Surrender an Animal
PawMatch's policy on pet surrenders mirrors that of Town Lake Animal Center (TLAC). If you think you might need to give up your pet because of your circumstances or due to an issue with the animal, please consider the decision carefully and consult TLAC's Info on Managing Pets for tips that may help. If you feel like you need to give up your pet due to behavior problems, you might be able to save the relationship with some basic animal training.
Try this first: PawMatch is lucky to work with animal behaviorist Nancy Cusick, who can help you and your pet create clear expectations and good behavior for everyone's happiness.
If you still need to give up a cat or dog, PawMatch might be able to help.
Option 1: Tell us about the animal and our behaviorist will meet with you to determine whether the animal is appropriate for our program. The fee for this assessment is $50. If approved, you can bring the animal to one of our Key Adoption Locations between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. To surrender animals, call PawMatch at 243-3700. The surrender fee is $50. There is also a monthly $50 fee to cover the expenses of supporting and presenting the animal to potential adopters.
Option 2: Alternately, you can print out and complete this surrender form (PDF, 27 KB), and bring the animal to one of our Key Adoption Locations for assessment by one of our counselors, again between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. The assessment and surrender fees still apply.
Summary of Fees:
- Assessment fee: $50
- Surrender fee: $50
- Monthly upkeep fee: $50 each month until the animal is adopted
Note: If you cannot find a good home for an animal and decide to surrender your pet to PawMatch, be aware that, as with any shelter or organization, PawMatch immediately assumes all ownership rights and responsibilities for the animal, which means that you will no longer have any ownership rights for that animal. Be sure you are ready to take that step.