In order to assure the adoption is in the best interests of both the pet and the adopting individual or family, the shelter carefully considers each adoption. Approval of the application and a 24-hour waiting period are required before the pet can be taken home. In addition, adopters must be 21 years of age. Few adoptions are to University students, particularly undergraduates. While the age rule doesn't exclude all students, graduate students are much more likely to be approved, according to Notaro.
Most undergrads still live at home.
Graduate students are more settled and can better provide this stable living environment for dogs and cats. The shelter offers dogs and cats, puppies and kittens, and often has birds, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits for adoption. The smaller animals are considered on an individual basis, so undergraduates can be approved for these adoptions. In all cases, the shelter has to check with the adoption candidate's landlord to make sure that pets are allowed. By adopting pets from the Humane Society, a person is giving a homeless pet a second chance.