Do I need an appointment to surrender my pet to SFAHS?Yes, . To help every pet get the best chance at a new home, we ask that you schedule an appointment with our front office. Contact us at 605-338-4441 to schedule.
What should I do if I am having a crisis and need to surrender my pet immediately.If you are having an emergency or crisis, please call our front office and explain your situation. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to get you in immediately, but will do everything we can to help.
What should I bring with me to my appointment to surrender my pet?If you have scheduled an appointment to surrender your pet, please bring the following items with you to your appointment.
- Photo ID.
- Pet’s veterinary records
- Medications
- Information about your pet: ( Likes, Dislikes, Favorite Treats, Training information, Fun Quirks, Personality info) The more information we have about your pet, the easier it will be to re-home him/her.
Cats are especially stressed when placed in new situations, so if possible please bring a familiar bed or blanket.
All dogs must be leashed, and all cats must be in carriers. We will ask you questions about your pet's history and personality, and you will be asked to sign a contract releasing your rights over the pet. After this is signed, the pet will officially be owned by the SFAHS until they are adopted out.
After this paperwork is signed, we cannot release any information or updates about your former pet.
How much does it cost to surrender my pet?There is no fee to surrender your pet; however, we do request a donation of at least $30 per pet to help us with the high costs of care. Additional fees may apply.
Where at the shelter do I go for my appointment to surrender my pet?When you arrive at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, you will come in the front doors of the adoption center. Make sure all dogs are on leashes or in carriers. Make sure all cats are in carriers. Once inside the adoption center, check in at the front desk.
What happens after I surrender my pet?Animals surrendered to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society are evaluated based on health, temperament, and personality. If the animal meets the criteria for adoption or we are able to treat health issues or address behavior concerns, the animal will be placed for adoption and there is no time limit. If an animal does not meet our criteria for adoption, we may seek other alternatives including but not limited to transfer to another shelter, behavior modification intervention, and veterinary services. If the animal is suffering mentally, emotionally, or physically, the animal may be humanely euthanized to humanely end their suffering; this is always our last resort. We will do everything in our power to place an animal safely or help them medically. We cannot release any information about your pet once you have signed the contract relinquishing your rights to the pet. You may rest assured that your pet will be treated with kindness, dignity, and compassion.
I haven't seen my pet on the website. What happened to them?Our website is updated in real time, Monday - Friday, to the best of our ability. If you don't see your pet on the website, don't assume the worst. There are some pets that get adopted minutes after getting on the adoption floor, so they don't even get a photo or feature on the website. The pet also may have gone up on the weekend and been adopted immediately.
If we were not able to place the pet up for adoption, we may have looked into other alternatives including but not limited to transfer to another shelter, behavior modification intervention, and veterinary services.
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