A black and tan dog sitting on green grass in a park, with a person partially visible behind it, near trees and a distant bridge or structure in the background.

Surrender Policy

We understand that surrendering a beloved pet can be an emotional and difficult decision, and we’re here to help make the process as compassionate and respectful as possible.

CHA can facilitate the surrender of dogs, cats, exotic pets (such as reptiles and birds), and pocket pets (including hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs). If you have larger livestock in need of surrender, please reach out to us directly and we can help point you in the right direction.

Please know that we do not euthanize for space. Any euthanasia decisions are made only in cases of severe quality-of-life concerns or when an animal is deemed dangerous, and are never taken lightly.

Please note, due to kennel space, and already scheduled surrender appointments we do NOT take same day surrenders.

CHA has the right to deny any surrender requests

Dog Surrender Form
Exotics/Pocket Pet Surrender Form
Cat Surrender Form

Surrender Process

Fill Out the Surrender Form

All surrenders begin with an online surrender form, which helps us learn more about your pet and plan for their care. Once we receive your form, our team will review it and, if we’re able to take the animal, we will reach out via email or phone to schedule an appointment.

Schedule an Appointment

We’ll contact you to schedule an appointment and go over the surrender fee. This fee is based on your pet’s spay/neuter and vaccination status, as well as whether you live in a contracted area. A Surrender form is needed to schedule an appointment! We also do not do same day surrenders.

Surrender Fee

  • Altered (spayed/neutered) — Contract Area: $50

  • Unaltered — Contract Area: $75

  • Altered (spayed/neutered) — Out of Contract Area: $85

  • Unaltered — Out of Contract Area: $100

If the animal is female and proof of spay is not provided, the unaltered surrender fee will be applied.

If the animal does not have proof of current vaccinations, an additional $10 per missing vaccine will be added to the surrender fee

Required vaccines:

  • Cats: Distemper and Rabies

  • Dogs: Distemper, Rabies, and Bordetella

Contract and Non-Contract Areas

  • Contract Areas:

    Contract area surrenders are given scheduling priority. Appointments are generally scheduled within two weeks of application approval. However, this may vary depending on kennel space availability, particularly for dogs.

  • Non-Contract Areas:

    Individuals residing in non-contract areas must first contact the shelter that holds the contract for their location. Appointments may be scheduled further out depending on available space.

If the animal originates from another rescue, shelter, or breeder, the owner must contact that organization first before scheduling a surrender with Chippewa Humane Association.


Owner Resources