Long before you find yourself in the unenviable position of anguishing over returning your dog to the shelter, one hopes that you examined your reasons for wanting to take care of an animal in the first place. We have to have compassion, and do whatever we can to make sure that animal finds a great new home. My mother said she would never do that. Breed *. If so, then you hopefully did the same when you returned it. They pack up their things and take them to a place where they will be fed and at least have a chance of being adopted and finding a new, loving home. Smile through your tears as much as you can, tell him what a good boy he is and how much you love him, and let him go. To schedule an appointment or inquire about surrendering your pet: Fill out the Surrender Inquiry Form Surrender form for cats Surrender form for dogs If you can't use the form, contact the Admissions Coordinator at 863-577-4618, or e-mail surrender@spcaflorida.org. When you give a dog back to the shelter, you are saying that you cannot care for that animal. Either way, bringing a dog home may come as a nasty surprise. Once the stray hold period is over, if no owner comes forward . Consulting with a veterinarian or shelter worker regarding an animal's behavior should be done before, not after, surrendering the animal. Surrender A Dog From time to time, people find that they cannot properly care for their dog, and they need to place him in more capable hands. Before adopting a dog or buying one, check out some pros and cons before doing so in this short video here: This practice is totally okay; dogs dont have the same concept of identity as humans, and as long as youre consistent with what you call him, they will respond within days to any name you care to give. Why do I need to make an appointment to bring in a pet? It was the name he associated with another life, another owner. Its hard to write about it even without crying. As a result, animals deemed untreatable or unhealthy may not be candidates for adoption, and humane euthanasia may be considered in some cases. The payment must be made via cash or card at the time of surrender, no checks will be accepted. This can be heart-breaking for you and traumatic for your dog. They understand and are sympathetic to the need to find the right fit between dog and owner; hence their practice of keeping records of each owners experience with the dog. But what we cant forget is that we dont know the stories behind why each these cats owners surrendered them to the shelter. Keep a copy of the agreement with you, just in case. It's really hard," she says. Its hard to see their sad faces turn happy when you pet them, and then sad again when walk away. But after a while, the original owners may want to take back their surrendered dogs. If you surrender you can be placed on the OIG list which will prevent you from doing anything with healthcare in the future. Stay informed! C.) Must surrender baby within 72 hours . Note: This form is most successful when completed from a desktop or laptop computer. A case in point was the Retriever Blue above. I'd managed to convince my husband, a "one-bite-and-you're-out" kinda guy, to give Polar a stay of execution. Most shelters will ask for a relinquishment fee, a fee to help cover the very basic care of your pet. This article has been viewed 37,669 times. For caring, compassionate advice and resources to address all your animal concerns. Last year, more than 94 percent of the animals in our care were placed in homes, reunited with owners, or released to other animal welfare organizations. Read more about surrendering a stray animal before you call. Home Ever After; Surrender; Disaster and Alerts. 22nd St., Des Moines) and enter the green entrance labeled "Pet Help Center" on the north side of the building. Though the experience can be rough to manage, keep in mind that you're making the decision for the welfare of the pet. Last year, more than 93% of the animals in our care were placed in homes, reunited with owners, or released to other animal welfare organizations. For example, if someone has the means and the money and purposely chooses to move to an apartment that does not allow pets, when there are plenty out there that DO allow pets, that isnt something I can bring myself to feel compassion for. While this is a difficult process with which affected dogs must cope, it is certainly better than allowing them to suffer and endure a poor quality of life. As we work to fill open roles, were also making temporaryadjustmentsto our appointment schedulesbased on our current staffingcapacity. