FAQs

There are currently no appointments required to come in and take a look at our animals. However, if the COVID-19 situation worsens, appointments may be required in the future. These updates will be here on our website and on social media if they occur, so make sure you follow us!

We recommend bringing everyone that lives in your home to come and adopt so we can ensure your new animal gets along with everyone. If you have other pets in the home already, please bring all vet records with you as this will speed up your adoption process.

​If you have other pets in the home, please bring all vet records when you come in to adopt a new animal. For dogs, a minimum of one meet & greet is required. We will recommend meet & greets between cats and dogs on a case by case basis.

In order to adopt, you must be 18 years old.

We understand that sometimes it's just not a good fit. Returns are by appointment only and must be scheduled through our intake coordinator. Learn more about surrenders and returns.

Foster to adopt is done on a case by case basis. You'll need to talk about your options with staff when you visit the shelter. Please note that fostering to adopt at GCHS is typically only done with special circumstance cases and is not guaranteed.

Have a question that hasn't been answered here? The best way to get more information is by calling us at 361-225-0845​. We are open 7 days a week from 11am-6pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm-5pm on Sunday. Our front office staff will be more than happy to assist you!

We accept any unopened dog or cat food. It can be any brand, size, or type. We use food donations to stock our outreach pantry - this allows us to provide food to families with pets who are in need. This is especially important now due to COVID-19. For safety and sanitary reasons, we are unable to accept opened bags of food or food in unmarked bags (such as Ziplocks, trash bags, or plastic shopping bags).

You can bring donations to our location (3118 Cabaniss Parkway) during our regular business hours. There is a donation bin right inside the front door for drop-offs. If you'd like to donate larger items, please email fundraising@gchscc.org. If we decide to accept the donation, we may be able to schedule a pick-up.

Of course! When filling out the donation form, leave the name and address (or email) of the recipient as well as the person that the gift is in honor of and any other pertinent details. You will also receive correspondence as a record of your gift.

Most donations go towards our annual fund - this fund is used for the regular expenses that allow us to stay open and continue our mission. Occasionally, we will request donations for specific causes (intensive surgeries, heartworm treatments, facility improvements, etc). If you donate to one of these campaigns, 100% of your donation will be used for that cause.

We DO NOT accept bed sheets, pillows, chair/couch cushions, opened or expired food and treats, rawhide or similar treats/chews, stuffed pet beds, litter boxes or litter scoopers, E-collars, shock collars, or prong collars, and retractable leashes.

If you would like to designate your gift to a specific cause please email the PR, Marketing, & Fundraising Manager, Jackie McCollough, at fundraising@gchscc.org to discuss your interests.

That's great to hear! Planned giving makes a significant impact in the longevity of our organization. We always recommend sitting down with your attorney or financial planner but feel free to reach out to us to discuss how your legacy gift will benefit GCHS. Learn more about planned giving.

For more information on donations, please contact PR, Marketing, & Fundraising Manager, Jackie McCollough, at fundraising@gchscc.org.

All volunteers must be at least 9 years of age. Volunteers age 9 to 12 must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Volunteers 12-13 must be accompanied by a parent for 15 hours before volunteering independently. Volunteers aged 14 and up can volunteer independently.

We do allow groups to volunteer together, but you must email volunteer@gchscc.org to confirm. We can only accommodate groups of 10 or less. Whether it's one-time or recurring, we can help create a group volunteer program that's right for you.

We use a system called VolunteerBuddy for our online scheduling. You will receive information on how to use this system during your training. For a refresher, click here to view the tutorial video.

Because we only foster out babies and other special case animals, we are not able to grant requests. However, when an opportunity to foster arises, you can decide if that is an animal you are interested in fostering or not. Exceptions can be made during Home for the Pawlidays but will require the approval of the Volunteer Coordinator and other applicable staff.

We provide everything you will need to foster when you come to pick up the animal. For dogs, this usually includes a travel crate, a kennel, puppy pads, food, bowls, a lead/leash, blankets, and toys. For cats, you will typically receive a travel crate, food, bowls, and toys. Applicable medications will also be included. The Volunteer Coordinator will ensure you have everything you need so be sure to communicate if you run out of food or need anything additional.

Fostering and volunteering are the primary ways to get involved with our organization but we are always open to new ideas! Please contact volunteer@gchscc.org to see what other options may be available.

For all other questions, please email volunteer@gchscc.org.