If you can no longer care for your pet, you may surrender your pet to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri. Please note that we do not have the licensing to go pick up animals, whether they're a stray or in a home. You may contact your local Animal Control or law enforcement if you have a need pertaining to this. 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 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
In order to surrender an animal 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 $300 to provide each animal with veterinary care, food, and shelter. We will ask for a $30 donation at the time of surrender to help offset these costs, but we will never turn an animal away if one is unable to donate. Our shelter receives no financial support from the government or any other humane organization. All operations are funded through private donations.
We ask that you please fill out the Intake Request form below if you are interested in making a surrender appointment. Due to space, providing information about the animal you are surrendering will help with accommodating that animal and make the surrender process smoother. Please call 417-833-2526 ext. 205 or email [email protected] if you have any questions about the surrender process. You can read more on what to expect and what you need to bring to your surrender appointment below.
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 on how to work through behavior issues at home
Be suggested other humane alternatives
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. All appointments are subject to change based on the behavior or health of the animal. 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:
Please note: Due to a high volume of intake requests, you will receive an email with more information within 5-7 business days of submitting the Intake Request Form.
