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SURRENDERING AN ANIMAL TO US
Valley Animal Haven believes that all animal companions are lifelong friends and family members. We recognize that sometimes, life gives us circumstances in which we can no longer keep a pet.
We hope that you consider utilizing every resource available before deciding to surrender an animal. Please feel free to contact us and review the information in the Resources Section to see how we can help you keep your companion in your home.
DO'S & DON'TS OF SURRENDERING AN ANIMAL
DOs
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Try to place the animal with a trusted family member or friend, one who you are confident will love and care for your pet properly and will keep you informed of its welfare. Be sure the friend or relative understands the commitments of time and resources your pet requires and that they would like the pet because it will be a good fit for their home. (Shelters receive many pets from people who knew the previous owners and wanted to help them by taking a pet, but did so without realizing the efforts involved in keeping the animal)
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Call your local animal shelter or humane society first if you live outside of Kings County.
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Call Valley Animal Haven for resources and assistance if you have exhausted every other opportunity.
DON'Ts
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Do not drop your pet off in the fields or countryside, assuming that it can take care of itself. Pets lack the skills to survive on their own and may die of starvation or injury.
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Do not abandon your pet in a house or apartment you are moving out of, thinking that someone will find it. This doesn't always happen.
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REMEMBER: Abandoning a pet is cruel and illegal under CA Penal Code 597s.
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Do not give your pet away to a stranger. You don't know if that person is a responsible owner or even honest. Pets that end up in the wrong hands may be abused, used in potential dog fighting situations or sold to research laboratories.
What is the Process?
Valley Animal Haven has a process in place to accept owner-surrendered animals on a case-by-case basis. We prioritize our animal intakes for animals at risk of euthanasia in kill-shelters throughout the Central Valley of California.
Please note a surrender fee is required for EACH animal, in order to offset the costs of care required to put an animal up for adoption.
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Once we receive your Surrender Request, we will review it as quickly as possible and advise you of our decision.
Our intake staff may request additional information or documentation.
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Temperament Evaluation
Some animals will require a temperament evaluation to ensure that your animals will be a good fit for our kennels.
Our intake staff will review this with you if an evaluation is necessary.
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Once your request is approved, an appointment will be made for you to bring the animal in.
If you cannot surrender your animal by the appointment date, you may forfeit your opportunity for surrender.
A surrender fee will apply. The intake staff will inform you of what your surrender fee will be.