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 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 emotionally
• 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 animal's disposition

Please see the following common reasons for surrender below, and make sure you have tried the appropriate suggestions before making a decision.

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

Suggestions:

• Locate a pet-friendly home (dogfriendly.com)
• Find temporary housing or boarding until a pet-friendly home can be located

My pet is not housebroken.

Suggestions:

• Check with a vet to rule out medical problems
• Crate train your dog
• Use deterrent spray (found in pet stores)
• 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
• 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

My pet has separation anxiety/is destructive.

Suggestions:

• Rule out medical problems/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

I can't afford to feed my pet.

Suggestion:

• We offer pet food assistance here. (Ask the front desk staff about our pet food pantry)

What if I still can't keep my pet?

​You may contact our Intake Office and surrender your pet to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri. Please see the link below for more information.

Giving Up a Pet

What if my dog or cat 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 microchip and vaccination 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 them spayed or neutered so they do not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. Please make an appointment with our Intake office for this
• You may surrender the litter to us. We will give them proper medical care including vaccinations, spay/neuter, and microchipping and will work to find them loving adoptive homes
• Please spay your adult dog or cat so that you (and he/she) will not be in this situation again

Spay and Neuter Services