Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About The Humane Society of Rome | Questions About Animals | Questions About Donating | Questions About Volunteering

Questions About The Humane Society of Rome

Does the County or the City of Rome run the Humane Society?

No. the Humane Society of Rome is a private, 501(c)(3) corporation. We work with the Rome Animal Control Officer as well as several other public and private animal-related organizations throughout the area.

How long has the Humane Society of Rome operated?

We have been serving the communities of the Mohawk Valley region since 1956. We have adopted animals throughout the United States.

Where does the Humane Society get its financial support?

The Humane Society of Rome is a private, 501(c)(3) corporation supported through private donations, fundraising events and grants. We receive small fees from local towns for accepting and caring for stray dogs. We receive no fees for cats which by far outnumber the dogs. Often our costs in caring for these dogs far exceed any payments. Basically we survive on the generosity of the public. We thank you for your support.

How long do you keep animals at the Shelter?

Our goal is to get every animal at our Shelter adopted. Therefore, we hold on to them as long as they are healthy and adoptable. Some animals have been with us for close to a year. We would like to see all of our animals leave as quickly as possible but sometimes it is a long, slow process.

If I lose my pet, can I call the Humane Society?

Yes. We hold all animals when they first come into the Shelter. If you’ve lost your pet, please call us at (315) 336-7070. If you live in Rome you should also call Rome Dog Control at (315) 337-6260. For the listings of other Dog Control Officers please click on this page in our website.

Does the Humane Society euthanize animals?

It is not our policy or philosophy to euthanize animals unless it is absolutely necessary. It is our responsibility to the public not to adopt dangerous or diseased animals. We work very hard to keep all our animals healthy and to get them adopted. However, if an animal is suffering, very ill, refuses to eat/drink over a prolonged period or is completely unsocial around people and/or other animals, it may be considered for euthanasia. We have a review process. Each decision is carefully evaluated. Once a decision is made, we have trained and certified technicians on staff to ensure the animal doesn’t suffer and passes on peacefully.

Where is the Shelter located?

We are located at 6247 Lamphear Road, Rome, NY 13440.

This road is right off of Rt. 365 between the Correctional Facility and the Rome Vet.

How can I get in touch with you?

You can call the Shelter at: 336-7070

Our office number is: 337-1434

Our fax number is: 336-4918

Our email address is: HumaneSocietyRome@Hotmail.com

What are the hours for the Humane Society?

We are open Tuesday through Saturday 10-4:30PM, Sunday 11-3:00PM, closed Monday.

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Questions About Animals

How can I adopt a pet from the Humane Society of Rome?

We are open to the public from 10:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday from 11:00AM-3:00PM, and closed Monday. If you see an animal that interests you, the next step is for you to fill out an Adoption Application. Before the adoption is finalized, we encourage you to bring all of the family members who will be living with the pet to our Shelter. If you have other pets, especially dogs, we often encourage you to bring them also so that you can see how your pet interacts with the new animal. Once you have completed the paperwork our staff will talk with you and your family. The Humane Society reserves the right to hold the animal while we check information provided on your application. Our first responsibility is to the animals in our care. We want to find a good home for them and help you get the right pet for your lifestyle.

What does it cost to adopt a pet?

Please click on Adoptions in the Navigation list at the right of the page to see details on the cost of adoptions as well as discounts that may apply.If I do not see an animal I like what are my options?

We get in new animals all the time so if you do not see one that seems right for you, please check back with us. You can also fill out a - What I’m looking for in a pet form. We will keep this on file and try to match your requests to a new animal.

How do I know what type of animal is right for me?

Talk to our staff. They are trained to help you through the adoption process. If we don’t think an animal will be right for you or your lifestyle, we’ll let you know.

How do I relinquish an animal to the Humane Society?

If the animal is a stray cat and you live in Rome, please call first to see if we have the space. If we do, you can bring the animal to us. You will need to fill out some paperwork. We ask that you also make a monetary donation to help defray the cost of caring for this animal. For a stray dogs you should first contact the Dog Control Officer 337-6260 and then our shelter.

If you are surrendering your pet, we work on a first come, first serve basis. Please call ahead, we have limited space. Owners are sometimes placed on a waiting list. We ask that you bring any health records along with the animal’s personal items. A suggested donation of at least $25.00 is requested.

Can the Humane Society provide veterinary services for my pets?

No we don’t have a veterinarian on staff. We can provide you with a list of local veterinarians. If you adopt an animal from us, you will also receive a discount on your first visit from a list we provide to you. This is a list from the local veterinarians association – not us.

