Frequently Asked Questions

Our adoption process is designed to ensure the best match between you and your new pet:

1. Visit & Apply: Come by our shelter, meet our animals, and fill out an adoption application
2. Review Guidelines: Understand our adoption requirements and the 3-3-3 Rule for pet adjustment
3. Pay Adoption Fee: Complete the adoption with payment of fees
4. Take Your Pet Home: Upon approval, you can take your new friend home!

• All adopted dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered (if too young, you agree to return for the procedure)
• Renters must provide landlord permission documentation
• If you can no longer care for the pet, you must return it to GJAS (cannot be given away or sold)
• You must provide humane care including adequate water, food, shelter, sanitation, exercise, and veterinary care
• We make no guarantees about the animal's health or temperament

This program offers free adoptions to qualifying service members and first responders to honor their service to our country and community.

Eligible groups include:

• Military personnel (current or retired)
• Firefighters
• Nurses
• EMT/Paramedics
• Law Enforcement
• All First Responders

Approved adopters must present proof of service to qualify for the waived adoption fee.

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life! Here's how to get started:

1. Visit our shelter during business hours
2. Speak with our staff about available opportunities
3. Complete any required orientation or training
4. Start making a difference in the lives of our animals!

Yes! We provide community service opportunities for individuals who need to fulfill service requirements.

Available for:

• Court-ordered community service
• School service requirements
• Organization service projects
• General community involvement

Contact us to discuss your specific needs and how we can help you fulfill your service requirements.

Yes! We provide safe and meaningful volunteer opportunities for youth to learn compassion, responsibility, and the importance of animal welfare.

Our youth volunteer program offers age-appropriate activities that teach young people about animal care while making a real difference in the lives of our animals.

All youth volunteers work under supervision and participate in activities that build empathy and understanding.

Yes! Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

The 3-3-3 Rule is a timeline that helps you understand what to expect when bringing home a newly adopted pet:

We're here to support you and your new pet! While we cannot provide ongoing veterinary or training services, we can help with:

• General questions about pet care
• Behavioral concerns and adjustment issues
• Referrals to local veterinarians and trainers
• Information about local pet services
• Support during the adjustment period

Contact us at 979-966-0021 or visit our Pet Services Directory for local resources.

If you find yourself unable to care for your adopted pet, please contact us immediately. As part of our adoption agreement:

• You must return the pet to GJAS
• You cannot give the pet away or sell it
• We will work with you to find the best solution
• There is no shame in returning a pet - we understand circumstances change

Call us at 979-966-0021 to discuss your situation.

We've compiled a comprehensive directory of local pet services in Fayette County to help you care for your adopted pet:

The Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter serves Fayette County, Texas, providing care and shelter for abandoned, neglected, stray dogs and cats while working to find them loving forever homes.

We are committed to:

• Providing compassionate care for all animals
• Finding loving forever homes
• Promoting responsible pet ownership
• Supporting our community through education and outreach
• Maintaining our 97% live release rate

Follow us on social media and check our website regularly:

Visit our Events page for upcoming activities and fundraisers.