Surrendering a Pet

Surrendering your pet can be a difficult decision but you don't have to make that decision alone. We have staff standing by that can assist you with finding solutions for medical, behavioral, financial, and placement assistance.

Cleveland County Animal Services is a managed-admissions shelter in that we will accept animals into the shelter system based on available shelter and foster space. During peak admissions, owners wanting to surrender their pets may be asked to wait until space is available to take their pet. Managed admissions allow us to obtain more complete information about the situation; have a better understanding of the pet's needs; and provide resources and alternatives to owners wishing to surrender their pets.

Although owners may be placed on a waiting list, this doesn't mean we can't help. Your pet will have its photo taken and be given a cursory medical and behavioral assessment while you wait. Based on our findings, the pet may or may not be a candidate for our adoption program.

Pets that are placed on a waiting list will still be marketed to those looking to adopt a pet. The shelter has a program in place that will assist owners with re-homing their pets.

For more information or to speak with an Intake Counselor, please call 704-481-9884 or email us at animal.shelter@clevelandcounty.com.

Please visit the links below for additional solutions and resources.

Resource Assistance Program

If you would like to participate in the program, please email animal.resources@clevelandcounty.com with the required information:

Must be 18 years or old with proof of photo I.D
Proof of residency in Cleveland County
Proof of rabies vaccination for every animal owned and participating in the program

Pet Rescues
List of pet rescues in our area

Pet Behavior - Coming Soon
Tips, tricks, and affiliates that service Cleveland County

Medical
Information and contact details for medical assistance for pets

Pet Re-homing
Information on how you can re-home your pet