We accept all owner and stray surrenders at no cost, and we will not turn anyone away. Because we are a tax-funded facility, we limit this service to Rush County residents only, as they pay through taxes to have this service available to them.
*BRINGING US AN ANIMAL DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN NOT ADOPT IN THE FUTURE!
Surrender Documents
How do you surrender?
- Strays or owned animals can be surrendered during our visiting hours only
- If the animal is a stray, it MUST have been found in Rush County, and the finder MUST be a Rush County Resident
- You MUST have a photo ID with an address that is located in Rush County
- You must be 18 years or older
- You will be required to sign a document surrendering all ownership rights to the animal to us
*If you leave the pet unattended outside our shelter or release the pet loose, you are placing the pet at unnecessary risk of being lost, injured, or dying. You will also face criminal charges and fines of $150 per animal.
Please be honest with us about whether it is a stray or an owner surrender!
By claiming it as a stray you delay your pet’s chances of being placed for adoption due to a mandatory stray hold period. Your pet also loses out on the chance for staff to know important information that may help them get adopted quicker. Our shelter is a judge free zone, we will take your pet in for ANY reason. Surrendering an animal does not automatically place you on a Do Not Adopt list.
There is no shame in surrendering to us. We understand that situations change, animal ownership may have been too much of an undertaking, or housing and lifestyle no longer allow for a pet. No matter the reason, we are here for you and your pet.
What if you need to surrender, but are NOT a Rush County resident?
Unfortunately, there are not many options available.
Strays
- If you are NOT a Rush County resident and found a stray in Rush County
- You MUST leave the animal alone and call us to report the sighting
- If ARE a Rush County resident and you found a stray OUTSIDE Rush County
- You MUST leave the animal alone and call that county’s animal control to report the sighting
Owned
- Owners of pets needing to surrender MUST use their own county of residence.
- Each county that has a tax-funded shelter is supported by YOUR taxes as a resident of that county – you can insist on receiving services that YOUR taxes pay for
- You will need to follow their rules to surrender
- Rehome on your own, visit our Rehome My Pet resource page for more information