Our Animal Surrender Policies and Procedures

    A primary service of the Animal Humane Society is the acceptance of homeless, distressed and unwanted animals. We have an open admission policy and accept all animals brought to the shelter provided they have not bitten during the last 10 days.*

    Our five facilities receive more than 36,000 animals each year. The majority of the animals brought to us are dogs and cats, but we do accept other domestic pets such as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, parakeets, hamsters, and gerbils. We also accept farm animals and exotic pets through our work with local animal agencies and rescue organizations to assist these animals in finding a home.

    Before you decide to surrender a pet, we ask that you contact us to discuss placement options and the surrender procedure. The Incoming Animal department at each of our five locations is open from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. Contact the location nearest you by phone or e-mail surrender@animalhumanesociety.org. No appointment is necessary. We are closed on major holidays.

    If you decide to surrender your pet, the staff will interview you to gather the medical and behavior history of the animal. Please take the time to give us as much information as possible and answer all interview questions accurately and honestly. Please also bring current veterinary records to help us evaluate and care for your pet. We request a $40 intake fee for surrendering an animal; $50 for litters. Any additional donation is appreciated as the actual expense to prepare and place a single animal into a new home often adds up to hundreds of dollars.

    Most animals are evaluated for possible placement within the first 24 hours of surrender. Qualified veterinary staff carefully evaluates each animal. This evaluation is based on a variety of factors, foremost of which are the animal's health and temperament. Those animals deemed adoptable are placed in the adoption center to await a new home. We do not impose a time limit on pets in the adoption center.

    Please be aware that by surrendering an animal, you forfeit all rights, title and interest in the animal to Animal Humane Society. Your decision to give up a pet is final and irrevocable. Due to the high volume of animals we receive, we are unable to accept calls or release information regarding the final disposition of animals. We cannot guarantee a home for every animal nor can we guarantee to keep any animal at the shelter for any specific period of time.

We offer the AnSWER (Animal Surrender With Evaluation Report) program for those pet owners who want to be informed of the placement evaluation results and want the option to reclaim the pet if we determine it cannot be offered for adoption. There is a fee for this service. More information is available here.

*Due to state regulations regarding animal bites, we cannot accept animals that have bitten during the previous 10 days. Please contact your local animal control for such cases.