Surrender
The Humane Society of Portage County understands that circumstances may arise that require individuals to surrender their companion animals. Surrendering a pet is never an easy decision. We strongly encourage you to notify friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances to determine if a close contact can take your pet.
The following website might be helpful: www.rehome.adoptapet.com
We cannot guarantee that we have availability/space at the time of your inquiry.
Surrender Process
If you are unable to locate a home for your animal, and you would still like to relinquish your pet to the shelter please read our guidelines carefully. Surrendering an animal is an important decision for both you and the HSPC and should be handled in a humane manner.
If you are faced with a behavior problem, there are options and behavioral points to consider that can be resolved with a little patience.
Behavioral Considerations
Is the animal spayed or neutered? This simple procedure can have a dramatic impact on some behaviors.
Consult with an animal behaviorist. We have HSPC caregivers who can help you. Free assistance is available by phone (715-344-6012).
Discuss the problem with your vet. Your veterinarian may be able to suggest a training method or even a medication to help eliminate the problem. Also, pet allergies are a common problem. The good news is that today, your allergist or veterinarian can recommend many helpful products and tips to “lose” the allergies, rather than your pet.
Breed rescue: Try contacting a breed rescue group if your dog is a purebred.
Pet friendly apartments: Finding “pet friendly” apartments can take some time, but today there are many options for people with pets. Try visiting one of many websites tailored to the needs of pet owners, such as www.peoplewithpets.com which saves you time and provides various options in price ranges and amenities specified.
Senior animals do not adapt well to a shelter environment and often will deteriorate rapidly due to the stress of the environment. Consult your veterinarian before contacting the HSPC to make sure that your pet’s health is in the best interest.
Surrender FAQ
Do I need to have an appointment to surrender my pet?
What information do I need to surrender a pet?
The shelter needs to have all of your pets’ veterinarian records faxed before the animals’ arrival or brought with you when the pet is dropped off at the shelter. The shelter fax number is 715-344-5954.
Is there paperwork I need to fill out?
Is there a surrender fee?
What do I do if I can’t afford the surrender fee?
Can I bring my pets belongings and open food?
How long does the shelter keep animals?
Can I visit my pet after I surrender it?
Can I keep my pet in my home until it gets adopted?
Can I call to check on my pet?
You are welcome to call and check on a pet, but please keep in mind that once a pet is surrendered we will not give you any information on the pet that would be considered confidential. Please trust that the staff at the shelter is doing the very best job to take care of your pet.
What if I change my mind and want my pet back?
Occasionally, pet owners are put into a position where they have to surrender a pet to the shelter. Sometimes they find a way after they’ve surrendered that would allow them to have their pet. We will use our discretion as to whether we will give an animal back to an owner. Never surrender your pet when you are upset. If you are having difficulty with your pet’s behavior you can always call the shelter, consult your veterinarian or a professional before surrendering. Keep in mind that signing the surrender paperwork means you are signing your rights to that pet(s) to the HSPC. After the surrender form is signed the pet is HSPC property.
How long before my pet will be available for adoption?
Each pet is given a 3-4 days to adjust to the shelter environment. Sometimes a pet needs more time to adjust to the shelter before it’s made available. After they have settled in, each animal must have a health assessment and a behavioral assessment. Moving an animal to the adoptable area also depends on how much room is available.
Will surrendering have an effect on my chances of adopting an animal in the future?
There is not a black and white answer for surrendering animals as each situation is different. The HSPC understands that situations arise and prevent families from keeping pets sometimes. We do not discourage people from adopting in the future, but please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee that an application will be approved.
Will my pet find a good home?
Rest assured that our staff takes very good care of all of the animals that come into the shelter. They are all treated like they are family. The adoption team screens applicants to make sure they will be the best fit for your pet. When you surrender a pet, the filling out the surrender profile helps us to match your pet with the perfect home. We love these animals like they are our own and we’ll do our very best to take care of them.
What can I do after I surrender my pet?
Surrendering a pet to the shelter is a very hard decision that no one wants to be faced with. In these situations, there is seldom any ‘closure.’ The owner does not know where the pet will go after it is left at the shelter. There may be additional guilt associated with this type of loss. It has been shown that when grief can be expressed, the time needed for healing is often less. Similarly, if the expression of grief is restricted or withheld, the healing process may take much longer.
In addition to talking with others, to do something often helps work through our grief. By doing something positive during this time of sadness, we expand our focus by celebrating the life of the pet. Activities which may help include:
- Planting flowers or a tree in memory of the pet
- Making a charitable donation
- Drawing a picture, making a clay sculpture or doing needlework of something that reminds you of your pet (you could do this yourself, or have it done by a professional)
- Placing your pet’s nametag on your key ring
- Writing a poem, song, or story
- Composing music or a song
- Creating a memorial photo album or scrap book
- Writing a letter to your pet
- Framing a photograph
