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Animal Surrender

Support and Surrender

Facing a challenge? Life can offer us unexpected trials and changes, prompting important family decisions. If you are concerned about the future care of your pet, HSBC can guide you toward options.  

Before you think of surrendering your beloved pet, try these resources to help you make an informed decision.

Resources & Helpful Information

Finding an apartment or home that welcomes your furry family member has never been easier. Learn how to locate pet-loving locations and view our list of local pet-friendly housing. Learn More

Moving is stressful for everyone, including your pet sidekick! Want to learn some tips to help your cat or dog reach success with your new change of address? Learn More

If the cost of veterinary care is unaffordable, several clinics in the area provide services to low-income households. Please note HSBC does not offer a vet clinic nor are we affiliated with any vet clinic. Learn More

If you are temporarily unable to afford food or litter for your pet, we know resources that can help. Click below to learn more. For further information, call the shelter at 954.266.6873. Learn More

If you find you must surrender your pet, finding them a new home should be easy and stress-free for you both. We recommend Cruzapet (accepts dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds and turtles) or PetRehomer (made for dogs, cats, rabbits), free and simple programs to place your pet from your loving home directly to another. 

Can’t get along? Most behavior problems can be resolved so you and your pet can be happy together, forever. If your pet is acting in undesirable ways, reach out to our Behavior Helpline and visit our Behavior Handouts Library. Learn More

Find an animal recently? Please contact Broward County Animal Care and Adoptions to try and unite the lost pet with their owner. Learn More

If you find a litter of kittens and don’t see mom, here’s what to do. Learn More

Surrendering a Pet

Our hope is that all pets can remain with their loving families or be re-homed with another welcoming family. After reviewing alternatives, if you are forced to give up your pet, we are here to help.

Rescue

If you prefer to surrender to a breed- specific or foster-based rescue group, view our short directory. As we do not work with these organizations, we are not liable for their services. Please utilize them at your discretion.

Surrender to the Humane Society of Broward County

Our goal is to find a happy home for every healthy and friendly pet in our care. Although we cannot predict its future once you relinquish ownership, you may rest assured that your pet will be treated with kindness, dignity, and compassion.

  • HSBC has an open admission policy, which means we accept any owned animal with proof of ownership.
  • We accept all pets, with the exception of birds, livestock, reptiles, wild animals, amphibians or some exotic pets.
  • Animals are evaluated for adoptability and must meet our criteria for good health and good temperament. If the animal you surrender meets our criteria, it will be placed up for adoption and there is no time limit. Animals must remain in good health, both physically and emotionally, and remain in good behavior.
  • Pet surrender appointments are available to Broward County residents only

Make sure surrendering your pet at this time is your final decision. By surrendering an animal to us, you are relinquishing all rights of ownership and information regarding your pet. Once surrendered, we cannot call you regarding the animal’s status, be it adoption or euthanasia, and we cannot provide information about the animal if you visit or call at a later date.

Surrender Fees

The cost to care for and re-home pets can be hundreds of dollars for each animal in our care. HSBC asks for a surrender fee to help subsidize this cost:

  • Pet Surrender Fee: $50
    Each additional pet from the same household: $40 per pet
    (Limit 5 adult pets over 6 months of age per week, per household.)
  • Litter fees: $65 per litter
    (A litter is considered siblings of the same age, less than 6 months of age. If multiple litters are surrendered, the cost is $65 per litter.) Age will be determined by the HSBC staff.

Donations in excess of $30 are encouraged and appreciated, as our shelter does not receive government funding and is not affiliated with any national humane organizations. Your tax dollars pay for local animal control, but they do not benefit the Humane Society of Broward County, a private nonprofit organization. Therefore, surrender fees are critical to help us care for the animals coming through our doors each day.

After you surrender the pet, please keep in mind the fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome or services provided.

Admission Process

Shelter Address: 2070 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33312

  • The Admissions Department is currently open by appointment only. It is closed on major holidays.
  • Click here to schedule an appointment online or call us at 954.266.6873 and allow 48 hours for a return call.
  • When you arrive at the shelter for your scheduled appointment, enter through the west side of the building in the “Admissions” department.

If you require assistance outside of our business hours, you may try contacting Broward County Animal Care and Adoptions. Their pet surrender services are currently being conducted by appointment only. Please email them at [email protected] or call 954.357.9758.

Please remember to bring the following items so we may better serve you:

  • Any vet records and/or adoption papers you have for your pet. The patron belonging to the name on the paperwork must be present.
  • Payment for fee(s) at the time of surrender. Exact cash, credit, or check is accepted, and additional donations are appreciated.
  • A valid driver’s license or state ID.

Please have your animal on a secure leash or in a proper carrier.

  • It is recommended you bring along a small item your pet is familiar with to help reduce stress at the shelter (toy, blanket, bed, or treat).
  • You may donate any used/unopened food, litter, grooming supplies, toys, bedding, etc.

Schedule an Appointment

All appointments are subject to final approval by our Admissions staff. If for any reason, your appointment is canceled, you will receive an email. Please be sure to check your email for any correspondence. If your appointment was canceled, it is possible that you may still receive an appointment confirmation, please disregard this.

Pocket pet surrenders (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) will be suspended until further notice.