Parting With a Loved One
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is here to build loving relationships between people and pets. We understand, though, that circumstances in life may sometimes leave you with no good options, and you must surrender an animal.
We Are Devoted to the Animals in Our Care and Work to Find Them the Loving Homes They Deserve
As a limited-intake, no-kill facility, the animals at our shelter stay with us until they find their forever home. This also means that we can only take in as many animals as we have space available.
We understand this can be frustrating if you need to surrender your animal quickly. If we do have space, we will work with you to see if we can bring your animal into our system. There will be an intake fee for all animals that are surrendered to us.
If space is not currently available, we will work with you to provide several options, such as placing your pet on a waiting list to enter our Adoption Program or providing you with other rescues that may have space immediately available.
How it Works: Surrendering an Animal
Thank you for considering the Humane Society of Greater Dayton as a resource for surrendering your animal. We understand that making this decision can be difficult, and we’re here to guide you through the process with compassion and care. Please follow our step-by-step guide below to better understand how our animal intake process works.
Step 1: Submit an Online Surrender Inquiry
Your first step is to fill out our online surrender inquiry form by clicking the button below. This form helps us gather important information about your animal and your situation. Once submitted, our dedicated team will review your information promptly and reach out to you with next steps via email (or phone if email is not available).
Step 2: Waiting List Notification
As a limited-intake facility, we can only accept animals as space becomes available. If your animal is approved to be added to our waiting list, we will notify you accordingly. Please note that depending on demand, it may take up to a few weeks to enter your animal into our adoption program. Our team works as quickly as we can to place animals into homes so that more space becomes available for animals to enter our adoption program.
Step 3: Appointment Scheduling
Once your animal is on our waiting list, we will contact you with available appointment slots as they become available. At the time of scheduling, you will be required to pay a non-refundable $15 scheduling fee to confirm your appointment slot.
Step 4: Evaluation and Approval
On the day of your scheduled appointment, you can bring your animal to us for evaluation. If approved, your animal can enter our program the same day. However, please be aware that there is still a possibility that your animal may not be accepted due to certain health or behavioral issues. On the day of your appointment, you will be required to pay a rehoming fee that varies depending on the type of animal you are surrendering. More information on fees will be provided to you prior to your appointment date.
Step 5: Resources for Immediate Rehoming
If more immediate rehoming is needed or if your animal is not accepted into our program, we still want to provide you with resources to guide you to other rescues or websites where you can post to rehome your animal. Please use the guides below as a resource of other rescues or shelters who may have more immediate openings available.
Cat & Dog Local Area Rescue Groups
Rabbit & Small Animal Rescue Groups
We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at intake@hsdayton.org. Thank you for entrusting us with the well-being of your animal.