Before Giving Up Your Pet

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 based on the Asilomar Accords and must meet our criteria for good health and good temperament
• If the animal meets our criteria and space is available, they 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 mentally
• 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 of Southwest Missouri and will not be contacted in the future regarding the animal's disposition

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Please see the following common reasons for surrender below and make sure you have exhausted every available alternative before surrendering your pet to the shelter.

I can't afford to feed my pet

Suggestion:

• We offer pet food assistance here. Anyone needing assistance can stop in our shelter any day of the week between 8am-5pm to receive pet food free of charge. All you need to bring with you is a valid photo ID

I'm moving and I can't take my pet with me

Suggestions:

• Locate a pet-friendly home
• Find temporary housing or boarding until a pet-friendly home can be located

My pet has separation anxiety and/or is destructive

Suggestions:

• Rule out medical problems or boredom
• Board your pet during your absence
• Try calming therapy (Thundershirts, Pheromone collars, diffusers, calming chews, or supplements)
• Ask a vet about medication for your pet
• Enlist the help of a trainer. See information on our dog training classes here: Dog Training

My pet is not housebroken

Suggestions:

• Check with a vet to rule out medical problems
• Crate train your dog
• Feed on a schedule instead of free feeding
• Remove water at bedtime
• Put a bell on your doorknob and train your dog to ring the bell to go outside
• Use deterrent spray (found in pet stores)
• Enlist the help of a trainer

My pet is having health issues

Suggestions:

• See a vet to determine the best course of action for your pet
• If medical expenses are an issue, please visit projectpuppy.org (Killuminati Foundation)
• For payment plans, see carecredit.com

What if my pet just had a litter of puppies or kittens?

Suggestions:

• The new puppies and kittens will need to be vaccinated. While we do not offer vaccinations every day, watch for our monthly low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic days. They will be announced on our ​website and our social media. We do offer vaccinations at the time of a spay or neuter - see next item below.
• Please get your pet and their offspring spayed or neutered so they do not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. Please make an appointment with our Intake office for this by filling out this form: Spay & Neuter Request Form
• You may surrender the litter to us. We will give them proper medical care including vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping and will work to find them loving adoptive homes.

What if I still can't keep my pet?

​You may fill out an Intake Request Form to surrender your pet to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri. Please see the link below for more information.

Giving Up a Pet