Pet Surrender

Pets are surrendered for many reasons—financial concerns, illness, moving to a home that doesn’t welcome pets, allergies, pet behavior issues, and unwanted litters—to name a few. Surrendering a pet can be devastating for the owner and the animal, so HSSC urges pet owners to consider other options before deciding to surrender. We’re here to help. HSSC offers many resources to help keep pets in loving homes. Please contact us at 941.955.4131 and someone will be able to assist you. 

HSSC is a private, limited-admission shelter. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of surrender requests and limited staff and resources, HSSC is not able to accommodate all requests. 

If you have found a stray animal, please contact Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services at 941.861.9500, or Manatee County Animal Services at 941.742.5933.

We accept cats and dogs by appointment only, and an appointment does not guarantee acceptance into HSSC. Each pet is evaluated for health and temperament. If accepted into the adoption program, a surrender fee is required. 

HSSC makes every effort to place healthy, friendly pets in new, loving homes, but we cannot guarantee the rehoming of your pet. The first step is to fill out the form below.

If you have any questions about surrendering your dog, please contact Lisa Merlet or Kate Rose at 941.955.4131 x124. If you have any questions about surrendering your cat, please contact Suzanne Jones at 941.955.4131 x107. Our behaviorists are highly skilled at helping you determine the best course of action for your pet.

**COVID-19: The waiting list for surrender appointments may be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience.**

If You Need to Surrender Your Pet

1. You, as the pet owner, must complete the appropriate surrender request form. This form is available online and at HSSC. Submit the completed form electronically or drop it off at HSSC.
   • Canine Surrender Request Form
   • Feline Surrender Request Form 
2. You will receive confirmation from HSSC indicating we are in receipt of the form. HSSC reviews every surrender request form. However, not all pets are a candidate for the shelter and subsequent adoption.
3. If we feel your pet is a candidate for our shelter, we will contact you and place your pet on a waiting list. Once space becomes available in the shelter, we will contact you to schedule an appointment for surrender. An appointment does not guarantee acceptance into our adoption program.
4. HSSC will notify you if we cannot accommodate your request for surrender. We may be able to recommend other facilities in the area, including those listed in the Animal Resource Guide (PDF).

If You Need to Return a Newly Adopted Pet

If an adopted animal turns out to not be a good fit, the animal may be returned to HSSC within 30 days of adoption, space permitting. There is no fee to return, but the original adoption fee will not be refunded. After 30 days, animals must go through the surrender process described above.

Read the Adoption Returns Policy (PDF).

Once You Have a Scheduled Appointment

1. An appointment does not guarantee acceptance into our adoption program. 
2. Please arrive on time and allow approximately 30 minutes for the appointment. The pet owner must be present.
3. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
4. All pets are tested for communicable diseases and evaluated for suitable temperament prior to admission.
5. If your pet is deemed unfit for the shelter, the behaviorist may be able to recommend other facilities in the area.
6. If your pet is accepted into the program, you will be required to sign a surrender form and pay the appropriate surrender fee. 

• Pet’s crate or carrier
• All veterinary records
• Pet’s medications
• Special treats or food that your pet needs
• Your pet’s bed, toys, leash, and other belongings from home
• Your current and valid photo ID