Surrender your Pet
The Surrendering Process
Call us when you are ready to surrender your pet
If you are in the difficult position of having to surrender one of your personal pets to the Humane League, we require that you make an appointment to sign your pet over to us. Having the opportunity to speak one on one with a Customer Service staff member regarding your animal's behavior and medical history is extremely beneficial for your pet. The more information we have about your pet, the better we can serve his needs during his stay here at the shelter! Contact us at (717) 393‑6551 for an appointment.
Intake Processing Fee
We require a $20.00 donation to help us care for your pet during his/her stay with us. If you are surrendering your pet for financial reasons, a manager is authorized to make exceptions on a case by case basis.
What you need to bring
1. Your Pet's Health Records
If your pet has previously been to a veterinarian, please obtain your pet’s records from the vet and bring them with you. Most veterinarians will not release health records directly to us due to confidentiality issues.
2. Your Pet's Medications if Applicable
If your pet is on medication, please bring the medication with you so we can continue giving it to your pet as prescribed by your veterinarian.
3. Pet's History Questionnaire
Once you arrive we will ask you to fill out a detailed questionnaire regarding your pet’s history. Filling out the questionnaire thoroughly and truthfully will help us select an appropriate home based on your pet’s personality, behavior, and needs. You may also print out and complete this questionnaire ahead off time and bring it with you.
After your pet arrives
Animals come to us under many different circumstances, so the incoming process is a little different for every pet. Typically, once you surrender your pet to us, he or she is checked over by our trained Animal Care Technicians and vaccinated, if necessary. The pet is then moved to his or her living quarters and/or may be placed immediately on our adoption floor. Sometimes a pet may need several days to settle in and adjust to the new environment before being placed up for adoption.
Prior to adoption, our trained staff spends some time getting to know each dog and assesses his or her personality to determine the best placement option. Sometimes this means being transferred to a rescue, being placed in a foster home, or being placed up for adoption at our facility.
During his/her stay with us, your animal will be fed twice daily and receive a clean blanket and toys each morning as we complete our cleaning procedures. We are also fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who regularly come in to walk dogs or cuddle cats!
Other Information to Know
We are committed to saving lives and will do our very best to find your pet a new home. Unfortunately, there are times when we must make the difficult decision to humanely euthanize an animal in our care and thus we cannot guarantee adoption. We partner with numerous other rescues and shelters in an effort to save as many lives as possible and if we are unable to place your pet he/she may be transferred to another animal welfare organization who can better serve his/her needs.