Does the Humane Society ever get purebred animals?

Yes. You would be surprised at some of the animals that come through our doors. We do not encourage people to adopt simply because an animal is a purebred but the reality is, we do adopt purebred animals out of the Rome Shelter.

What do I do about a stray cat or dog in my neighborhood?

Your initial step may be trying to find the owner. Sometimes an animal has tags. If you do check for tags, please approach the animal with care. You can check in your neighborhood by going door to door. Other options include calling local vet clinics with a description to see if it matches any of their cases. Because we have limited funding and staff, we don’t go into the community to pick up stray animals. It is best to call the local Police or the Animal Control Officer if the stray is a dog.

What do I do about a dead animal on my property or if I find a badly injured animal in my neighborhood?

Call the Police or the county Department of Sanitation to pick up a dead animal. If the animal is a cat that is badly injured, you can contact us at 336-7070. For a dog please call the Dog Control Officer or the Police.

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Questions About Donating

I’d like to support the work the Humane Society of Rome does. What can I do?

There are many ways you can help us. You can send us a monetary donation. All contributions are tax deductible. A monetary donation helps us address our most pressing needs.

You can become a Member of the Humane Society. We have different levels of membership. Click on Membership in the Navigation list at the right of the page for more information.

You can become a Sponsor. Some sponsors help support animals on a month-to-month basis while others agree to pay part or whole adoption costs for a particular animal.

You can donate items or services. We have a “Wish List” and we welcome all donations that are in good condition. You can also call us to pick-up your donation.

Finally, we are always looking for Volunteers. Volunteers support the work we do in many ways.

Are my contributions tax-deductible?

Yes. The Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. You can receive a letter that serves as your receipt for tax purposes.

How do I make a donation in honor or memory of someone?

Whether you want to mark a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, honor a life be it human or animal, or remember a passing, you can do so by making a donation. We have special envelopes for this purpose. You can also call us directly at (315) 336-7070 or stop down to the Rome Shelter with your donation. All donations given In Honor of or In Memory of are featured in our quarterly newsletter. If you desire, we will also send a letter to the family acknowledging your kind gesture.

How do I leave a bequest to the Humane Society of Rome?

There are several ways to make the Humane Society of Rome, Inc. a part of your legacy. In preparing your will, you can:

Leave a gift of a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to the Humane Society of Rome, Inc.; Use appreciated assets for a bequest;
Designate the Humane Society of Rome, Inc. as the beneficiary of your pension plan, IRA or stock portfolio; Designate as the Humane Society of Rome, Inc. beneficiary of a life insurance policy; Discuss with your financial advisor ways to make tax-wise gifts now while still receiving an income.

Does the Humane Society of Rome accept matching gifts?

Yes. Please let us know that your company is offering a matching gift so we can complete any forms or paperwork that may be necessary.

Can I request that my donation be spent for a specific purpose?

Yes. If you tell us that you want your donation spent specifically for something, we will honor that request. We have a General Fund, a Spay/Neuter Fund, and a Medical Fund. If you'd like to contribute to one of these funds, write it in the Memo field of your check. If you do not specify where you'd like your money spent, we will put it where it is most needed at that time.

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Questions About Volunteering

How do I become a volunteer?

It is simple, call us or drop in to the Shelter. We will have you fill out a volunteer application. Once you are approved, you can start.

What do volunteers do?

There are all kinds of opportunities! You can get involved directly at the Shelter or help out in the community. We have a need for volunteers to help us care for our animals at the shelter, community adoption clinics, as Foster Parents, at special events, fund raising or you can suggest an idea to us. You tell us what you would like to do and we’ll find a place for you.

What kind of time commitment is required?

It really depends on the volunteer opportunity you choose. There are some projects available that may not even require you to come to the shelter. You decide how much time as you would like to give us. We are thankful for whatever help you offer.

Do volunteers actually get to handle the dogs and cats?

Sometimes you can have direct contact with the animals if you’d like to. Part of it depends on your level of experience and the animal’s demeanor. Our staff will work with you on techniques and best practices if this is what you would like to do.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

You must be at least 16 years old. The Humane Society requires that any volunteer under the age of 16 have a parent or guardian sign their form and get it notarized. The parent or an adult must supervise the child at all times while at the Shelter.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Please call our Executive Director at (315) 337-1434. Thank you.

 

 

 

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Humane Society Rome • 6247 Lamphear Road • Rome, NY 13440 • Shelter Phone: 315-336-7070 • Office Phone: 315-337-1434 • Fax: 315-336-4918