Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. I have cats that have shown up or were dropped off at my house. What can I do?	A. We can set a have-a-heart trap, of if a trap is available we can loan one out for your use.
Q. There is a raccoon, opossum, fox (any wildlife) out in my yard during the day, and I know it is rabid.	A. Just because wildlife are out during the day doesn't mean they have rabies. Some wildlife are out during the day foraging for food. If you have garbage, bird food, or cat and dog food out, you are just inviting them for a meal. Wildlife that may be sick will stagger, seem lethargic, and salivate, or they have injuries, may be bleeding.
Q. Is there a leash law? If there is one, it is just in town?	A. There is a leash law for dogs and cats county wide. All dogs and cats off of their property must on on a leash or under the immediate supervision of the owner or custodian.
Q. I found injured wildlife (bird, rabbit, squirrel, swan, etc.) in my yard. What can I do?	A. Please call us so we can help or advise what needs to be done. It is an old wives tale that if you touch wildlife the mother will not come back. For instance, a mother deer will leave her baby for up to 12 hours while feeding. If a baby bird falls out of the nest and is not injured, you should try to place it back in the nest or make a make-shift nest in the same tree. If you are mowing your lawn and run over a rabbit nest and there are no injuries, reassemble the nest and leave it. Each situation is different.
Q. How long do you hold animals before you put them to sleep?	A. Unlike many shelters, Talbot Humane has no set time for holding animals once in our adoption program. All stray animals are held for 5 days and then are evaluated for good health and temperament. Once screened, they are placed in our adoption program. Owned animals surrendered to Talbot Humane are held for 24 hours and receive the same evaluation. If behavior and health are not compromised and kennel space is available, the animal will remain in our adoption program until a home is found. Many special needs animals are being placed in our foster care program so their special needs are met.
Q. Do you adopt Pit Bulls?	A. Yes, if they are ambassadors of the breed.
Q. What can I do if I see a possibly abused animal?	A. Please call the shelter. If possible, have correct address, description of animal, and situation. All information is kept confidential, and you will remain anonymous.
Q. My vet told me to call you to see if you could help financially with vet care.	A. We have money available for spay/neuter surgery, but not for routine or emergency vet care.
Q. What do I do if I find a dead animal in my yard (deer, raccoon, bird, cat)?	A. For dead wildlife on state or county roads, you need to call the county or state road commission. For animals on your property, you can double bag the animal, depending on size, and put it in the trash. For deer removal, you need to call an animal removal company listed in the phone book.
Q. Do you trap nuisance wildlife?	A. We will be happy to offer ways for you to solve nuisance wildlife problems; however, we do not trap nuisance wildlife.
Q. What do I do if I see a dog or cat running around the neighborhood?	A. Call the shelter. An officer will respond and try to impound the animal. It is helpful if you know the owner's address or if you can safely confine the animal.
Q. I have an animal that needs to be euthanized. Do you offer that service? What kind of service do you offer to take care of the body?	A. Yes, we do. If an owner wishes to be with the animal at the time of euthanasia, an appointment needs to be made. We offer individual cremation with ashes returned in an urn, or general cremation with no ashes returned. Fees for both services are determined by the weight of the animal.