Surrenders

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Surrendering a pet can be an incredibly difficult decision for you. As a responsible pet owner, you made a lifetime commitment to your furry family member and they counted on you to provide them a FOREVER home.

The Porter County Animal Shelter wants to support you in making the best decision for you and your pet. Accordingly, we have established the following required step by step process to help guide you.

The Shelter does not require a fee for owner surrenders, but even a $50 donation will help defray our costs and will certainly be appreciated. If your animal is not spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations or micro chipped, it could cost us hundreds of dollars before we can offer your pet for adoption.

An appointment scheduled in advance is REQUIRED to surrender your pet!


We Do NOT Accept Animals From Outside Of Porter County.

Step One: Contact Us To Explore Alternatives

The most common reasons for surrendering a pet are behavioral issues, financial constraints, housing issues and changes in lifestyle. Our staff has proven experience in providing pet owners with information and referrals to help overcome these issues and keep their beloved animals. 

In some cases, we can help you rehome your pet successfully or connect you with a rescue organization. Call the Shelter at (219) 465-3550 during normal business hours and talk to one of our experienced staff members, or click on the icon below to submit an online Request For Re-Homing Support Form and we will respond to you within 48 hours.

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT an application to surrender your animal. It's purpose is to provide you with alternatives to surrendering your animal to PCAS.

CLICK HERE To Submit An Online Request For Animal Surrender Support

Step Two: Submit A Surrender Application

If you have completed Step One and were unsuccesful in finding alternatives to surrender, you must complete an Owner Surrender Intake Application form. Completing the application does NOT guarantee that the Shelter will accept your animal. Please choose from the appropiate icons below.

DOG Owner Surrender Application

CLICK HERE To Complete & Submit A DOG Owner Surrender Application Form

CAT Owner Surrender Application

CLICK HERE To Complete & Submit A CAT Owner Surrender Application Form

Step Three: Application Review

Upon receiving your online Owner Surrender Application form, Shelter staff will do a review of the application. Once reviewed, Shelter staff will contact you.

Step Four: Evaluating And Surrendering Your Pet

After all previous required steps are completed, the Shelter staff will schedule a time for you bring your pet to the Shelter. Based on the results of the evaluation, to evaluate your pet. Based on the evaluation, you MAY surrender your pet. You will need to bring your Indiana Drivers License or State ID. Please note that acceptance of your animal will be contingent upon us having available space. It is not uncommon for the Shelter to have a waiting list for pet surrenders, especially during the spring, summer and fall.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ABANDONING YOUR PET AT THE SHELTER DURING NON-BUSINESS HOURS IS A VIOLATION OF THE PORTER COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE AND INDIANA STATE LAW. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED!