Rehoming Your Pet

Due to limited capacity, we are currently unable to accept dog surrenders.

Thank you for your understanding.

Due to current staffing and the overwhelming number of animals in need, we can only accept surrenders on a case by case basis, as space is available. We still offer guaranteed returns for animals adopted from us. If you need to return a pet that was adopted from one of our shelters, please call us directly at 707-542-0882 x267.

If you need to surrender a pet that was not adopted from our facility, please fill out this form. This form is monitored regularly, but it may be some time before we can respond to you. If you do not hear back from us within two weeks, it means we are unable to assist you at this time, and you are welcome to contact us again in 30 days.

 

Before You Rehome Your Pet

We know that sometimes re-homing your pet is unavoidable, and is always a difficult decision. By providing resources and assistance, we hope to help keep your pet with the family they know and love.  Before making the decision to surrender to a shelter, please consider all of your options.

Consider finding your pet another home instead of surrendering them to a shelter. It will be less stressful for your animal, allows you to play a part in uniting them with a new family, and makes additional space available for animals whose lives are immediately at risk in surrounding municipal shelters. Ask around to see if you know anyone (friends, family, co-workers, etc.) who is looking for a new pet, or take advantage of free resources such as using the rehoming service on Adopt-a-Pet. It is better for your pet if you are able to re-home him or her yourself. The shelter can be a very stressful environment.

Surrender Application Form
Help with Behavioral Issues
Financial Assistance Resources
Rehome through Adopt-a-Pet

Pet Behavior Help

Pet Behavior Help

For help with dog behavior issues and concerns, call our Public Dog Training staff at (707) 542-0882 ext. 247 or email dogtraining@humanesocietysoco.org. Visit humanesocietysoco.org/dog-training for a listing of classes offered by our Academy of Dog.

For help with cat behavior issues and concerns, please email Bnt@humanesocietysoco.org.

Trained staff will contact you as soon as possible. Please allow up to one week.

Medical Care Resources

Community Veterinary Clinic

If you are considering surrendering your pet due to the inability to afford medical care, please contact our Community Veterinary Clinic at (707) 284-1198 or email at cvc@humanesocietysoco.org.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic

The Humane Society of Sonoma County’s low-cost spay and neuter clinic is subsidized by donations and is available for residents of Sonoma County. Our low-cost services are reserved for cats and dogs. Priority is given to Pit bulls and Chihuahuas. To schedule an appointment for your four-legged loved one, contact us at (707) 284-FIXX (3499).

Free Vaccine Clinic

Our free vaccination clinic is open on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at our Santa Rosa shelter, and every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at our Healdsburg shelter. Vaccines offered:

  • Feline HCP – rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia
  • Canine DAAP – distemper, adenovirus types 1 & 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus

Please note rabies vaccines are not available.

Visit our Medical Assistance Resource page

DOG AND CAT RESCUES

Private Rehoming Sites:

 

DOG SPECIFIC RESCUES

Special Needs and Senior Dog Rescues

All Breed Rescues

Breed Specific Resources

CAT SPECIFIC RESCUES

Special Needs or Cat Specific Rescues

Feral and Working Cat Resources: