Deciding that you may no longer be able to care for your pet can be difficult and emotional. Circumstances can change unexpectedly, and you do not have to navigate this decision alone.
The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is here to listen without judgement, help you understand the options available and work with you to determine the safest path forward for you and your pet.
If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis that may affect your ability to care for your pet, please call 519-824-3091 or email intake@guelphhumane.ca as soon as possible.
Our Intake team responds to rehoming and surrender inquiries during regular business hours.
Speak With Our Intake Team
Every family’s circumstances are different. When you contact us, our Intake team will ask about your situation, your pet and the kind of help you may need.
Our team will explain the options that may be relevant to your circumstances and answer your questions. Contacting us does not commit you to surrendering your pet.
Support That May Help You Keep Your Pet
Sometimes the circumstances leading someone to consider rehoming a pet are temporary. Support may be available to help you and your pet remain together while you work through a difficult period.
GHS Cares provides programs such as emergency pet boarding, the Pet Food Bank and other community-based supports. Eligibility and availability vary by program.
Other Ways to Rehome Your Pet
Depending on your circumstances, another rehoming option may allow your pet to move directly into a new home without spending time in a shelter.
Options you may wish to explore include:
- Trusted family members or friends who already know your pet
- The breeder, rescue or organization your pet originally came from, particularly if your agreement requires the animal to be returned
- Species- or breed-specific rescue organizations with experience caring for animals like yours
- A carefully screened adopter found through your personal network or a reputable rehoming service
- Your veterinarian, trainer or other pet-care professionals, who may know of appropriate resources or organizations
These options will not be available or appropriate in every situation. As part of the intake process, we will ask about the options you have already considered and may encourage you to explore suitable alternatives before a surrender appointment can be scheduled.
If an option is not safe or realistic for you or your pet, please let us know so we can take that into account.
Rehoming Your Pet Safely
If you are considering a potential new home:
- Be open and accurate about your pet’s health, behaviour, routines and care needs
- Ask about the person’s household, experience with animals, other pets and plans for providing care
- Arrange a safe meeting and give everyone time to consider the decision
- Do not proceed if you are uncertain that the home is appropriate
- Transfer veterinary records, microchip information and other ownership documents once the adoption is finalized
Surrendering Your Pet to GHS
Pet surrenders are arranged by appointment and cannot usually be accommodated immediately. Depending on our current capacity and your pet’s needs, there may be a waiting list before an appointment becomes available.
- Contact our Intake team. Call 519-824-3091 or email intake@guelphhumane.ca to begin the conversation.
- Tell us about your pet and your circumstances. We will ask for your contact information and details about your pet’s health, behaviour, routines and history. Please share as much accurate information as possible so we can understand their needs and prepare for their care.
- Discuss timing and join the waiting list if needed. Our team will review the urgency of your situation, your pet’s needs and our current capacity. If an appointment is not immediately available, we will add you to the waiting list and explain what to expect.
- Review the surrender fee. A surrender fee applies, and the amount will be discussed with you before an appointment is confirmed.
- Prepare for your appointment. Once an appointment is available, our team will explain what information and records to bring. For everyone’s safety, dogs must arrive on a secure leash, and cats and small animals must arrive in an appropriate carrier.
Please do not bring your pet to GHS without an appointment. If your circumstances become more urgent while you are waiting, contact our Intake team so we can reassess the situation.
What Happens After You Surrender Your Pet?
After you surrender your pet to GHS, our team will assess their physical health, behaviour and individual needs and develop an appropriate care plan.
At your appointment, we will review the information you have provided and explain the surrender agreement. You will have an opportunity to ask questions before signing. Once the agreement is completed, ownership of your pet transfers to GHS so our team can make decisions about their care and future placement.
Transferring ownership also means that you relinquish the right to receive updates about your pet’s care, progress or placement. We understand that this may be difficult, and our team will explain this policy before you make your final decision.
Depending on your pet’s needs, their time with GHS may include:
- Veterinary assessment and treatment
- Vaccinations and spaying or neutering
- Behavioural support and enrichment
- Time in a foster home
- Preparation for adoption
When your pet is ready, we will begin looking for a suitable adoptive home. The amount of time this takes will vary for every animal.
Rehoming and Surrender FAQs
You cannot reclaim your pet after completing the surrender agreement. Once the agreement is signed, ownership transfers to GHS and the surrender is final.
Our team will explain the agreement and give you an opportunity to ask questions before you make your decision.
You must be the pet’s legal owner to surrender them to GHS. We also require the consent of every adult living in the home before a surrender can proceed.
GHS accepts pet surrenders from residents of Guelph and Wellington County. If you live outside this area, please contact your local humane society, animal shelter or municipal animal services provider to ask about rehoming and surrender services in your community.
Whether GHS can accept a pet with medical or behavioural needs will depend on the nature of those needs, the care and resources required and our current capacity. Medical or behavioural needs do not automatically prevent a pet from being considered for surrender.
Please share as much accurate information as possible so our Intake team can assess the situation and discuss whether GHS can provide appropriate care.
GHS accepts many types of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, hamsters and other pocket pets. We may also be able to accept farm animals and other species, depending on the animal’s needs and our available facilities and resources.
Please contact our Intake team before bringing any animal to GHS so we can determine whether we can provide appropriate care.
Contact Our Intake Team
Call 519-824-3091 or email intake@guelphhumane.ca. Our Intake team responds to rehoming and surrender inquiries during regular business hours.