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Humane Society Westmoreland County

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Humane Society Westmoreland County Reviews (3)

Following is HSWC's response to your letter dated October 29, 2014, and our account of the events that occurred on October and 27, The complainants adopted a 5-month old (estimated) puppy from our shelter on October Attached are copies of their adoption application/questionnaire (Exhibit A) and the adoption contract/agreements (Exhibit B) which they signed that dayThey spent considerable time with this puppy and another to 3-month old puppy before making their decisionThey were given the opportunity to bring in their own (unneutered) 5-year old dog for a "meet and greet,” but they declined Please refer to the attached statement (Exhibit C) from the HSWC employee who handled the adoption for more specific detailsIt was emphasized to the complainants that there could be no refunds or exchanges, that they were not “purchasing” an animal and that their donation merely covered the cost of veterinary care, immunizations, neutering, housing, food, etc The complainants do not relate specifically in their complaint the chain of events on October that led to their conclusion that the dog was aggressive and dangerousHowever, please refer to their surrender form and return questionnaire (Exhibit D attached) wherein they state that one of them tried to remove food from the puppy, causing him to snip and growl Legally, only a magisterial district justice can declare an animal “dangerous.” In reference to the claimants’ allegation that we were not truthful, we provide all prospective adopters all the information we have been given, along with our own observations and experiences, on every animal we placeShelter animals often come with some “baggage” and there can be no guarantees of age, breed, health or behaviorDogs are evaluated on an as-needed basisTesting is performed only if the dog displays signs of potential aggression, e.g., resource guarding (toys, food); the dog is then assessed in other situations such as interaction with other animals, kennel presentation with strangers and ability of staff to perform grooming and veterinary procedures (vaccines, blood drawing, neutering) Also, our staff did perform the customary background check that is within our capability and resourcesSince the complainants questioned whether we performed a background check on them, should we infer that they have something to hide and were being deceptive? Below are some pertinent excerpts (highlighted on copies) from HSWC’s standard adoption application/questionnaire and adoption contract/agreements which were repeatedly stressed to (and signed by) the claimants: • APPLICANT: I understand that returning a dog for re-adoption is harmful to the well being of the animalI, therefore, declare that all statements are truthful, and I will work to the best of my ability to meet all challenges • The parties intending to be legally bound hereby, do agree as follows • OWNER expressly and specifically releases the Humane Society, its servants, agents, workmen and employees from any and all liability, direct, incidental, consequential or otherwise for any damages, losses or injuries caused by said animals • OWNER: I understand that the Adoption Donation is to cover the veterinary expenses of described animal and other animals housed at the HSWCThe Humane Society of Westmoreland County is not selling dogs and is entering into a care agreement of described animal • We are a non-profit organization and as such, there are no refunds or exchanges on any adoptionsThis monetary token is a donation toward the adoption of a homeless animalYou are not purchasing an animal; you are entering into an adoption agreement with the Humane Society of Westmoreland County • OWNER: By signing this declaration, I enter an agreement with the Humane Society of Westmoreland County and will abide by above policies • OWNER: I also agree to give the Humane Society of Westmoreland County a grace period of days to make room for returned animal • OWNER: I understand that the "puppy stage” is often difficult and I will permit my new pet time to grow and become an adult • Do you understand that it can take a puppy months to "settle?” Are you willing to meet this challenge? (Applicant checked "yes” box.) • OWNER: I promise that I understand the difference between play biting and aggression • OWNER: It is my responsibility as a parent to socialize a puppy with the childrenI accept this responsibility and willingly adopt this dog If our personnel were rude on the day of the return (October 27), it was only in response to one of the complainants’ profanity, verbal abuse and veiled threatsAlthough it is not our policy to issue refunds, we may have seriously considered doing so if it weren’t for his nasty demeanor and obnoxious behaviorPlease see the attached statement from the H5WC employee who initially dealt with the complainants (Exhibit E) On a positive note, the returned puppy has since been adopted by another family (who own anpther dog and a cat) and, according to his new owners, is adjusting quite well As a non-profit organization, HSWC does not receive any government funding and relies upon fundraising and donations to meet our obligationsWe have a small staff of paid employees and a core of very dedicated benefactors and volunteers without whom it would not be possible to continue our humane mission We would like to resolve this complaint amicably, but feel we must stand firm in our refusal to offer a refund or exchange; that is the point and purpose of having a formal signed agreement/contractIn view of the evidence we have presented refuting this claim and supporting our position, we hope that you are inclined to agree with us If you would like to discuss this claim further, please feel free to contact us Sincerely, The Humane Society of Westmoreland County

Following is HSWC's response to your letter dated October 29, 2014, and our account of the events that occurred on October 26 and 27, 2014.
The complainants adopted a 5-month old (estimated) puppy from our shelter on October 26. Attached are copies of their adoption application/questionnaire...

