Animal Surrender
Surrendering a Pet
Surrendering a pet can be a very hard decision and an emotional experience. We understand that there are times when you are not able to keep your animal. Our priority is always to work with you in the best interest of the animals and trying to keep families together. It is with a heavy heart that we accept a surrendered animal to our rescue.
How do I begin the surrender process?
When space permits, we can accept surrenders. We are only able to accept farms animals such as mini pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and equines like horses, ponies, and donkeys.
Please begin by submitting a surrender form. You’ll find the requirements and button below.
Next please contact us directly and see if we have the capacity to accept your surrender. If we have space and can take in your surrender, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to bring your animal out. If we’re unable to accept your surrender at this time, we can put you on a waiting list for when we have space availability.
Fowl Surrenders
Drop off for fowl (Roosters, Ducks, Turkeys, & All Birds) is on Tuesdays 10-5pm and Saturdays 12-7pm only.
You must contact us at (810) 751-0201 to schedule an appointment prior to coming so we are aware.
- Do not drop roosters over the fence! You must hand them off to us here. A person.
- Do not tie your roosters feet together to surrender them! And yes it happens!
- No Surrender Form Required
- No Surrender Fee
Before You Decide to Surrender Your Pet
- Exhaust All Alternatives: Before considering surrender, explore all possible avenues to resolve the challenges you’re facing with your pet. This may include seeking behavioral training, medical consultations, or financial assistance programs.
- Community Support: Look to your personal network or community resources for support. Sometimes, a temporary arrangement with friends or family can provide the relief needed to keep your pet within a loving environment.
- Understand the Consequences: Acknowledge the negative emotional and physical impact surrender can have on your pet and on the resources of local rescues, shelters and sanctuaries, many of which are already stretched thin.
Rehoming Your Pet
Before surrendering a pet to a rescue, we recommend first trying to find a suitable home for your pet by spreading the word among friends, relatives and co-workers.
Give yourself a few weeks to place the animal in a good home, and never give away your pet to someone without screening the person carefully and asking for references.
Please do not give your pet away “Free to a Good Home” as there are unscrupulous individuals who could harm your pet or sell the animal for research to make money. Asking a reasonable fee may help deter such people.
What do I need to Surrender my Pet?
While this is always a tough decision to make, we appreciate that you are working diligently to find a resolution and make the proper decision for what is best for the animal. While we do accept surrendered animals, we also have a few items required for us to proceed. Please see below for all requirements for surrender:
- Complete the surrender form.
- Provide any vet records or paperwork.
- Please bring the current brand of feed your animal is eating, and any remaining bags of feed or hay.
- We also request that you bring any items pertaining to your pet, as this helps their transitions.
- Surrender Fee $50.00
In special circumstances, we can pick up mini pigs or goats locally in Michigan. Please contact us about your situation. This doesn’t apply to small animals or equine. For out of state mini pigs please contact Eastern Snouts to help arrange transportation to us.
Feel free to call or email us to see if we have the space to accept your surrender. (810) 751-0201 | [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my animal after surrender?
Once surrendered, the animal will be cared for in a safe and nurturing environment where they can decompress and begin their next chapter. Our priority is to rehabilitate and rehome animals into loving, forever homes whenever possible. Animals will be assessed and those requiring veterinary care will receive treatment as resources allow, but we are a nonprofit rescue with limited funds, so we encourage owners to address urgent medical needs before surrendering. For those animals that cannot be adopted due to health or other factors, they will remain in our care as permanent residents, living out their lives in comfort and safety.
Can I visit my animal after surrendering it?
Unfortunately, no. Once an animal is surrendered, we do not allow visits. Our rescue is private property, and this policy helps maintain the animals’ safety and reduces stress as they transition into their new environment. Our focus is on providing them with the best care and helping them adjust to their new surroundings.
Do you take emergency surrenders?
We evaluate emergency surrenders on a case-by-case basis. While we do our best to help animals in urgent need, our ability to take in emergency cases depends on current space, resources, and the severity of the situation. If you are facing an emergency, please contact us directly to discuss your circumstances, and we’ll do our best to assist or provide guidance on alternative resources.
What if you can’t take my animal right now?
If we are unable to take your animal immediately due to space or resource limitations, we can add them to our waiting list and contact you as soon as space becomes available. In the meantime, we can provide guidance on care or connect you with other rescues, sanctuaries, or resources that may be able to help. Our priority is ensuring that every animal finds safety and care, even if it’s not directly through us.
