08/18/2026
Hopefully this helps clear up the misunderstanding of our posts used to find owners of stray dogs:
A friendly but important reminder about stray animals at our shelter
We love seeing people excited about giving an animal a home. However, after the overwhelming response to the Golden Retriever recently brought to our shelter, we need to clarify how the process works.
When we post a photo stating that we are LOOKING FOR AN OWNER, that animal is not available for adoption.
Under Iowa law, we are required to hold a stray animal for the required period to allow its owner the opportunity to reclaim it. During that time, no one can “claim,” reserve, pick up, or adopt the animal simply because they saw its photo and would like to have it.
In this case, the Golden Retriever's owner contacted us, provided proof of ownership and proof of a current rabies vaccination, and the dog has gone home. That is exactly what a “looking for owner” post is intended to accomplish.
If an animal is not reclaimed after the required 7-day period, that still does not mean the animal is immediately available to take home.
Before an unclaimed animal can be placed for adoption, we must complete our normal intake and adoption process. Depending on the animal, that may include:
• Veterinary examination and current vaccinations
• Scheduling veterinary appointments based on availability
• Spay/neuter if the animal is not already altered
• Microchipping
• A minimum healing period following surgery
• Completing and approving an adoption application
This process can take a minimum of two weeks and sometimes longer. Once an animal is actually available for adoption, we will clearly state that in our post and provide the information needed to apply.
Please also understand that submitting an adoption application does not guarantee an animal, and an application for an animal that has not been placed for adoption does not reserve that animal.
We also need to ask that shelter staff's personal time and privacy be respected. Please do not call staff at home, contact them personally after hours, approach them in public regarding an animal, or arrive at the shelter expecting to pick up an animal that has not been placed for adoption. Shelter business should be conducted through the shelter during normal business hours.
We appreciate how much our community cares about animals. That enthusiasm is wonderful when directed toward the many animals who are actually available for adoption. ❤️
Please watch our page for animals officially posted as available, and remember:
“Looking for owner” means we are looking for the animal's owner.
“Available for adoption” means we are accepting applications.
Those are two very different posts and two very different stages of our process.
Thank you for helping us follow the law, follow our established policies, and give every animal—and every owner—a fair process.