(Exhibit A) and the adoption contract/agreements (Exhibit B) which they signed that day. They spent considerable time with this puppy and another 2 to 3-month old puppy before making their decision. They were given the opportunity to bring in their own (unneutered) 5-year old dog for a "meet and greet,” but they declined.
Please refer to the attached statement (Exhibit C) from the HSWC employee who handled the adoption for more specific details. It was emphasized to the complainants that there could be no refunds or exchanges, that they were not “purchasing” an animal and that their donation merely covered the cost of veterinary care, immunizations, neutering, housing, food, etc.
The complainants do not relate specifically in their complaint the chain of events on October 26 that led to their conclusion that the dog was aggressive and dangerous. However, please refer to their surrender form and return questionnaire (Exhibit D attached) wherein they state that one of them tried to remove food from the puppy, causing him to snip and growl.
Legally, only a magisterial district justice can declare an animal “dangerous.” In reference to the claimants’ allegation that we were not truthful, we provide all prospective adopters all the information we have been given, along with our own observations and experiences, on every animal we place. Shelter animals often come with some “baggage” and there can be no guarantees of age, breed, health or behavior. Dogs are evaluated on an as-needed basis. Testing is performed only if the dog displays signs of potential aggression, e.g., resource guarding (toys, food);
the dog is then assessed in other situations such as interaction with other animals, kennel presentation with strangers and ability of staff to perform grooming and veterinary procedures (vaccines, blood drawing, neutering).
Also, our staff did perform the customary background check that is within our capability and resources. Since the complainants questioned whether we performed a background check on them, should we infer that they have something to hide and were being deceptive?
Below are some pertinent excerpts (highlighted on copies) from HSWC’s standard adoption application/questionnaire and adoption contract/agreements which were repeatedly stressed to (and signed by) the claimants:
• APPLICANT: I understand that returning a dog for re-adoption is harmful to the well being of the animal. I, therefore, declare that all statements are truthful, and I will work to the best of my ability to meet all challenges.
• The parties intending to be legally bound hereby, do agree as follows.
• OWNER expressly and specifically releases the Humane Society, its servants, agents, workmen and employees from any and all liability, direct, incidental, consequential or otherwise for any damages, losses or injuries caused by said animals.
• OWNER: I understand that the Adoption Donation is to cover the veterinary expenses of described animal and other animals housed at the HSWC. The Humane Society of Westmoreland County is not selling dogs and is entering into a care agreement of described animal.
• We are a non-profit organization and as such, there are no refunds or exchanges on any adoptions. This monetary token is a donation toward the adoption of a homeless animal. You are not purchasing an animal; you are entering into an adoption agreement with the Humane Society of Westmoreland County.
• OWNER: By signing this declaration, I enter an agreement with the Humane Society of Westmoreland County and will abide by above policies.
• OWNER: I also agree to give the Humane Society of Westmoreland County a grace period of 30 days to make room for returned animal.
• OWNER: I understand that the "puppy stage” is often difficult and I will
permit my new pet time to grow and become an adult.
• Do you understand that it can take a puppy 18 months to "settle?” Are you
willing to meet this challenge? (Applicant checked "yes” box.)
• OWNER: I promise that I understand the difference between play biting and
aggression.
• OWNER: It is my responsibility as a parent to socialize a puppy with the children. I accept this responsibility and willingly adopt this dog.
If our personnel were rude on the day of the return (October 27), it was only in response to one of the complainants’ profanity, verbal abuse and veiled threats. Although it is not our policy to issue refunds, we may have seriously considered doing so if it weren’t for his nasty demeanor and obnoxious behavior. Please see the attached statement from the H5WC employee who initially dealt with the complainants (Exhibit E).
On a positive note, the returned puppy has since been adopted by another family (who own anpther dog and a cat) and, according to his new owners, is adjusting quite well.
As a non-profit organization, HSWC does not receive any government funding and relies upon fundraising and donations to meet our obligations. We have a small staff of paid employees and a core of very dedicated benefactors and volunteers without whom it would not be possible to continue our humane mission.
We would like to resolve this complaint amicably, but feel we must stand firm in our refusal to offer a refund or exchange; that is the point and purpose of having a formal signed agreement/contract. In view of the evidence we have presented refuting this claim and supporting our position, we hope that you are inclined to agree with us.
If you would like to discuss this claim further, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
The Humane Society of Westmoreland County

Review: On sunday oct 26 me and my family adopted a 5 month old dog from the shelter above. They told us the dog was good with animals and children. We brought him home and the dog was aggressive, especially with food. He also would growl and snap at us and he attacked our other dog. He called the shelter the next day (10/27) and they blamed the situation on us. They told us we should have done a meet and greet with the dogs first (we were not given this option). Also they admitted they truly did not know whether or not the dog was aggressive because he had not been there long enough to know this when just the day before they claimed he was safe and perfect for our family. When we returned the dog they refused to work out anything. We really just wanted to give another dog a home, a dog that would not put our children and animals in danger. We took the dog in because of them misinforming us. They also did not do any sort of background check for us to take the dog in, they let us leave with him that day. So basically they took our money and set us home with a dangerous dog, when we returned him after 24 hours we could not get another dog or have a refund. Another thing is the workers were rude to us and saying they told us things that they really did not. We understand dogs cannot just be returned or exchanged daily, that is not our intention. Our intention is to provide a loving home to an animal that will not put me, my children and our other dog in danger. The shelter should have to provide truthful information on all the animals before sending them to homes.Desired Settlement: We paid for a animal, that all we want is to give a non-aggressive dog a home. It is not our fault we had to return the animal. If the WCHS had been truthful with us from the start we would be going through all this hassle and heartbreak.

