Post-adoption medical care

Vet services staff working with a dog

All dogs and cats are vaccinated and treated for parasites before they become available for adoption. Read more about what's included in your adoption fees for information about treatment in shelter.

At the time of adoption, you will receive paperwork detailing specific medical information about your new pet. The medical history report will list vaccinations, medications, and procedures your new pet has received during its stay at Animal Humane Society. You will also receive a completed Health Confirmation form which includes detailed information about post-adoption medical care.

Please consult your veterinarian regarding other veterinary procedures that may be needed. Follow-up treatment such as additional de-wormings and booster vaccinations are your responsibility and will be at your expense. 

Activate your 30 days of MetLife Pet Insurance

To help ease your transition, Animal Humane Society has arranged for you and your pet to have 30 days of MetLife Pet Insurance or a $10 Amazon gift card at no cost to you. Take advantage of this offer by calling 866-690-7387. You'll also receive important information about insurance options and how extended coverage can help protect your pets. Learn more by calling 866-690-7387 or visiting metlifepetinsurance.com

Spay/neuter surgery

All dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets will be sterilized prior to adoption.

If your recently adopted pet is experiencing post-surgical complications from sterilization surgery performed at AHS, please call our Pet Helpline at 952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738) for assistance. Our veterinary staff can assist with treatment for post-surgical complications or you can return the animal within the 60-day trial period.

Most animals do not have skin sutures from sterilization surgery, but it’s possible your new pet may. Here's what you need to know if your pet has surgical sutures.

Free veterinary examination

Many local veterinarians offer a free wellness examination within 14-30 days after the adoption date. Call within the first week to schedule your appointment.

(Note: Some veterinarians may schedule your free exam up to 30 days after your adoption date based on appointment availability. Confirm with your vet at the time of making the appointment that they’ll honor the free exam within 30 days of adoption.)

Wondering where to take your pet for for regular check-ups? Get tips on finding the right vet.

What if my new pet gets sick?

While our staff makes every effort to assess and accurately report the health of your new pet, specific symptoms can be especially difficult to detect in a shelter environment, or don’t present at all while an animal is in our care.

Learn more about how we're able to help if your pet gets sick.

If you have questions about post-adoption care, please call the Pet Helpline at 952-HELP-PET.

Home healthcare

Begin a routine of home healthcare right away, including preventative care. Grooming sessions are a perfect time to check your pet for fleas, ticks, rashes, cuts, lumps, and any other physical irregularities. Changes in your pet’s behavior, appetite, or elimination habits may indicate a health problem. Always consult with a veterinarian if you notice a potential health problem or before proceeding with any new treatment. Never give any over-the-counter medication without first checking with your veterinarian. Human drugs can be fatal to animals!

Microchipping your new pet

During the adoption process, you should have received information about microchipping options or changing information attached to an existing microchip. Please remember that microchipping is secondary to collars and ID tags. Every dog and cat adopted from AHS goes home with a free collar and ID tag because we believe using a collar and ID tag (with a current phone number and address) is the most effective way to be reunited with your pet should they go missing.

Learn more about registering or updating your pet's microchip.

For caring, compassionate advice and resources to address all your animal concerns.

Contact the Pet Helpline