Questions About The Humane Society of Rome | Questions About Animals | Questions About Donating
Questions About The Humane Society of Rome, New York, Inc.
Does the County or the City of Rome run the Humane Society?
No, the Humane Society of Rome, New York, Inc. is a private, 501(c)(3) corporation. We work with the Rome Animal Control Officer as well as several other public and private animal-related organizations throughout the area.
How long has the Humane Society of Rome, New York, Inc. operated?
We have been serving the communities of the Mohawk Valley region since 1956 and have adopted animals throughout the United States.
Where does the Humane Society get its financial support?
The Humane Society of Rome, New York, Inc. is a private, 501(c)(3) corporation supported through private donations, fundraising events and grants. We receive small fees from local towns for accepting and caring for stray dogs. Often our costs in caring for these dogs far exceed any payments. We receive no fees for stray cats.
How long do you keep animals at the Shelter?
Our goal is to get every animal at our Shelter adopted. Therefore, we hold on to them as long as they are healthy and adoptable. Some animals have been with us for close to a year. We would like to see all of our animals leave as quickly as possible but sometimes it is a long, slow process.
If I lose my pet, can I call the Humane Society?
Yes. We hold all animals when they first come into the Shelter. If you’ve lost your pet, please call us at (315) 336-7070. If you live in Rome you should also call Rome Dog Control at (315) 337-6260. For the listings of other Dog Control Officers please visit our Contact Us page.
Does the Humane Society euthanize animals?
The Humane Society of Rome was pleased to be recognized for achieving “no kill” status by the Best Friends Animal Society. The plaque is proudly displayed at the shelter. Please go to the Best Friends website at https://bestfriends.org/ to learn more about this important milestone and what it means for the cats and dogs that end up at the Humane Society of Rome.
Where is the Shelter located?
We are located at 6247 Lamphear Road, Rome, NY 13440.
How can I get in touch with you?
Shelter: 315-336-7070
Fax Number: 315-336-4918
Email Address: [email protected]
What are the hours for the Humane Society?
Tuesday through Saturday 11AM-4:30PM
Closed on Sunday and Monday
Questions About Animals
How can I adopt a pet from the Humane Society of Rome, New York?
We are open to the public from 11AM-5PM Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday from 11AM-3PM, and closed Monday. If you see an animal that interests you, the next step is for you to fill out an Adoption Application. Before the adoption is finalized, we encourage you to bring all of the family members who will be living with the pet to our Shelter. If you have other pets, especially dogs, we often encourage you to bring them also so that you can see how your pet interacts with the new animal. Once you have completed the paperwork our staff will talk with you and your family. The Humane Society reserves the right to hold the animal while we check information provided on your application. Our first responsibility is to the animals in our care. We want to find a good home for them and help you get the right pet for your lifestyle.
What does it cost to adopt a pet?
Please click on Adoptions in the Navigation list at the right of the page to see details on the cost of adoptions as well as discounts that may apply.
How do I know what type of animal is right for me?
Talk to our staff. They are trained to help you through the adoption process. If we don’t think an animal will be right for you or your lifestyle, we’ll let you know.
How do I relinquish an animal to the Humane Society?
If the animal is a stray cat and you live in Rome, please call first to see if we have the space. If we do, you can bring the animal to us. You will need to fill out some paperwork. We ask that you also make a monetary donation to help defray the cost of caring for this animal. For a stray dogs you should first contact the Dog Control Officer 337-6260 and then our shelter.
If you are surrendering your pet, we work on a first come, first serve basis. Please call ahead, we have limited space. Owners are sometimes placed on a waiting list. We ask that you bring any health records along with the animal’s personal items. A suggested donation of at least $25.00 is requested.
Can the Humane Society provide veterinary services for my pets?
No, we don’t have a veterinarian on staff. We can provide you with a list of local veterinarians. If you adopt an animal from us, you will also receive a discount on your first visit from a list we provide to you. This is a list from the local veterinarians association – not us.
Does the Humane Society ever get purebred animals?
Yes. You would be surprised at some of the animals that come through our doors. We do not encourage people to adopt simply because an animal is a purebred but the reality is, we do adopt purebred animals out of the Rome Shelter.
What do I do about a stray cat or dog in my neighborhood?
Your initial step may be trying to find the owner. Sometimes an animal has tags. If you do check for tags, please approach the animal with care. You can check in your neighborhood by going door to door. Other options include calling local vet clinics with a description to see if it matches any of their cases. Because we have limited funding and staff, we don’t go into the community to pick up stray animals. It is best to call the local Police or the Animal Control Officer if the stray is a dog.
What do I do about a dead animal on my property or if I find a badly injured animal in my neighborhood?
Call the Police or the county Department of Sanitation to pick up a dead animal. If the animal is a cat that is badly injured, you can contact us at 336-7070. For a dog please call the Dog Control Officer or the Police.
Questions About Donating
I’d like to support the work the Humane Society of Rome, New York does. What can I do?
There are many ways you can help us. Please visit How Can I Help for more information.
Are my contributions tax-deductible?
Yes. The Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. You can receive a letter that serves as your receipt for tax purposes.
How do I make a donation in honor or memory of someone?
Whether you want to mark a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, honor a life be it human or animal, or remember a passing, you can do so by making a donation. We have special envelopes for this purpose. You can also call us directly at (315) 336-7070 or stop down to the Rome Shelter with your donation. All donations given In Honor of or In Memory of are featured in our quarterly newsletter. If you desire, we will also send a letter to the family acknowledging your kind gesture.
How do I leave a bequest to the Humane Society of Rome, New York?
There are several ways to make the Humane Society of Rome, New York, Inc. a part of your legacy. It is best that you discuss your options with your financial advisor.
Does the Humane Society of Rome, New York accept matching gifts?
Yes. Please let us know that your company is offering a matching gift so we can complete any forms or paperwork that may be necessary.
Can I request that my donation be spent for a specific purpose?
Yes. If you tell us that you want your donation spent specifically for something, we will honor that request.