Unidentified Speaker opened discussion on a combined feline/canine adoption agreement and a separate return policy, saying the draft will be reviewed and approved by the state's attorney.

Why it matters: The committee is rewriting adoption procedures and fees to reduce impulsive returns and prevent the shelter from becoming a dumping ground, while preserving pathways for legitimate returns and foster arrangements.

Committee members debated several specifics. The draft that was read aloud listed an adoptable dog fee of $200 for residents and an adoptable elderly dog or cat fee of $500; it also included a line described in the transcript as "An unadoptable dog, cat by a resident per animal is $3.50." The chair said those fees had been set "high" previously to avoid becoming a dumping ground. Members agreed the draft contained confusing or inconsistent numbers and requested review by the state's attorney before final adoption.

Members emphasized a trial period before charging a return fee. One member proposed a structured process that begins with a period of supervised interaction and a documented 7-day trial, after which a return would be treated as a surrender and subject to the standard surrender fee. As described in the meeting, a staff member said: "We can just put that at the bottom of the adoption contract that says you've had a 1 week trial. You take the dog. If you decide to return it, you will pay a standard return fee." The committee discussed 3- to 7-day decompression windows and whether a deterrent fee of $50 to $100 was appropriate once the trial period ends.

Operational items tied to the policy were also discussed: whether return fees should vary by adopter county (members leaned toward a single standard fee), how to document the adoption and trial workflow, and the need for written procedures so staff and volunteers have clear guidance. Several members urged the administrator or responsible staff to draft a full adoption form and step-by-step process for presentation at the next meeting.

Next steps: The committee left adoption, returns and foster-care contracts on the agenda for the February meeting, directed staff to prepare clearer forms and fee language, and asked for review by the state's attorney before any fees or policies are finalized.