SURRENDERING YOUR PET
We understand how difficult it can be to consider giving up your pet. Before you surrender, let’s explore solutions to help you keep them with you:
Common Challenges & Solutions
Moving
Can’t take your pet with you? Ask yourself why. If it’s due to space, exercise needs, or breed restrictions, there are often ways to adapt. For example:Create an exercise plan like regular walks or trips to the park.
Search online for pet-friendly housing. Websites listing “pet-friendly apartments” are great starting points.
Train your dog in basic obedience or manners and bring proof of training to landlords to show they’re well-behaved.
Financial Issues
Struggling to afford pet care? Pet deposits can sometimes be paid in installments, and saving ahead for a move can ease the burden. For feeding assistance, contact organizations like Halo Cafe.Behavior Problems
Most behavioral issues can be resolved with proper training. There are training videos available for almost any behavior you can imagine on YouTube. We also recommend exploring the PetSmart Training Program, which offers a variety of resources and classes. Visit PetSmart Training for more information and to find a program that works for you.For Behavior Modification and Specific Behavior challenges we highly recommend Emily Scott
Rehoming Resources for Pet Owners
Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com
ACT partners with Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com to provide community listings of pets looking for new homes. By partnering with Adopt-a-Pet.com, we can help pet owners find new families for their pets without them having to enter into a shelter. This is much better for the families and the pet. Animals posted to Adopt-a-Pet.com also populate to ACT’s website, which receives thousands of views per day.
LINK: List Your Pet on Adopt-a-Pet.com
When you use Animal Compassion Teams referral code, your listing fee is discounted by 90% ACTC78245
How to Write a Pet Bio:
Use this list to ensure that the bio you complete for posting animals for rehoming will be successful.
Appearance, size and age
Describe his/her nature and what you like about him/her
Describe your pet’s health status – be honest!
Talk about what training skills your pet has and what they are still working on
Put your name, phone number and a time for people to reach you
It is your responsibility to disclose an behavior issues that could put other people or pets in danger.
Screening Potential Adopters:
You care that the pet makes it to a good, permanent home, so now you must “screen” the people who contact you. Asking some key questions will help with this, but be sure you have a conversation with the person and not an “interview” because you will get more from the exchange! Make a list in advance of things that are important to you and be ready to answer their questions in return.
Stray Pets, Think Lost, NOT Dumped
When you find a stray animal, the goal is to reunite them with their owner. A "reasonable effort" includes posting flyers, placing found ads on sites like Nextdoor and Facebook, submitting a found report to local animal control, and checking lost pet listings. Remember, animals can quickly become dirty or thin on the streets, so don’t assume they’re neglected. They may have loving owners desperately searching for them.
Looking for owners instead of turning pets into shelters allows the shelter more space to help animals that need to be there. Please note that in most cases, we do not take in stray pets unless finders have completed the necessary steps to locate the owner. This ensures every effort has been made to reconnect pets with their families. Many finders are able to reunite pets with their families with very little effort. You just might make someone’s day!
If you still would like to be considered to surrender your pet to us:
Please fill out our online surrender request form for owned pets only.
Provide proof of current vaccinations (DAPP and Rabies) or ensure your pet is vaccinated at least three days before surrendering. Vaccinations can be done at The HOPE Animal Foundation.
Please note: Due to limited space, we prioritize pets that were adopted from us or are currently in our local shelters over owner surrenders. We are unable to guarantee intake for all pets.