Things to Think About Before Surrendering a Pet to a Shelter

Whether it is because of a move, a vacation, or problems at home, surrendering an animal is something that should be carefully considered and done as a last resort. Shelters like ours are overflowing during the summer months and the number of surrenders takes up a lot of our resources. It is therefore important to think carefully about your action and its consequences.

Alternatives to Surrender

Before surrendering your pet, we strongly encourage you to look at possible alternatives for your situation:

• Finding solutions to improve life with your pet: https://www.proanima.com/en/our-services/giving-up-your-pet/
• Solving dog behaviour problems: https://www.proanima.com/en/private-class-canine-behaviour/
• Solving cat behaviour problems: https://educhateur.com/
• Finding an apartment that accepts pets: https://appartmap.com/
  Do you find no accommodation that accepts them? Offer the landlord a reference letter as well as a security deposit for damages.
• Taking care of your pet even if you have financial difficulties: https://www.fondationanimo.org/

If, despite everything, you are no longer able to keep your pet, do everything you can to provide a good, stable life in a new home. Perhaps a family member, friend, co-worker, or someone in the neighbourhood would be happy to take them in. You are the person who knows your pet best and can find the best home for them. Surrendering to a shelter should be the last option.

> Here are some tips on how to find a new home for your pet: https://www.proanima.com/en/news/advice/how-to-find-a-new-family-for-my-pet/

Last Resort: Surrender to a Shelter

As a last resort, if you absolutely must bring your pet to a shelter, plan your appointment several weeks in advance. The shelter will be able to plan ahead for the animal’s needs and resources. Do not contact the shelter on the day of your move, as there is a strong possibility that they will not be able to accept your pet at that time.

To contact Proanima and make an appointment for a surrender, follow the procedure outlined here: https://www.proanima.com/en/our-services/giving-up-your-pet/

What not to do!

If you are moving in the next few weeks or going on vacation and you absolutely cannot bring your pet with you, please :

• Do not leave them outside, in the house or in the apartment and hope that someone else can take care of them. You could be charged with animal neglect. Animal cruelty is punishable by law.
• Do not leave your pet in a box or tied to a tree. In an emergency, a shelter will take them in.

Be considerate, be responsible.

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