SCHS Policy Regarding Public Announcements and Hold Time on Found Strays

The State of New Hampshire does not require any hold for cats (dogs have different rules).  Many shelters will voluntarily wait 3 to 5 days to allow an owner to come forward (a “complimentary hold”).  Sullivan County Humane Society’s policy is to wait a MINIMUM of 10 days and in general practice it is often far longer.  During that time we place information and photos of all found strays on our website and on our Facebook page, as well as physically posting photos at our shelter.  Our goal is to get those strays back to their family whenever possible.

In reality, the duration of a hold is often longer than 10 days because all strays are given a full veterinary exam and then any findings will be treated before posting an animal to be CONSIDERED for adoption.  Then that process of application, references, and home inspection will typically take days.

But, once that waiting period has expired and an animal has been adopted, that adoption is, in fact, final.

(Please note:  Per NH State Law, to reclaim an animal during the complimentary hold, the owner  is responsible for all expenses incurred by the humane society and legally, the animal must have a current rabies vaccine.   If the owner does not have current proof, a vaccine will be provided at the owner’s expense.)

========================================================

 

Relevant NH Codes

437:10 Notice to Owner; Reclaiming of Animals. & 437:20 disposition of Abanoned Animals.