It is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and one organization in Jefferson helps individuals and families fulfill that need.

Board President of the People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Greene County Ann Wenthold says there are several dogs at the Community Animal Shelter in Jefferson. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio the adoption process begins with a meet and greet with the potential owners and the canine, which she makes this suggestion as a way to test out right away if a dog is going to be a good fit in a home.

“If you have another pet you could bring that pet along as well (and) see how that goes. Because that’s probably the most important thing is the animals get along with each other.”

Wenthold continues that the potential owners will also need to fill out an adoption questionnaire as she explains why they have people go through this step.

“And that allows PAWS to just check over your home situation and we do a vet reference check, and a personal reference check. To kind of check out and make sure that the person potentially adopting is the right fit for that animal.”

Wenthold says a PAWS member meets with you and there is a trial visit with a goodie bag for the dog to go home with you, and you also pay a fee that is all held for up to two weeks. Once that is over, the microchip for the canine is registered to the new individual or family and the adoption is finalized. She adds that most dogs that are at the Community Animal Shelter are either from law enforcement or a good samaritan that picked them up within Greene County and brought them to the facility. 

Wenthold suggests looking at their website, Facebook page and petfinder.com for the available dogs to adopt from the animal shelter. She adds to schedule an appointment by calling 515-386-2340 or come during their open hours on Saturdays from noon-3pm.