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FAQs
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What do I do if it's not working out with my new pet?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.
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What do I need to bring with me to adopt?We recommend bringing everyone that lives in your home to come and adopt so we can ensure your new animal gets along with everyone!
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Are appointments required to come in?No, appointments are not required to come in and take a look at our animals or adopt!
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What's the best way to find out more information?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!
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How old do I need to be to adopt?In order to adopt, you must be 18 years old.
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Can I foster an animal first before adopting?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.
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What if I already have other pets in the home?Please mention other pets in your household when talking to our adoption counselors. A meet & greet with a potential dog is recommended with your current dog in the home but not required.
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Can I designate my gift for a specific purpose?If you would like to designate your gift to a specific cause please email fundraising@gchscc.org to discuss your interests.
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What donations are not accepted?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.
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I have another question that isn't answered here.For more information on donations, please contact fundraising@gchscc.org.
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If I make a gift in honor of someone else, can you send an acknowledgement to their family?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.
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I'm interested in including GCHS in my estate planning, how do I get started?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.
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How can I bring in items for donation?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.
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What are donations used for?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.
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What kind of food donations do you accept?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).
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I have a different question.For all other questions, please email volunteer@gchscc.org.
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How old do I have to be to volunteer?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.
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How do I sign up for volunteer shifts?We use a system called Better Impact for our online scheduling. You will receive information on how to use this system when you sign up. For more information please email volunteer@gchscc.org
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Can I choose the animal I want to foster?Because we typically only foster out bottle babies and other special case animals, we are not able to guarantee a grant request. However, when an opportunity to foster arises, you can decide if that is an animal you are interested in fostering or not. For more information please email volunteer@gchscc.org
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What will be provided when I bring an animal home to foster?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.
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Can I volunteer with a group?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.
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Are there any other ways I can get involved?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.
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What is included in my registration fee?Your registration includes guided behind-the-scenes access, lunch, and specialized activities between the hours of 9:00 AM-3:00 PM each day.
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What will my child be doing throughout Camp Happy Tails?Each camp theme will have its own unique schedule for each day. This day may include animal socialization and interactions, arts and crafts, guest speakers, service projects and more. Activities may vary by session and schedules are subject to change. All campers will have a lunch break. For the safety of your child and our pets, no participant will be permitted to handle any pet while attending the program. Any animal interaction will be led by and under the supervision of a GCHS staff member. It should be noted that while this program takes place at the Gulf Coast Humane Society, your child should not expect to spend the entire day working with pets.
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How do I registrar?Registration for Camp Happy Tails is now open. All registration and payment is handled online. To register, please see above. Please contact our Outreach and Education Specialist, Diamond by emailing education@gchscc.org or call (361) 225-0845 ext. 100 if you have any questions.
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How do I know my registration was successful?You will receive an automated confirmation email once your completed application forms and payment are received. If you do not receive confirmation within 5 business days of submitting paperwork and payment, please contact education@gchscc.org or (361) 2250-845 ext.
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RehomingRescues United 361 Facebook Page Lost and Found Pets Corpus Christi 361 Pets Rehoming P.A.S.S. Facebook Page Adopt-A-Pet
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Low-Cost Vet ServicesSTAR Mobile Clinic PAAC Low Cost Clinic Peewees The Cattery
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Behavior ResourcesAustin Pets Alive! Dog Behavior Videos Petfinder: New Cat Petfinder: New Dog Animal Sense: Basic Training Facebook Group Petcademy (Free 30 days of unlimited questions Socializing Cats Guide Various Cat Resources
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Food ServicesGCHS Food Pantry PAAC Food Pantry St. Patrick Catholic Church Corpus Christi Helping Hand to Dignity Coastal Bend Food Bank
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