We try to make the adoption process as smooth as possible. Once you determine which pet you would like to adopt, fill out the adoption application online or in person and then give us a call or stop in if you would like to place the pet on hold. If you rent we will verify with your landlord that the pet is allowed in the home. If you have other pets, we will call your vet to ensure they are cared for. If you are adopting a dog and have another dog, we will set a meet and greet at the shelter with H.A.L.O.’s trainer/handlers to ensure they are a good fit and everyone gets along. If you are a first time pet owner or we feel you would benefit from further instruction on bringing your new rescue pet home, we will set a home visit that is convenient with your schedule.

We try to get every adopted pet home as soon as possible. In most cases it can take up to a week from the day you place the pet on hold with the hold deposit to process an adoption application.

All dogs and cats come up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations. For dogs, this includes Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza, and Bordatella. For cats this includes Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. Pets over 4 months old also receive their Rabies vaccination and Indian River County tags (dogs and cats in IRC only). The Rabies vaccine is a requirement by the State of Florida and you MUST register your new pet with your county. Please check the laws in your county regarding registration procedures and costs.

Our goal at H.A.L.O. is to save as many lives as possible and reduce shelter intake of homeless pets. Nearly 70,000 puppies are born in the United States every day and only 25% of those puppies will find loving homes. Five million are euthanized in shelters every year which equals one every 6.5 seconds. Decreasing the overpopulation of abandoned and abused animals is our highest priority. By spaying/neutering, we are ensuring better health for your pet and decreasing future accidental pregnancies.

At H.A.L.O. all puppies & kittens are fixed before adoption. If there is a vet recommended special circumstance, you will be given a voucher which allows you to take your adopted pet to our veterinarian to be spayed/neutered at no additional cost to you. If the pet is not old enough at the time of adoption to receive a rabies vaccination or booster vaccine, the adopter is responsible for following up with any vet of the adopter’s choosing to ensure the appropriate vaccines are administered. You will also sign a contract at the time of adoption guaranteeing to follow the advice of our veterinarian and timely alteration/vaccination of your adopted pet when he/she is ready. If you go against our contract, we do have the right to take the pet back.

Your adopted pet should be taken for a wellness check within one month from the time of adoption. We make every effort to ensure you a happy and healthy adopted pet. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict future health problems. If your new pet is exhibiting any symptoms of illness upon coming home, H.A.L.O. can be contacted for advice, but we recommend discussing these problems with your veterinarian. If the animal becomes ill and you are unable to incur the costs of veterinary care, please return the pet to H.A.L.O. We will ensure he/she receives all care needed.

It is our sincerest hope that you and your new family member are a perfect match. If for any reason you are no longer able to keep your pet, we will make every effort to take the pet back, but cannot guarantee space. If returned within fourteen (14) days from the date the adoption contract was signed, we will gladly refund your final adoption fee, with the exception of $25, which will be used to help cover the pet’s care. If you cannot keep the animal for any reason AFTER the fourteen (14) days, however, we are not able to refund the adoption fee at that time.

Heartworm disease is a parasitic infection that can affect any dog regardless of age, sex, or habitat. Heartworm disease is found in virtually all parts of the United States and many parts of Canada and is spread by mosquitoes. Because of this, the disease tends to have a higher incidence in areas heavily populated by mosquitoes. Heartworms live in the blood of a dog’s heart and adjacent blood vessels. They can grow from four to twelve inches in length, reach maturation one year after infection and live for approximately five to seven years. Adult heartworms produce offspring, known as microfilariae, which circulate in the animal’s blood. When a female mosquito bites an infected animal, it sucks blood containing the microfilariae. When the mosquito bites another pet, the infected larvae are transmitted. In many cases the infected dog will not show symptoms in the early stages of the disease process. Heartworms are the most serious common parasite for dogs because they stress the dog’s heart by restricting blood flow and also damage other internal organs. The heart may enlarge and become weakened due to an increased workload, and congestive heart failure may occur. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal to dogs. Blood screening tests can verify the presence of heartworms and radiographs and x-rays are used to detect the disease in its later stages. H.A.L.O. treats over 100 heartworm cases each year and requires you to keep your rescued pet on Heartworm Prevention. Don’t wait… it may be too late!