Giving Up Your Pet

Unexpected situations such as allergies, financial problems, moving to a "no pets allowed" residence, new babies or lack of time to give proper attention sometimes require that an owner give up a beloved companion. When you are unable to place your pet with a trusted family member or friend, the North County Humane Society & SPCA will take in pets from the cities of Oceanside and Vista and will find them new suitable homes.

Relinquishing your animal to the NCHS

Animal relinquishments are handled Tuesdays through Fridays only. See our opening hours.

Please contact us to speak with an adoption counselor who will review all the details involved with surrendering ownership of your animal.

You will be required to present documented proof of ownership, such as licensing and medical records. Please bring all documentation on the ownership of your animal with you to the shelter. The surrender process can be lengthy and we ask that you please be prepared to spend 1 hour at the shelter.

The animal will be given an evaluation and assessed for eligibility as an adoption candidate for placement into a new home. The results of the evaluation will be reviewed with you before the animal is surrendered.

Fee

There is a $65 fee for relinquishing ownership of your pet to help offset the cost of care. This fee is due at the time of intake and is non-refundable.

If you have to give up your pet, please do the right thing:

Do not drop your pet off in the woods or countryside, assuming that it can take care of itself. Pets lack the skills to survive on their own and may die of starvation or injury.

Do not abandon your pet in a house or apartment you are moving out of, thinking that someone will eventually find it. This doesn't always happen.

Do not give your pet away to a stranger. You don't know if that person is a responsible owner or even honest. Pets that end up in the wrong hands may be abused or neglected.

Try to place your pet with a trusted family member or friend, one who you are confident will love and care for your pet properly and will keep you informed of its welfare.