Acquaint other pets before committing

Animals that enter Little Rock Animal Village are not created equal. Some are in demand the moment they cross the threshold, such as a litter of German shepherd puppies or a pure-bred Great Dane.

Kittens and puppies are eligible for adoption immediately; adult animals are not. They’re off-limits for two days if they’re owner-surrendered and five days if they were brought in off the streets (in case there’s an owner looking for them).

Adoption is on a first-come, first-served basis. The family that took home the Great Dane were outside waiting at 5 a.m. the day he became available.

It’s not uncommon for people to show up ready to fill out adoption paperwork without having met the animal, but adoption coordinator Skip Lunders says it’s better to meet the potential pet first.

He also encourages people to bring other pets to meet the possible new sibling.

“It takes away that potential of that animal going home and then being returned,” Lunders says.

The adoption process requires filling out a short form; there is no background check. A $90 fee covers sterilization and routine shots and exams.

As an enforcement agency, the shelter has the power to take a dog or cat back if officers learn it’s being mistreated. They’ll also take the animal back if the family needs to return it. Director Tracy Roark estimates the return rate to be about 7 percent.

“I don’t want anyone to be unhappy. I don’t want our animals to be unhappy,” Roark says. “So, if you walk in and say this just isn’t working out, we say, ‘Thank you for trying.’”

Little Rock Animal Village

Location: 4500 Kramer St.

Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday, kennels open at 10 a.m.

Contact: (501) 376-3067

or friendsofthelittleanimalvillage.org

Style, Pages 54 on 12/22/2013

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