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. This information is vital to help the shelter in its re-homing policies. We cant assume everyone who has to give up a pet is a no-good-horrible human being. Because at the end of the day, its all about the animals. To schedule a surrender appointment, call our Pet Helpline at 952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738). Either you didnt do your homework (I didnt know that a visit to the vet costs as much as a visit to my own doctor!), or theyre just careless about being responsible. HSBC asks for a surrender fee to help subsidize this cost: Pet Surrender Fee: $50. A rehomed or surrendered dog may be sad or confused because they are no longer in their old home or with their old family. Even if the dog acts aggressively towards children but does well with older people, the dog should not be rehomed for the simple fact that it is a liability. Elinor responds to as many questions as possible but cannot personally respond to every question. A failed dog adoption is usually not due to the "fault" of the family or the dog, but simply because the match was not a perfect fit. She persisted for a long time with various forms of training, but one day she learnt about someone living on a large rural property, who was looking for a dog like hers. And anyone who broke that promise was just terrible for doing it. Located in Bloomington, MN. The behaviorist was here to determine if Polar deserved this second chance. Provided you have shown a willingness and enthusiasm to help your dog settle into his new surroundings, the shelter folks are not going to think badly of you for giving up on an animal that you cant cope with. We know that sometimes its just not possible to keep a pet. Pets pine for their animal companions, and if one pet in a bonded pack has died, it may be an idea to replace him. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Many rescues/shelters will not return an animal to a person who surrendered the animal (with some exceptions) in part out of concern that whatever caused a person to surrender the animal could happen again. If you gave your dog back to a safe and nurturing caretaker that will ensure they find a great home, you probably did the best you could for them. Giving up a dog does not make a person an unfit pet owner. When shelters run out of kennel space, sometimes even healthy and adoptable dogs are euthanized, which is sad and unfortunate. I absolutely loved her," she says. If you brought your dog back to a shelter that will not euthanize the animal then you should not feel guilty for returning the dog, especially if you provided the shelter with as much information as you could about the dog so they can help find it the best home possible. You may find helpful information in the topics listed below. After a short period of double-barreling the names together, Harry Blue, she dropped the Harry and he responded happily to Blue. Yes, there is much anecdotal evidence that dogs do remember their previous owners. "I think in some cases that's true, but I don't think it's fair to paint everyone with that brush.". There are several factors that are considered in determining if we are able to take in an animal. If we determine your pet cannot become healthy or suitable for placement, and euthanasia is the most humane option, you may reclaim your pet. Ask whatever facility you found to surrender your dog about their specific requirements. Dog Surrender. To ensure the best possible outcome for your pet, please complete the below form thoroughly. Appointments are required. There are, however, precautions you can and should take to prevent this from happening. Every day before work, Ms Dziuma drove out of her way to drop her dog at her mother's house, and at night she had to make sure someone was at her house if she went out. Its really easy to not see the other side, and tell yourself theres no reason in the world youd ever give up your pet. Please use the form below to submit a question to our legal expert, Elinor Molbegott. Read more about surrendering a stray animal before you call. can you change your mind after surrendering a dog. We are unable to accept exotic pets such as reptiles, large birds like cockatoos and amazons, or livestock (chickens, pigs, and goats). You wanted a pet that would become mans best friend, or some variation on that theme. Will there be pain and regret, on both sides? Another possibility is you lied on your application about your circumstances or ability to keep a dog. Brooke Dziuma spoke to me about her unease at deciding to rehome her dog, Charlie. Perhaps the owner was having serious, long-term financial problems. However, many individuals have similar questions. However, many individuals have similar questions. Surrendering Your Pet Once in a while, due to circumstances beyond their control, a pet owner may become unable to care for their pet. However, she says most people she encountered there "weren't just throwing their pets away". In many states in the U.S., dogs and pets are considered to be property, and you have the right to get your property back if you lent it temporarily to another person. If you find a dog within Springfield city limits, please contact Animal Control at (417) 833-3592. The surrender department is open Tuesdays to Saturdays Knowing your limits as a pet owner can give your dog his best chance for a happy life. These societies help arrange foster homes for specific pedigreed dogs and typically have a higher success rate than normal shelters. We have to have a heart and help these people and their pets in their time of great need. Many pet adoption contracts require you to return the pet to the shelter if the adoption doesnt work out. Surrendering a dog means that you are relinquishing ownership of the pet to a shelter or rescue. If you cannot provide proof of current vaccinations, you will be charged for vaccines needed to surrender your dog or cat to the shelter. Animal control facilities, especially in the South are VERY overcrowded. We cannot shame them and make them