We are open ONLY by appointment- call us at 476-3811 to make one. Please be patient – taking care of the animals is our first priority. You will likely need to leave a message – we will get back to you as soon as possible. We have only two phone lines so sometimes you will get a busy signal if both lines are in use. Thank you for your patience!
If you are interested in adopting, our process enforces social distancing protocols in order to reduce person-to-person contact. Our website is updated in real time, so if you see a pet you are interested in, please call us to make an appointment. All questions and procedures that can be done on the phone will be done ahead of time.
It is vital that our staff stay healthy so our animals get the care they need 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Therefore, and in accordance with the Governor’s order, we are strictly limiting access to our shelter. We ask you to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. We will be too. We have a small staff, we need every single one to stay healthy so we can care for the animals.
Our building is not open to the public, and our staffing hours are based on the needs of our animal population. EVERYTHING we do with the public is done by appointment only. Adoptions are handled on a first come, first served basis, if it’s an appropriate match between the cat and the home.
Until further notice:
- We are closed to casual visitors- you must have an appointment.
- Call to make an appointment if you would like to adopt a pet. Our adoptable pet pages on our website are updated in real time. We will do most of our adoption counseling on the phone ahead of time.It is possible to meet a dog outside in our play yards. For cats, we are asking you to trust us in matching you with the right cat via a phone consultation. We will offer foster-to-adopt, but encourage you to go ahead and adopt a cat knowing that if it does not work out for whatever reason, we will happily take the cat (or dog) back, and you will receive a full refund.
- Kittens are in high demand. If you are interested in a kitten you need to get on our “Kitten Waiting List.” Give us a call, leave a message at 476-3811 and leave your name, phone number and email. Even better, email us at [email protected] and we can send you our Adopter Information Form for you to fill out ahead of time. You can also find the form on our website here. Please be patient, we will call you back!
- We work hard to provide a consistent and fair adoption process. We do not do any “holds” or take money down to reserve any animal.
- If you need to surrender your pet, you MUST call to discuss making an appointment for intake. (476-3811). We do what we can to help animals stay in their homes, so if you are considering surrender due to having lost your income, we can help with food; please reach out to us.
- We have cancelled events (Volunteer Orientation, all Kids Camps, dog day at the Pool) that would put groups of folks in close proximity.
- Public dog training classes are ramping up slowly.
- We appreciate donations of Items such as cat litter, canned food, unopened bags of dry food, hot dogs, and string cheese. Please leave on our porch. We will follow our disinfection protocols to bring them into the building.
- At this time we cannot take donations of linens and pre-loved items. If you can, hang onto them until we are able to take them.
We strive to meet the needs of our community, while balancing our animals’ needs, and staffing at the adoption center. Please be patient with us while we are trying to do our best during this unique time. Thank you for supporting Central Vermont Humane Society!
Plan for your Pet in Case you get sick
- Identify a family member or friend who can care for your pets if you or someone in the household becomes ill.
- Have crates, food, and extra supplies on hand for quick movement of pets.
- Be sure all vaccines are up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary. Research potential boarding facilities to utilize in the event boarding your pet becomes necessary.
- Make sure you have proof of current vaccinations. If you do not have the paperwork, reach out to your veterinarian for a copy now (a copy of it on your phone would be acceptable proof). Failure to have proof of current vaccinations could result in your dog needing to be re-vaccinated.
- Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering directions. Including the prescription and the contact information for your veterinarian.
- Pets should have identification: collar with dog license and rabies tag, and an ID tag with owner contact information. Information can also be placed on the pet’s cage depending on the type of pet.
- If your pet has one, make sure your pet’s microchip registration is up to date.
- Put a list of pets in the home on your front door for emergency responders. Include a description of each animal, location in home or on the property, and any other pertinent information specific to each animal.
By creating a preparedness plan ahead of time for the unlikely event it becomes necessary to put into motion, you can do your part to ensure that your pets are spared unnecessary stress, and that animal service resources like CVHS do not become overwhelmed. Our overall message is stay calm and be prepared.
For more information, go to: