Humane Society of Burnett County – Intake Policy

Purpose:

The Humane Society of Burnett County (HSBC) is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment, safety, and overall welfare of animals within our community. This intake policy establishes clear guidelines for the acceptance of animals into our shelter, including both owner-surrendered animals and stray animals brought to HSBC. These guidelines are intended to ensure that each animal is evaluated thoughtfully, treated with compassion, and provided appropriate care based on available resources, shelter capacity, and the animal’s individual needs. By following this policy, HSBC aims to act responsibly in the best interest of the animals, the public, and the organization while maintaining a safe, ethical, and sustainable sheltering environment.

Policy Guidelines:

• Adoptability Criteria:
  • Animals will be evaluated for adoptability based on behavior, health, age, and other relevant factors.
  • The shelter reserves the right to refuse an animal that does not meet adoptability standards.
  • All intake requests are subject to approval by Shelter Manager and Administrative Assistant.
  • Acceptance of an animal may be denied if resources are unavailable or if the animal is deemed unadoptable.
• Intake Fees:
  • An intake fee may apply depending on the circumstances and the resources required for the animal’s care.
  • Fees help cover the cost of medical care, food, and shelter for surrendered and stray animals.
• Feral Cats:
  • HSBC will not accept feral cats for both surrender or stray intakes or adoption due to safety and care considerations.
• Owner Support:
  • In cases where an owner cannot afford the care of their pet, HSBC will provide guidance and resources to help keep the animal in the home whenever possible (e.g., food, litter, medication referrals).

Surrender Intake Procedure:

• All surrender intakes must be scheduled by appointment. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
• Complete a surrender form with details about the animal, medical history, behavior, and reason for surrender.
• Shelter staff will review the submission and notify the owner of the approval, denial, or alternate options.
• Approved animals will be accepted according to available space and adoptability evaluation.

Animal Surrender Form

Stray Intake Procedure:

• Individuals who find stray animals are encouraged to notify shelter staff prior to bringing the animal to the shelter.

• A stray intake form must be completed with all available information, including the location found, date and time, physical description, and any known circumstances surrounding the animal.

• Shelter staff will assess the animal upon intake for identification, including a microchip scan and visual check for tags or other forms of ownership.

• Accepted stray animals will undergo an initial health and behavior evaluation in compliance with applicable local and state stray-hold requirements.

Note:

HSBC is committed to ensuring the best outcome for both animals and the community. Intakes are handled with compassion, but acceptance is not guaranteed.

Created on 1/25/2026