feel bad for having the strength to admit they can no longer keep their pet, for asking for help, or for sadly realizing they cannot provide a good home anymore. after reading about the rescue one thing kept jumping out at me, "you have to put your own feelings aside and think what is best for your dog". Re-homing your pet yourself has perks for both the pet and former pet parent, but only if it is done responsibly. Mallee took instantly to the regional Victorian property, where she's now lived for over two years with Bill and his wife, their old dog, a bunch of cows, a flowing creek and importantly acres and acres of land. I used to think that it was so simple: When you adopt a pet, you adopt for life. So, don't do it. People who believe their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue to try to get the animal returned BUT people who surrender their animals generally have no further rights to those animals. If your dog has not been fixed, there are some charities or animal organizations that may be able to help or offer low cost options. Mutt-i-grees: PreK-12 Social & Emotional Curriculum, Pet Savers: Cooperative Buying Program for Shelters. And at that point, and only at that point, they force themselves to face reality and bring their beloved fur baby to the shelter many times even with their favorite toys or bed, some cans of food they like, and even their pretty collar still on. However, if you agreed that they would give your dog back to you, then you have a chance of getting the dog back. Rescue is hard, period. Pet owners must be 18 years or older to surrender a pet. Recognize that ego, and then challenge it to work on dissolving your ego over time. As of February 20th, the expected wait times for non-emergency appointments for each site are: We appreciate your patience and understanding as we address these challenges and support our teams. Most open admission shelters still accept pets when owners cannot afford the fee, however even a small amount of money is appreciated. % of people told us that this article helped them. Ms Cobb says many people try everything before deciding to surrender their animal: erecting higher fences, engaging a trainer or an animal behaviourist. I cant even imagine being in their shoes and having to come to the realization that you have to part with your pet. Animal Humane Society helps thousands of dogs, cats, and critters in need find loving homes each year. The new people may want your dog for dog fighting or some other bad purpose. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Whether it's medical, behavioral, or habitual, there's usually a solution to the problem that allows the pet to remain part of the family. Perhaps they became gravely ill or injured. If you dochange your mind and decide to go to the polls, in most cases, you'll be asked to sign a sworn statement attesting that you have notalready voted. Regretfully, the dog probably wont win this toss-up. Surrender fees Surrender FAQ Litter fees: $65 per litter. It takes courage and humility to ask for help. You may also be able to look specifically for a breeder rescue society. Unfortunately, things do happen, and sometimes there are situations where someone just has to find a new home for their pet. Can I find out what happens to my pet after it's surrendered to AHS? It's such a better life'. Why would that have been better? Before making the decision to surrender, please consider all of your options. These people have often tried everything in their power to keep their pets or to find friends or family to take them in. Animals with untreatable illness or severe behavior issues may not be candidates foradoption, and humane euthanasia may be considered in some cases. I have empathy for the owner [and] for the rescue groups helping to re-home those animals. animals deemed untreatable or unhealthy may not be candidates foradoption, Read more about surrendering a stray animal before you call, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, Animals with untreatable illness or severe behavior issues may not be candidates foradoption, Learn more about alternatives to surrendering your pet including other re-homing options, Rabbits, ferrets,chinchillas, and hedgehogs. She needed more attention than she was getting and i struggled for almost 2 yrs with the decision of surrendering her to a rescue. Your ego is how you identify yourself: it's your thoughts and your emotions, which makes thinking compulsive and involuntary. But why? As long as they are a no-kill shelter your old pal should be OK. Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Thinking about what you could have done better can make you feel worseespecially when the feeling is legitimate. However, generally when a person gives away his/her animal, such person has no further rights to that animal so it is typically up to the animal's new owner to decide whether or not to return an animal or to sell an animal back to the animal's original owner. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Surrender-a-Dog-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Surrender-a-Dog-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Surrender-a-Dog-Step-1.jpg\/aid7077664-v4-728px-Surrender-a-Dog-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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