Because we are a space dependent shelter, we ask that you call ahead before surrendering your pet. You may be asked to hold on to your pet for up to a week if our shelter is full. We ask this of you so that we can have time to find the animals already in our shelter a rescue or foster placement in order to prevent the euthanasia of a healthy, adoptable animal. If you are in crisis, please give us a call, we will do all that we can to find a solution that works for us all.
In order to surrender an animal YOU MUST:
Be the owner of the animal.
Have found the animal as a stray, and have no knowledge of the owner.
Be a resident of Madison County.
Provide photo identification upon surrender of the animal in compliance with state law, whether the animal is your personal pet or a stray.
Complete the appropriate, state required paperwork before leaving.
Know that the paperwork for surrendering an animal takes approximately 10-15 minutes, longer if there are folks in front of you. Please plan accordingly. We cannot skip the paperwork process, it’s required by law. You can save time by printing off and filling out the appropriate Owner Surrender Questionnaire for each animal you are surrendering, and bring it with you when you come to surrender.
Bring proof of ownership with you when surrendering your pet. Proof of ownership allows us to expedite the adoption or rescue transfer process. Without proof of ownership your pet will have to stay in the shelter a minimum of 3 days before it can be adopted out or transferred to an approved rescue group.
Bring any and all vaccination records that you have for the animal you are surrendering. There’s no need for us to over-vaccinate your pet if they are current on their vaccinations, but we must have the veterinarian or clinic records.