Surrendering a Dog

If you need to surrender a dog to rescue, please give some advance notice if possible. It's difficult for a rescuer to take a dog the day that you call. Before your dog is surrendered, it should be current with its vaccinations. This is not only to protect your dog. Dogs, like humans, can be carriers of a disease that they do not have themselves. If not vaccinated properly, your dog could put other foster dogs as well as dogs owned by the volunteer rescuer at risk. When you call to surrender a dog, you will be asked to complete a Dog Profile form. Be honest about why you are surrendering it. If the dog is not housebroken, is aggressive or destructive, barks constantly, is not good with other pets or children, or has other issues, please tell the rescue volunteer. This information is necessary to properly place your dog, and it will be very helpful to know it sooner rather than later. Unless you have a dog that bites, do not fear that your dog will be rejected by rescue because of issues such as those listed above. There are generous, loving people who are willing even to adopt a "special needs" dog when the occasion arises.

Steps to Surrendering a Dog

Contact one of the rescue members listed on the Contact Us page. After discussing your situation, you will be asked to complete a Dog Profile form: If you have Microsoft Word on your computer, use Dog Profile Form in Word. You will be able to complete the form, save it to your hard drive, then e-mail it as an attachment. If you don't have Microsoft Word, use Dog Profile Form in PDF. You will be able to print it, fill it out in pen, and mail it. Upon surrendering your dog, you will be asked to complete an Owner Release Agreement. This agreement will be discussed when you first contact a rescue member about surrendering your dog.