If you can no longer care for your pet, and you are unable to find it a new home, then you may surrender your pet to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri. Please exhaust every available alternative before surrendering your pet to the shelter. Take the following into consideration before making your decision:

• The goal of the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri is to find loving homes for as many adoptable animals as possible.
• Animals are evaluated for adoptability and must meet our criteria for GOOD HEALTH and GOOD TEMPERAMENT.
• If the animal meets our criteria and space is available it will be placed in our adoption program.
• Adoptable animals do not have a preset time limit. However, they must remain in good health, both physically and emotionally. Animals are evaluated by shelter staff daily. Those who no longer meet our adoption criteria are humanely euthanized by injection.
• Make sure surrendering the animal is your final decision. By surrendering an animal to us, you are relinquishing all rights of ownership to the Humane Society and you will not be contacted in the future regarding the animals disposition.
• Animals may be transferred to a rescue group, placed for adoption or euthanized immediately after relinquishment.

In order to help us help the animals more effectively, we request that you make an appointment to surrender your pet. Call 417.833.2526 or email us at incoming@swh.org to set up an appointment.

Upon arrival, your pet will receive a brief behavioral and medical assessment. If the staff determines at intake that your pet is NOT a candidate for our adoption program, you may:

• Take the animal back home with you.
• Receive guidance from a trainer at Sidekick Dog Training on how to work through behavior issues at home.
• Staff can suggest other humane alternatives.
• Leave the animal at the shelter to be humanely euthanized.

Allow 15-30 minutes for the intake process. It is very important for you to honor your scheduled appointment time. Should you be late for your appointment, expect a wait time as we will move ahead to assist the next customer. Please bring all medical records for your pet and be prepared to fill out a pet history form. You may also download the form here:

Dog History Report :: Feline History Report

In order to surrender a pet to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, you must be at least 18 years of age and provide a valid photo ID.

It costs the Humane Society approximately $150- $200 to provide each animal with veterinary care, food and shelter. We will ask for a donation to help offset these costs. Our shelter receives no financial support from the government or any other humane organization. All operations are funded through private donations.