Adoption FAQs

Check here to view all of our frequently asked questions.

Have a question that isn't listed here? Contact us here!





I saw an animal online, is it still available?
Our website is updated in real time as animals come and go from the adoption floor. As long as the animal’s information is listed, the animal is currently available for adoption. Please note that there are times when an animal is in the process of being adopted and will be momentarily unavailable but still listed on the website until the adoption is submitted in our system.





Can I pay my adoption fee now and pick up the animal later?

HSNMB does not hold animals and all adoptions are done on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the adoption is completed and the fee is paid, you must take the animal with you at that time.





What is your return policy?

HSNMB believes in finding permanent, loving homes for animals and does not offer “trial” adoptions. We do, however, understand that sometimes an adopted animal turns out to be a poor match for their new home. Animals adopted from HSNMB may be returned at any point during their life if an adopter is unable to keep the animal. Animals adopted from HSNMB may be returned and refund issued within 14 days of adoption for a previously undiagnosed health issue that has been verified by a licensed veterinarian.





How big will this puppy get?

Puppies can be expected to grow to 6-8 times their weight at 8 weeks of age. HSNMB staff may give you an estimate of your puppy’s adult weight, but we are unable to make any guarantees. If size is a large concern, please consider adopting a fully grown adult dog.





What should I bring with me to adopt?

Please be sure to bring a photo ID and cash or a credit card for the adoption fee. The primary caregiver is required to be present to go through the adoption process. Any children 5 and under and, in some cases, any existing dogs living in the home will be required to be present and meet the animal prior to adopting. Meet and greets are not required for all animals, but may be deemed necessary by HSNMB staff for specific pets.





An animal I'm interested in has no photos. Can you send me some?

HSNMB relies on our volunteers to take photos for us and we post them as soon as we are able to, usually within a few days of the animal coming available for adoption. Highly adoptable animals are frequently adopted before any photos are posted so interested adopters are discouraged from waiting for a photo to come meet any animal they are interested in adopting.





Can you tell me this animal’s history?

HSNMB will share whatever information is available about an animal’s previous home(s) during the adoption process, but we rarely know their entire history. Just because an animal was reported to be housebroken and get along with children in the last home, doesn’t necessarily mean they will act the same in their new home.Adopters should be prepared to do some house-training with any animal adopted from us. Children and other dogs living even part time in the home are encouraged to meet the dog prior to adoption to help determine compatibility.





Can you alert me when the type of animal I’m looking for comes available?

Interested adopters are encouraged to check HSNMB’s website frequently for an updated list of available animals. We do not currently have a system to alert a potential adopter when a specific breed/type of animal becomes available.

I saw an animal online, is it still available?

Our website is updated in real time as animals come and go from the adoption floor. As long as the animal’s information is listed, the animal is currently available for adoption. Please note that there are times when an animal is in the process of being adopted and will be momentarily unavailable but still listed on the website until the adoption is submitted in our system.

Can I pay my adoption fee now and pick up the animal later?

HSNMB does not hold animals and all adoptions are done on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the adoption is completed and the fee is paid, you must take the animal with you at that time.

What is your return policy?

HSNMB believes in finding permanent, loving homes for animals and does not offer “trial” adoptions. We do, however, understand that sometimes an adopted animal turns out to be a poor match for their new home. Animals adopted from HSNMB may be returned at any point during their life if an adopter is unable to keep the animal. Animals adopted from HSNMB may be returned and refund issued within 14 days of adoption for a previously undiagnosed health issue that has been verified by a licensed veterinarian.

How big will this puppy get?

Puppies can be expected to grow to 6-8 times their weight at 8 weeks of age. HSNMB staff may give you an estimate of your puppy’s adult weight, but we are unable to make any guarantees. If size is a large concern, please consider adopting a fully grown adult dog.

What should I bring with me to adopt?

Please be sure to bring a photo ID and cash or a credit card for the adoption fee. The primary caregiver is required to be present to go through the adoption process. Any children 5 and under and, in some cases, any existing dogs living in the home will be required to be present and meet the animal prior to adopting. Meet and greets are not required for all animals, but may be deemed necessary by HSNMB staff for specific pets.

An animal I'm interested in has no photos. Can you send me some?

HSNMB relies on our volunteers to take photos for us and we post them as soon as we are able to, usually within a few days of the animal coming available for adoption. Highly adoptable animals are frequently adopted before any photos are posted so interested adopters are discouraged from waiting for a photo to come meet any animal they are interested in adopting.

Can you tell me this animal’s history?

HSNMB will share whatever information is available about an animal’s previous home(s) during the adoption process, but we rarely know their entire history. Just because an animal was reported to be housebroken and get along with children in the last home, doesn’t necessarily mean they will act the same in their new home. Adopters should be prepared to do some house-training with any animal adopted from us. Children and other dogs living even part time in the home are encouraged to meet the dog prior to adoption to help determine compatibility.

Can you alert me when the type of animal I’m looking for comes available?

Interested adopters are encouraged to check HSNMB’s website frequently for an updated list of available animals. We do not currently have a system to alert a potential adopter when a specific breed/type of animal becomes available.