Frequently Asked Questions

How do I surrender a dog or cat?

We admit adoptable cats and dogs from a waiting list. In order to place an animal on our waitlist you must reside in Forsyth County. We are a small facility that can house a maximum of 20 adult cats, 5 medium to large dogs, 1-2 small dogs and 1-2 litter of puppies and kittens. Since we are a “no-kill” adoption center, pets are admitted as pets are adopted. Unfortunately, we have more pets needing homes than there are people wanting to adopt. This means your pet may be on our waiting list for several months or longer before we can accept it. Please give us a call to see if your pet is eligible for evaluation and placement on our waitlist.

How do I qualify for spay and/or neuter assistance?

In order to qualify for free spay/neuter assistance, you must reside in Forsyth County and complete an application in English or an application in Spanish. We look at your annual income and number of human dependents to determine if you qualify. We ask that you come to our adoption center to complete an application, but you may also download one from our website.

My pet is sick or injured. Can I bring it to you?

We do not have a veterinarian on staff; therefore, we can not treat or examine pets here at our adoption center. If you are a low income Forsyth County resident seeking financial assistance for a sick or injured pet that you are or will be responsible for, we may be able to help direct you to a business who can help. Please call us at 336-721-1303.

Do I have to license my pets with the county?

Forsyth County does require both dogs and cats to be licensed. For more information, please contact Animal Control at: (336) 703-2479.

How do I become a foster parent?

We do need foster homes for orphaned kittens and puppies. If you are interested, please stop by the adoption center at 61 Miller St. to complete an application.

How long do animals stay up for adoption?

There is no time limit for how long an animal will stay at the Adoption Center.

I can no longer keep my pet. Can I bring it to the FHS for adoption?

We are a small adoption center and the number of animals in our county that need homes is quite high. If you are a resident of Forsyth County, your adoptable pet may be placed on our wait list. We can not accept animals brought to our door.

What do I do if I lost my pet or if I find a lost animal?

Please read the information on our Lost & Found Pets section of the website for information on what to do if you lose or find a pet. There are several places you can register a lost or found pets.

How can I make a donation in memory of or in honor of a person or pet?

Memorial/Honorarium contributions can be made in person, by mail, over the phone or online. We will need your name, the person or pet’s name and the name/address of the person to whom you would like us to send an acknowledgement. To make an online donation, please click here.

How do I adopt a pet from the FHS? What are the requirements?

Stop by during our business hours to spend some time getting to know our adoptable pets. If you find what you are looking for, you may fill out an application. The application must be completed and turned in at our Adoption Center; the application process typically takes 2-3 business days. Animals at our facility are available for adoption on a first-come, first-serve basis.

My neighbor’s dog is severely malnourished. Who should I contact to report this abuse?

For abuse and neglect issues, please contact the Forsyth County Animal Control at 336-703-2490.

I would like to volunteer. How do I get started? What are some of the things I will be doing?

The very first thing we need you to do is fill out an application. You may stop by the center or download it. We will then contact you regarding a Volunteer Orientation after checking your references. You will need to attend this orientation before you actually begin your volunteer hours. There are many types of volunteer opportunities.

I have some feral cats in my neighborhood I want to trap. Do you have a cat trap I could use?

There is a $60 refundable cash deposit required on our cat trap rentals. This deposit will be refunded if the trap is returned within or on the 5 day period allotted for use. The FHS cannot accept captured feral cats. However, if the cat is tame and socialized, you may place it on our waiting list. For more information about feral cat assistance, please visit the Feral Cat Assistance Program website.

How do I make a donation?

A donation can be made by check or credit card through the mail (61 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, online (click here) by credit card or by phone (336-721-1303, ext. 101). We need to know whether the donation is a memorial or honorarium, whether it is a person or pet, the name and address of the person being honored or the name and address of the family member of the deceased person or honored or deceased pet. If giving by credit card via postal mail, please be sure and include your 16 digit MasterCard or Visa account number, 4 digit expiration date, name on the card and amount of donation.

Does the FHS provide educational opportunities for the community?

Yes, if interested, please call Susan Doran at 336-721-1303, ext. 103, and she would be happy to schedule a time to come out to your school, daycare, place of worship, civic group or neighborhood association. We have programs from 15 minutes to one hour in length and always bring a couple of well-behaved animals with us (unless for some reason the group does not want us to or if the program is taking place in a restaurant, etc. and health department regulations do not permit it). There is no charge for these presentations, however, donations (cash or with list items) are appreciated.

How long has the Humane Society been in Winston-Salem?

The Forsyth Humane Society was founded in 1941 and is the oldest animal welfare organization in our county.