Surrendering Pet

All animals are welcome at our shelter regardless of age or health. Please read below to know what to expect or call our Intake Center at (269) 639-2242 with any questions.

We know that sometimes it is just not possible to keep a pet. Before making the decision to surrender a pet, please consider all of your options. We have resources and solutions that may be able to help you keep your pet in the home.

Reach out to friends or relatives who might be able to give the pet a loving home. We advise against the use of social media such as Facebook or Craigslist to re-home pets, for safety reasons and to protect your pet.

If you must surrender a pet, please follow the steps below. Please note we aree only able to accept pets from Allegan and Van Buren County.

Dogs

Please complete the surrender form below with as much information as possible. Al-Van Humane Society works hard to place all adoptable animals into new loving homes. Information you provide, including a complete history, assists us in our ability to rehome your pet successfully. Our Intake Team will assess each submission and be in touch within 3-5 business days with the next steps.

Cats

We do not currently have a surrender form for cats. Please call our Intake Center to check if we have space to intake the pet. Please note, we do not accept ferral cats.

Dog Surrender Form

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SURRENDERING A PET

Surrendering ownership of your pet:

If you have decided to surrender your pet to the Al-Van Humane Society, there are a few necessary steps. Al-Van performs behavior assessments on all incoming animals, to ensure we can safely handle animals (required for daily animal care and staff safety). Should the assessment show any signs of aggression or other inability to handle the animal safely, the animal will not be accepted. If this happens, we will provide you with other options and resources to assist you.

If we are able to take the animal in, you will be asked to sign a release form giving Al-Van Humane Society legal ownership of the animal. Once you have signed the release statement, you may not reclaim your pet. To support the care of your pet and thousands of others each year, there is a $35 fee due at time of surrender.

Your Pet's Personality:

Information you provide about your pet's health, behavior, habits, likes, and dislikes is helpful to rehoming your animal. Please be sure to share your pet's history of any biting, refusal to use the litter box, serious or chronic medical conditions, or any other health or behavioral issues that will help us with their care and in finding the best match for their future home.

Pet's Medical Records:

Please bring any medical records you have for your pet. If you do not have records, please provide the name of the veterinary hospital you use so we can request records to have on file.