Surrendering a pet can be a difficult decision, but it is sometimes necessary for the well-being of the animal and the family. If you are considering surrendering your pet, there are a few things you should know.

Where to Surrender a Pet

Local Animal Shelters

Local animal shelters are often the first place people think of when they need to surrender a pet. Shelters provide a safe and temporary home for animals until they can be adopted into new homes. However, it is important to note that shelters are often overcrowded and understaffed, so it is important to be prepared for a long wait before your pet is adopted.

1. Do your research. Before you surrender your pet to a local animal shelter, it is important to do your research and find a shelter that is reputable and has a good adoption rate. You can ask your veterinarian for recommendations or check online for reviews of local shelters.

2. Prepare your pet for surrender. Once you have chosen a shelter, you will need to prepare your pet for surrender. This includes getting your pet up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming, and providing the shelter with a medical history for your pet.

3. Surrender your pet. When you are ready to surrender your pet, you will need to bring your pet to the shelter in person. Be prepared to answer questions about your pet's history and behavior, and to sign a surrender form.

Humane Societies

Humane societies are another option for surrendering a pet. Humane societies are non-profit organizations that provide a variety of services to animals, including adoption, spay and neuter services, and education. Humane societies are often better equipped to care for animals than local animal shelters, and they typically have a higher adoption rate.

1. Do your research. Before you surrender your pet to a humane society, it is important to do your research and find a society that is reputable and has a good adoption rate. You can ask your veterinarian for recommendations or check online for reviews of local humane societies.

2. Prepare your pet for surrender. Once you have chosen a humane society, you will need to prepare your pet for surrender. This includes getting your pet up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming, and providing the society with a medical history for your pet.

3. Surrender your pet. When you are ready to surrender your pet, you will need to bring your pet to the society in person. Be prepared to answer questions about your pet's history and behavior, and to sign a surrender form.

Rescue Organizations

Rescue organizations are another option for surrendering a pet. Rescue organizations are non-profit organizations that specialize in rescuing animals from shelters and other situations where they are at risk. Rescue organizations typically have a specific focus, such as a particular breed of dog or cat, or animals with special needs. Rescue organizations are often able to provide more personalized care for animals than local animal shelters or humane societies.

1. Do your research. Before you surrender your pet to a rescue organization, it is important to do your research and find an organization that is reputable and has a good adoption rate. You can ask your veterinarian for recommendations or check online for reviews of local rescue organizations.

2. Prepare your pet for surrender. Once you have chosen a rescue organization, you will need to prepare your pet for surrender. This includes getting your pet up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming, and providing the organization with a medical history for your pet.

3. Surrender your pet. When you are ready to surrender your pet, you will need to bring your pet to the organization in person. Be prepared to answer questions about your pet's history and behavior, and to sign a surrender form.