Some of the most common reasons people surrender pets are: 1) relocation, 2) allergies, 3) divorce, 4) behavioral problems, and 5) unwanted litters.  In most cases there is an alternative to surrendering.  All too often people decide to move and do not take their pet into consideration.  Make certain to look for a home that will allow your pet.  As for allergies, visit your doctor to consider the options.  Fortunately, there are many medications that allow people with allergies to live happily with their pet.  Those going through a divorce find themselves in a very tumultuous time.  The pet often seems like "just one more thing to worry about."  Consider the fact that people with pets tend to live an emotionally happier life.  Therefore, keeping your pet through such a stressful time, can actually help you better cope with the situation.  Behavioral problems can often seem to be helpless.  Oftentimes, there is a reason a pet is acting out -- it can be medically related, such as cats who urinate outside of the litter box.  It is highly possible the cat is suffering from a urinary tract infection.  Therefore, make sure to see a veterinarian and/or a behaviorist.  The shelter is more than glad to recommend both.  As for unwanted litters, the only solution is to make sure you spay and neuter your pet!  There are too many unwanted litters, forcing shelter to euthanize animals to make room for more.  Do not add to this epidemic -- SPAY AND NEUTER ALL OR YOUR PETS.  Also, when surrendering a litter, make sure to surrender them to a shelter whose policy it is to spay and neuter the pets.

If, when all is said and done, it becomes necessary to surrender your pet, contact the shelter to make such arrangements.  Do not show up, unannounced, expecting a shelter to be able to take your pet.  When the day comes to drop your pet off at a shelter, make sure to include all veterinary records and a description of your pet's behavior traits.  It is also important to make a financial donation to the shelter.  Remember that the shelter's budget is limited and they have agreed to care for the pet you can no longer.  While our shelter does not require a drop off fee, many shelters will.  Again, this is to help cover the costs of caring for your pet.  

If you are struggling with the decision, contact our shelter to consider the options.  We are more than happy to help you through such a difficult decision.