1. Where are you located? Where can I see your pets?

The Animal Humane Association of Star Valley (“AHA-SV”) has no shelter facility. All of our adoptable cats and dogs reside in foster homes throughout Star Valley. Potential adopters will be contacted by the fosterer of the pet in which they are interested, and an appointment arranged to meet the pet at its foster home, or at some place convenient to the fosterer and adopter.

Once a month, AHA-SV holds an Adoption Fair where most of our pets are in one place. These are usually held on the second Saturday of every month at the Alpine Civic Center. Adoption Fairs are occasionally held elsewhere in the Valley. Check the Calendar on our web site, look for our ads in the Star Valley Independent, listen for Adoption Fair announcements on KRSV radio (98.7 FM) or watch for our flyers which are posted throughout the Valley and in Jackson.

2. Are your adoptable pets checked by a veterinarian?

Yes! Every single one of our pets has been to the veterinarian. They are all spayed or neutered and current on their vaccinations. Sometimes, they need to be checked for illness - if they are sick, they are treated until they are completely well. All adopters will be given copies of the pet’s medical records.

3. What are your adoption fees?

The Animal Humane Association of Star Valley has no set adoption fees - we do not “sell” pets. We ask for a donation. Because AHA-SV is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your donation should be tax deductible. Ideally, a donation will cover the pet’s veterinary expenses. Pets are fostered at the foster family’s expense, so anything over the vet costs goes to help with other expenses like those incurred by the fosterer for food, toys, kitty litter etc.

Throughout the year, AHA-SV has fundraisers at which we attempt to earn enough money to make up the difference between adoption donations and veterinary expenses. If you live in Star Valley, Western Wyoming, Eastern Idaho or Northern Utah, please patronize our events and donate what you can.

4. Will you destroy the pet if it isn’t adopted?

NO! Pets stay with their foster families until they are adopted. If a pet becomes terminally ill, it will be treated until it can’t be treated any more.

5. I live out of state - will you fly a pet to me?

AHA-SV will not put a pet on a commercial airliner. All fosterers are willing to meet adopters at a mutually convenient place. We have adopted pets all over the country - usually a way can be found, although everybody's timing must be flexible. AHA is comprised exclusively of volunteers. If a long drive to deliver your pet is involved, reimbursement for fuel is appreciated.

6. What if my adoption does not work out?

If your new pet is not the perfect fit for you or your family, AHA-SV will take the pet back. If you think there might be trouble, call us before the problem becomes too much to handle - often we can give you some tips for addressing a small problem before it gets to be a big problem. Our return policy is “no questions asked” but if you can give us an idea of the problem, it will help us find a better fit for the pet next time. Our goal is to find the perfect home for the pet the first time. It is in our best interest, your best interest and the best interest of the pet that all efforts are made to assure a good family/pet match.

7. What is your adoption procedure?

First, contact us by e-mail or telephone about a specific pet. Even if you are not sure which of our pets is right for you, tell us about yourself and what you think you would like in a pet. You will be contacted either by the foster family of the pet you are interested in, or by someone in AHA-SV who will tell you what we have available. We will chat with you to determine if the potential adoption would be a good fit. For example, if we have a dog whom we know to be a wanderer and you have no fenced yard, we would ask you to consider another dog that does not need a fenced yard.

Then, we will ask you to complete our Adoption Questionnaire, which is available on this web site. We will check your veterinarian’s reference. In the event of an out-of-area adoption, we might ask a shelter in your area to conduct a home visit for us. If there is anything on your Questionnaire that prompts additional questions, we will call you or send you an e-mail.

When the adoption is approved, we will ask you to sign the Adoption Agreement, also found at this site. You will receive a copy of the Agreement which will also serve as your charitable contribution receipt.

8. How can I make a donation to AHA-SV?

All donations are very much appreciated. We are still raising funds to build our shelter, so please tell us if you want your donation to go into our Building Fund or to our Operating Fund, which will help us meet our monthly bills.

You may fill out a form and use your credit card from our website (See “Donate”).  AHA-SV does pay a small service fee for credit card donations. Or, you can simply send your check to The Animal Humane Association of Star Valley (“AHA of SV”) at P.O. Box 654, Thayne, WY 83127.

9. What is your “Adopt-a-Buddy” program?

This is a popular program for people who want to help us but are not in a position to adopt a dog or cat. For a pledge of $25 per month, we will let you pick out a dog or cat, usually one who has slight short term adoption prospects, to sponsor until your Buddy is adopted. If you cannot decide among the pets on our list, we will pick out a Buddy for you. We will send you photographs and regular updates on your Buddy’s activities and progress toward adoptability. We have a few dogs and cats who may not be overly cute, or may be older or may have some health or behavior issues which render them temporarily unadoptable. These pets need Buddies! Call us or e-mail us if you are interested in participating in this program.