The Humane Society of Hall County will begin taking applications Friday from people wishing to adopt dogs seized from a Cumming "puppy mill" in early March.

"We’ve had such a huge volume of calls about these dogs, so we’re setting up procedures to try to keep things from getting out of hand," humane society president Rick Aiken said.

Potential adopters must be at least 18 years old, and they each may apply for only one dog. Because of limited space, applicants are asked not to bring other people along with them.

People can start lining up Friday morning at the humane society adoption center on West Ridge Road.

Aiken said there will be as many as 55 dogs available, depending on their health. A few are still undergoing medical treatment and may not be ready for adoption yet.

Applicants must fill out a questionnaire, present a photo ID, and pay a $50 deposit by cash or check. The deposit will be applied to the adoption fee.

Each person who applies will be given an appointment time between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday based on their number. If they fail to show up, they forfeit their deposit.

Each applicant will have one hour to view the dogs and make a selection. If they do not see a dog they want, their deposit will be refunded. If they choose a dog, they will pay an additional $150 on top of their deposit, payable by cash, check or credit card.

Aiken said adopters should understand what they’re getting into.

"These are high-maintenance dogs," he said. "Some have health problems that will require treatment. Some will need regular grooming. We will be as up-front as possible to people about the health issues that each dog has."

Aiken said that these dogs will need to live indoors, because they are all small breeds such as Yorkies, poodles, Chihuahuas and dachshunds.

Aiken said the humane society felt it was necessary to set up strict adoption procedures because other metro Atlanta humane shelters have experienced chaotic situations when they put dogs seized from puppy mills up for adoption.

For more information, call the humane society at 770-532-6617.