Surrendering a pet

It’s a common misconception that the Clinton County Humane Society is ready and able to accept any animal at any time. We are a private, nonprofit organization that operates financially thanks to donations only, and we can only handle a certain amount of animals at our facility. We have limited space and resources, and are unable to accept animals on the spot in the majority of cases.

Have you reached out to breed-specific rescues nearby?

Have you asked trusted friends and family to help?

We are only able to accept adoptable pets of reasonably sound health and temperament. Animals with health or behavioral issues that could pose a risk to humans, other animals or property, or any other condition that would prohibit them from placement in an adoptive home, cannot be accepted.

A donation at time of surrender is appreciated to help with cost of care.

We do not take stray dogs. If you have found (or lost) a pet, please check out our page Lost or Found Pets.

If you have an unwanted litter of puppies, please check out our page about Project Abigail, which also helps spay/neuter the parent animals.

How can I find out if I can surrender a pet?

Please fill out the surrender inquiry form.

Depending on our capacity at the time, we will either schedule an appointment for intake or do our best to provide alternative resources.

If you are able to make an appointment, contact your veterinarian to obtain all medical and shot records for your pet to bring when you release the pet.

When you arrive, you will be asked to complete a surrender form, provide information about the pet, and pay a surrender fee.

Please note that if at any time during the intake, it is determined that the pet does not meet our health and temperament requirements, we will decline to accept the animal.