Business

Response:

Following is HSWC's response to your letter dated October 29, 2014, and our account of the events that occurred on October 26 and 27, 2014.

The complainants adopted a 5-month old (estimated) puppy from our shelter on October 26. Attached are copies of their adoption application/questionnaire (Exhibit A) and the adoption contract/agreements (Exhibit B) which they signed that day. They spent considerable time with this puppy and another 2 to 3-month old puppy before making their decision. They were given the opportunity to bring in their own (unneutered) 5-year old dog for a "meet and greet,” but they declined.

Please refer to the attached statement (Exhibit C) from the HSWC employee who handled the adoption for more specific details. It was emphasized to the complainants that there could be no refunds or exchanges, that they were not “purchasing” an animal and that their donation merely covered the cost of veterinary care, immunizations, neutering, housing, food, etc.

The complainants do not relate specifically in their complaint the chain of events on October 26 that led to their conclusion that the dog was aggressive and dangerous. However, please refer to their surrender form and return questionnaire (Exhibit D attached) wherein they state that one of them tried to remove food from the puppy, causing him to snip and growl.

Legally, only a magisterial district justice can declare an animal “dangerous.” In reference to the claimants’ allegation that we were not truthful, we provide all prospective adopters all the information we have been given, along with our own observations and experiences, on every animal we place. Shelter animals often come with some “baggage” and there can be no guarantees of age, breed, health or behavior. Dogs are evaluated on an as-needed basis. Testing is performed only if the dog displays signs of potential aggression, e.g., resource guarding (toys, food);

the dog is then assessed in other situations such as interaction with other animals, kennel presentation with strangers and ability of staff to perform grooming and veterinary procedures (vaccines, blood drawing, neutering).

Also, our staff did perform the customary background check that is within our capability and resources. Since the complainants questioned whether we performed a background check on them, should we infer that they have something to hide and were being deceptive?

Below are some pertinent excerpts (highlighted on copies) from HSWC’s standard adoption application/questionnaire and adoption contract/agreements which were repeatedly stressed to (and signed by) the claimants:

• APPLICANT: I understand that returning a dog for re-adoption is harmful to the well being of the animal. I, therefore, declare that all statements are truthful, and I will work to the best of my ability to meet all challenges.

• The parties intending to be legally bound hereby, do agree as follows.

• OWNER expressly and specifically releases the Humane Society, its servants, agents, workmen and employees from any and all liability, direct, incidental, consequential or otherwise for any damages, losses or injuries caused by said animals.

• OWNER: I understand that the Adoption Donation is to cover the veterinary expenses of described animal and other animals housed at the HSWC. The Humane Society of Westmoreland County is not selling dogs and is entering into a care agreement of described animal.

• We are a non-profit organization and as such, there are no refunds or exchanges on any adoptions. This monetary token is a donation toward the adoption of a homeless animal. You are not purchasing an animal; you are entering into an adoption agreement with the Humane Society of Westmoreland County.

• OWNER: By signing this declaration, I enter an agreement with the Humane Society of Westmoreland County and will abide by above policies.

• OWNER: I also agree to give the Humane Society of Westmoreland County a grace period of 30 days to make room for returned animal.

• OWNER: I understand that the "puppy stage” is often difficult and I will

permit my new pet time to grow and become an adult.

• Do you understand that it can take a puppy 18 months to "settle?” Are you

willing to meet this challenge? (Applicant checked "yes” box.)

• OWNER: I promise that I understand the difference between play biting and

aggression.

• OWNER: It is my responsibility as a parent to socialize a puppy with the children. I accept this responsibility and willingly adopt this dog.

If our personnel were rude on the day of the return (October 27), it was only in response to one of the complainants’ profanity, verbal abuse and veiled threats. Although it is not our policy to issue refunds, we may have seriously considered doing so if it weren’t for his nasty demeanor and obnoxious behavior. Please see the attached statement from the H5WC employee who initially dealt with the complainants (Exhibit E).

On a positive note, the returned puppy has since been adopted by another family (who own anpther dog and a cat) and, according to his new owners, is adjusting quite well.

As a non-profit organization, HSWC does not receive any government funding and relies upon fundraising and donations to meet our obligations. We have a small staff of paid employees and a core of very dedicated benefactors and volunteers without whom it would not be possible to continue our humane mission.

We would like to resolve this complaint amicably, but feel we must stand firm in our refusal to offer a refund or exchange; that is the point and purpose of having a formal signed agreement/contract. In view of the evidence we have presented refuting this claim and supporting our position, we hope that you are inclined to agree with us.

If you would like to discuss this claim further, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

The Humane Society of Westmoreland County

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Description: HUMANE SOCIETIES, ANIMAL SHELTERS

Address: P. 0. Box 1552, Route 119 North, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, United States, 15601

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