Tri-Lakes Humane Society

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most frequently asked questions answered by our staff:

1) I don't want my dog/cat anymore, will you take it?

The first thing we try to determine is why don't you want your pet any longer. In the case of dogs and puppies, all the reasons usually come under four main categories:

• Housebreaking problems.
• Behavior problems.
• Lack of exercise and lack of training.
• Moving

All the above problems have solutions other than surrendering your pet to an animal shelter.

We have trained staff who would be able to discuss your situation with you. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you may be able to solve the problems with our assistance. We have a lot of information and pamphlets on behavior issues that we provide to the public. We also have contacts through the High Peaks Dog Training Club here in Saranac Lake. You are also welcome to visit us during our business hours for some hands on examples of training techniques, suggestions on feeding times, crate training, and other basic care. We also have information for feline issues that arise, so please contact us.

If you are moving, look in the yellow pages under "N" for Newspapers and try to call them all. Most papers will advertise pet placements for free. The more papers you advertise in, the greater chance you will have in placing your pet. Most animal placement ads get a quick response from the public. Your local cable access channel may also run free ads for placing pets. If you are located in the Tri-Lakes area, we have contact information available for placing ads.

2) What can I do about stray and nuisance animals?

Each town has a Dog or Animal Control Officer. This person will address all stray animal problems. You can call your Town Clerk or Town Supervisor for the DCO/ACO in your town. If you live in the Saranac Lake area, our Shelter Manager/Dog Control Officer can be reached through the Tri-Lakes Humane Society at 891-0017. If you have a nuisance wild animal, please contact NYSDEC.

3) Who do I call if I wish to report animal cruelty?

Depending on your location, your local Police Department will be able to handle animal complaints and concerns. If you are not certain if the situation is a cruelty case, you can contact us and speak to our Shelter Manager and she still try to assist you. Otherwise, contact the State or Local police.

4) My pet is sick or injured, what do I do?

PLEASE CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN. We are NOT an animal hospital and we do NOT have a licensed veterinarian on staff. We can provide you with a list of local vets in the Saranac Lake area upon request.

Your pet should be seen at least once a year by a veterinarian, even if they appear to be healthy. Ask your veterinarian to help you set up a schedule for checkups, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations and checkups for external and internal parasites. Your veterinarian will also help you with the proper nutrition for your pet according to the age, sex, spay/neuter status, and activity levels. If you are in a situation where you cannot afford veterinary care, please contact us and we can direct you to organizations that can help.  

5) I have found/lost a pet, what do I do?

We keep a record of all reported lost and found pets. You should report your lost pet to us as soon as possible. If your pet is microchipped, you should also contact the company registration to report it. In the case of dogs, your dog control officer should be notified. A found dog should be turned over to your DCO or local animal shelter. Stray dogs have very clear laws concerning them. The dog laws for the state of New York can be obtained from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Albany N.Y. Keeping the found dog is actually in violation of these laws. By turning the stray dog over, you can then legally adopt the dog after it has been housed the legal waiting time required. Unfortunately, most stray animals do not have license tags, microchips, rabies vaccination tags or ID tags. If you decide to keep the animal, there is no way of knowing if the animal is healthy and vaccinated, and this puts yourself, your pets and anyone living in your household at risk. Also, if you choose to keep a found pet in your home without reporting it, we will never have the chance to reunite the animal with their rightful owner. Most local newspapers offer free ads for lost or found pets, as does local cable access channels. But your best choice is to report it directly to your local shelter.

Check out our Lost Pet page for more helpful information.

6) I want to adopt a pet from you, what is the adoption fee and process?

We have our Adoption Fees and Policies listed on our website. Follow this link.

If you have other questions, or would like more information, please contact us at 518-891-0017. You may also contact us by e-mail at tlhsny@hotmail.com. We are here to help you with animal questions and issues.