Surrendering an Animal
Surrendering a pet is a difficult decision, and every situation is unique. Whether you need to rehome a personal pet or found a stray, Great Tails is here to support you. We do not require animals to be vaccinated or altered prior to intake - once accepted, our program covers all necessary medical care and preparation for adoption.
How do I surrender an animal to Great Tails Animal Rescue?
1. Submit This Form: Complete our form so we can review your pet's needs and placement options.
2. 2-Day Review: As a volunteer-run team, please allow 2 business days for our team to process your request before emailing, calling, or texting us to follow up.
3. Next Steps: A coordinator will email you to update you on the
Intake Appointment
If space is available, we will schedule an intake appointment. Admission into our adoption program is confirmed during this appointment following a standard medical and behavioral evaluation.
For the safety of our staff and animals, we cannot accept feral animals or pets with a known history of aggression or bites. Should safety or handling concerns arise during intake, the appointment will end and we will connect you with alternative resources.
Intake Donation
We request a $50 donation per intake appointment to help cover essential food and medical care. While this donation is greatly appreciated, no animal is turned away if you cannot afford this fee.
FAQ
Can I surrender a litter or group of animals?
Yes! Please be aware that large litters/groups are challenging for any singular rescue to take in, so we may request splitting large groups with another local rescue. When possible, please surrender mothers alongside their nursing litters for proper care. During intake, we complete both a medical and behavioral assessment to better understand the animal’s needs. This helps us place them in the most appropriate foster home and prepare them for adoption.
What should I do if I find a stray animal?
If you find a stray animal, please start by contacting your local law enforcement or animal control agency to check for lost pet reports. If no owner is found, please submit our online surrender form.
What types of animals is Great Tails equipped to take?
We take companion dogs and cats (including litters). Small pets (rabbits, birds, etc.) are accepted based on foster availability. We cannot accept aggressive or feral animals. If an animal shows signs of aggression during intake, as outlined in our Aggressive Animal Prevention Policy, we will stop the intake process. We will then provide recommendations and resources to help guide you toward alternative placement options.
Can I adopt an animal that I have surrendered?
These are considered on a case-by-case basis by our Adoption Team. Generally speaking, someone can apply to adopt a Great Tails animal at any time to express interest in any animal. We’ll hold your application as active for six months.
Can I foster my own pet (or stray I found) through the adoption process?
While we understand wanting to keep your pet at home during the process, all Great Tails animals must be placed within an approved foster or at our shelter. The first step is to contact your local law enforcement. They can guide you on proper next steps and help ensure the animal is handled according to local regulations before any placement is considered.