CA: Haven Humane Society changes adoption policy for dogs with heartworm

Haven Humane Society has had a change of heart - and policy - for adoption of dogs infected with heartworm.

By Dylan Darling
Posted February 6, 2010 at midnight

Redding's main animal shelter now will allow people to take home a dog with heartworm as long as they commit to covering the costs for the animal's treatment, said Ray John, president and CEO at Haven. The treatment can cost as much as $1,000.

"If they are willing to pay for its total recovery, we will adopt it out," he said.

Haven officials made the change last month, John said.

The shelter's old policy drew criticism in November when a Redding woman complained that the dog she wanted to adopt was killed after it tested positive for heartworm.

John, who has been in charge of Haven for 18 months, said the policy was an effort to adopt out only healthy dogs.

"We are in the business of getting healthy dogs out of here," said Capt. Lee Anne Smith, who helps manage the shelter as head of Redding Animal Regulation.

The change came after the shelter's board reviewed its adoption rules last month, John said.
Haven Humane Society changes adoption policy for dogs with heartworm

Smith said people who want to adopt a dog will have to be diligent in their treatment, which can take several months and involves keeping the dog away from other dogs.

Under the new policy, John said, someone who wants to adopt a dog that tests positive for heartworm will need to meet with one of Haven's veterinarians who will explain what the treatment entails.

Along with the new adoption policy, John said Haven has launched a fundraising program. Called the "2nd Tuesday Club," the program features a dinner with John the second Tuesday of each month until the end of the year. Those who attend pay the regular price for food at restaurants around Redding and Anderson, but 15 to 20 percent goes to Haven.

The first dinner is Tuesday evening at Mary's Pizza Shack at the Shasta Outlets in Anderson, John said.

The fundraiser actually runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., but customers must present a copy of a flier for their money to go to Haven. For more information, call Haven Humane at 241-5262.

Haven Humane Society

Haven Humane Society changes adoption policy for dogs with heartworm Redding Record Searchlight