Before You Surrender Your Pet

We understand that sometimes pet owners believe they cannot keep their pet.  When you surrender a pet to any shelter, the transition can be difficult for the pet and for you.  Shelters are stressful environments for even the most well-adjusted animal. Please work through the following options before you make the final decision to surrender your animal:

• Talk with a trainer or behaviorist for help with common behavioral problems.
• Ask your veterinarian to rule out possible medical issues your pet may be experiencing.
• Find an alternate place to live that accepts pets.
• See if friends or family would commit to taking care of your pet.
• Adopt your pet to a new home yourself.  This transition will be much easier for your pet and for you.

If you have exhausted these other avenues, you can surrender your pet to Metro Animal Services.  We will accept any pet from a resident of one of Metro’s cities.  We charge $75 for a dog or cat surrender and $15 per kitten or puppy (under 7 months of age) in order to cover costs to house your surrendered pet(s) while finding their forever family.

Can you guarantee that my pet will be placed for adoption?

No, we cannot.  While we are typically able to place into homes most of the dogs, cats and critters that come through our doors, some pets will not be placed for adoption.  Our staff will evaluate your pet both behaviorally and medically to determine if he or she is an adoption candidate.  Pets that are determined to be a health or safety risk to humans or other pets will not be placed for adoption.  Additionally, pets that are unable to be helped by reasonable veterinary care may also not be placed for adoption.

We are not able to notify you of your surrendered pet’s status, but you are welcome to call the shelter to find out about his or her status.  We cannot give out information about the pet’s new adopters.