appear to be in distress (crying loudly, visibly sick or injured), then it may be time to intervene.
Local Resources
Fresno Humane Animal Services (County Residents): This organization can provide guidelines on the best course of action and may be able to help with fostering or medical care. Reach them at (559) 600-7387.
Fresno Animal Center (City Residents): Another local resource where you can seek advice or assistance. They can be reached at (559) 621-7387.
The Importance of TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)
If the kittens are over 8 weeks old, or once they have been weaned, it is crucial to practice Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR). TNR helps control the feral cat population, improves the health and well-being of cats, and decreases nuisance behaviors. It's a humane and effective method that benefits both the cats and the community.
National Resources
Alley Cat Allies: This organization offers extensive resources on kitten care, including when it's necessary to intervene. Alley Cat Allies Kitten Care
ASPCA: Provides guidelines on what to do when you find kittens and stresses the importance of determining whether mom is around. ASPCA Guide on Finding Kittens
Remember, each case is unique. Always consult with professionals for tailored advice to your specific situation.