Surrendering a Pet
Surrendering a pet is never an easy decision to make. It's also not the kind of decision anyone would want to regret. That's why we recommend addressing the issue that is causing the need to give up the pet before making that decision. Is it because the pet is misbehaving? Often times
pet behavior training can correct problems that are otherwise considered uncorrectable. Is because of an allergy? Talk to a doctor or allergist—there are lots of new medications that can treat pet allergies.
Once you've decided that there are no other solutions, and have made the decision to find a new home for your pet, there are
several options to consider.
1. Communicate, Network, Get the Word Out
First, notify trusted friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers that you need to find a new home for your pet. More often than not, this type of networking can have very positive results. Plus, you may even get to visit on occasion if you find your pet a new home within your social network.
2. Rehoming Your Pet
No one knows your pet better than you. As the pet's owner, you know its likes, dislikes, interests and temperament better than anyone else, and therefore you have a greater chance of finding a successful rehoming arrangement than anyone else. By making a determined effort to find your pet a new home, not only will you be giving it a better future—you'll also be creating a future for another animal by leaving a spot open at our shelter.
Ways to rehome your pet on your own:
- Post an ad/adoption profile on our Community Pets page by clicking here.
- Ask local veterinarians if you can post signs in their clinics
- Ask local pet-related businesses if you can post signs in their stores
- Place an ad in the paper and Internet
3. Surrendering Your Pet to the Jacksonville Humane Society
On October 1, 2005, the Jacksonville Humane Society became a limited admission organization. Since we do not euthanize animals to make room for others, our space is almost always at or above capacity. In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our animals, staff and visitors, we must follow a structured admissions process. Therefore, we cannot accept walk-ins or drop-offs; pets are admitted by appointment only. If you can no longer care for your pet and would like to discuss the possibilities of surrendering it to the Jacksonville Humane Society for adoption, please follow the steps of our admissions process:
» Call to schedule an admissions appointment
Appointments can be requested by calling our Animal Admissions office at 904-725-8766, ext. 222. An Admissions Counselor will conduct a brief phone consultation before confirming your appointment*. (If you reach a voicemail, please leave the following information: your name, phone number and mailing address; your pet’s name, breed, age and relevant medical or behavioral information; the general reason for seeking a new home for your pet. An Admissions Counselor will return your call within 48 hours to discuss available options and schedule an appointment as needed.)
» Prepare for the appointment
Gather proof of your pet's veterinary history, medical records and any medications it may be taking. When you have everything in front of you, download and complete a Pet Surrender Application. This .pdf file contains a pet background form and surrender agreement. If you are surrendering multiple pets, please fill out separate applications for each.
Download Cat Surrender Application (.pdf file) »
Download Dog Surrender Application (.pdf file) »
» At the appointment
Appointments usually take 30 minutes. Please bring the following things with you to your appointment:
- Pet (cats must be in a carrier; dogs must be leashed)
- Completed Pet Surrender Application(s)
- Past veterinarian records
- Medications the pet is taking
- Payment for $25 Surrender Fee
*Note: an admissions appointment does not guarantee that your pet will be accepted. After a thorough examination of your pet, we will consider accepting it if we determine that it has a reasonable chance of being adopted. Conditionally accepted pets will be placed on a waiting list, pending available space in our adoptions department. Wait times may be as long as six months, particularly for cats.