PROGRAMS & SERVICES / ANIMAL SURRENDER
Considering Surrendering Your Pet
We understand that circumstances can change and making the decision to surrender a beloved animal can be incredibly difficult. Before you make that decision, please talk with us. There may be support or other options that can help you and your pet stay together.
If surrender is necessary, our team will help you understand the process and what comes next, with compassion and without judgement.
Before You Begin
If your pet needs emergency veterinary care, is in immediate danger, or you are facing an urgent personal safety crisis, please don't wait for an online inquiry to be reviewed.
Contact emergency services or a veterinary clinic as appropriate, or call NHS directly at 905-885-4131 during shelter hours so we can help you understand the options available and support you through the next steps.
We Know This Is Hard
Saying goodbye to an animal you love can be heartbreaking. We understand that people come to this decision for many different reasons, and asking for help is not something to be ashamed of.
Our first hope is always to explore whether there is a way to help you and your pet stay together. When surrender is the best or only option, our team will do everything we can to make the transition as gentle as possible.
Your pet won't understand why their world has suddenly changed. They may be frightened, confused or overwhelmed by unfamiliar people, sounds and surroundings.
The information you share with us about their routines, personality, medical needs, favourite things and what helps them feel safe can make those first days easier.
How the Surrender Process Works
Reaching out is the first step. A surrender inquiry gives us an opportunity to understand your situation, learn about your pet and talk with you about the options that may be available.
Submitting an inquiry does not commit you to surrendering your pet or guarantee immediate intake.
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Submit a Surrender Inquiry
Tell us about your pet, their health and behaviour, and what is leading you to consider surrender. The more we understand about your pet and what you're facing, the better we can understand how we may be able to help.
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Our Team Reviews Your Inquiry
Our team will carefully review the information you've shared, your pet's needs and our current ability to provide appropriate care. We'll contact you within 2–4 business days to talk about your situation and the next steps available.
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Let's Talk About Options & Next Steps
We'll talk with you about what's happening and whether there are supports that might help you and your pet stay together. If surrender appears to be the best option, we'll explain what happens next and answer any questions you may have.
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Prepare for an Appointment
If surrender is the next step and NHS is able to accept your pet, we'll arrange an appointment and let you know what to bring, how to safely transport your animal and any applicable surrender fees.
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About Surrender Fees
A surrender fee applies to help offset a portion of the care your animal will receive after coming to NHS.
For dogs, the fee is $75 if they are spayed or neutered and $100 if they are not.
For cats, the fee is $50 if they are spayed or neutered and $75 if they are not.
Help Us Get to Know Your Pet
The more we know about your pet and your circumstances, the better we can understand how to help. Some information is needed as part of the surrender process, while other details simply help us prepare to care for your animal.
Who We Can Help
NHS gives priority to animals whose owners live within our service area. You'll need to be the animal's legal owner, or authorized to act on their behalf. Our team can confirm whether your pet falls within our intake guidelines when we review your inquiry.
Tell Us About You and Your Pet
We'll ask for your contact information, proof of residency and a recent photo of your pet, along with details such as their age, sex, breed, spay/neuter status and any microchip or identification information.
Health, Behaviour & What Makes Them Feel Safe
Please tell us as much as you can about your pet's health, veterinary care, vaccinations, behaviour and any history of biting or aggression.
Just as importantly, tell us about their personality, routines, likes and dislikes, and anything that helps them feel safe and comfortable.
Support Options That May Help
Sometimes the circumstances leading someone to consider surrender can be temporary or may have another solution. Before you say goodbye, we want to make sure you know about supports that may help you and your pet stay together.
Food or Financial Hardship
Struggling With the Cost of Pet Care?
If the cost of food is making it difficult to care for your pet, our Pet Food Bank may be able to help. A little support during a difficult time can make all the difference in keeping a beloved animal at home.
Behaviour or Training Concerns
Behaviour Challenges
Behaviour changes or challenges can put enormous strain on a family, but they don't always mean surrender is the only option. Talk with us about what is happening. We may be able to suggest resources or help you identify appropriate professional support.
Temporary Crisis or Housing Change
Facing a Temporary Crisis?
If a personal crisis, medical emergency or temporary housing situation is making it difficult to keep your pet with you, Crisis Care may be able to provide short-term support while you get back on your feet.
Rehoming Your Pet Yourself
In some circumstances, finding a new home directly may be an option that avoids the stress of entering a shelter. Our team can talk with you about whether this may be appropriate for your pet and share information about safer ways to approach the process.
BEFORE AN OWNERSHIP TRANSFER
Make Sure You Understand the Decision
Surrendering your pet is a permanent decision. At your surrender appointment, you will be asked to sign an ownership transfer giving the Northumberland Humane Society legal responsibility for your animal.
Once the transfer is complete, the decision cannot be reversed and your pet cannot be reclaimed.
Please take the time you need to be certain that surrender is the right decision before signing the transfer. If you have questions or are unsure, talk with our team — we're here to help you understand what surrender means before you decide.
Ready to contact NHS about surrender?
Submitting an inquiry begins a dialogue with our intake team—it does not commit you to surrendering or guarantee immediate placement. We review each request in order of receipt and will respond within 2 to 4 business days. If you are experiencing an urgent crisis or need immediate assistance, please call the shelter directly.
Looking for a different kind of help?
- Found a stray animal? Go to Lost & Found / Reuniting Families.
- Need temporary crisis support? Explore Emergency Boarding.
- Not sure which service fits? Return to Programs & Services.