Surrender

Sadly, we receive more calls from people who want to surrender an animal than people who are looking to adopt. We strive to accommodate as many animals as possible while still making sure that the animals have sufficient space in a healthy environment.

Please make every effort first to find a way to keep your best friend in your home. Surrendering a pet should be your LAST resort. It is a difficult and heartbreaking experience for your pet. You will not be allowed to come to the shelter to visit your surrendered animal, nor will we be able to give you information about the new owner once the animal has been adopted. Make sure you are clear on this before surrendering your animal.

If you are having financial difficulties and are in temporary need of assistance please call the shelter for information on services ROAR offers or click on the Resources tab for other ways to get help.

TIPS:

If you are moving, check for places that allow pets. Although it may take extra work, there are lots of places that allow pets.

Do not place an ad for “free to good home” in the newspaper, unless you are able and willing to thoroughly screen the potential adopters. A “free to good home” ad is an easy way of finding animals for the illegal dog fighting community, laboratories, people with criminal records of animal abuse etc. Please seek help from a reputable shelter.

If you have allergies, please check with your doctor to see if there is medication that can help you while you still keep your pet in your home.

Surrenders are by appointment ONLY.

We operate with a wait-list for incoming animals. We have certain requirements for surrendered animals, and we also ask for a surrender fee. If you are surrendering a dog, we do require that you bring in the dog for an evaluation. Don’t wait until the last minute, please contact the Shelter for further information: adoption@roarshelter.org or 203-438-0158.

Surrender Fees:

  • Dog – $200
  • Cat – $100

How to Surrender a Cat:   

Send completed Cat Surrender Form to adoption@roarshelter.org or by mail to ROAR, ATTN: Surrender, 45 South Street Ridgefield, CT 06877. Be aware of your pet’s medical/vaccination history, including spay/neuter.  If we cannot accept your cat at this time, we will add you to our waiting list.  Though we cannot guarantee the length of your wait, we will call you when a vacancy opens in our cat room.  The list is actively monitored; please be prepared to surrender your cat when we call.

All cats must be up to date on appropriate vaccinations including rabies and distemper.  In addition, cats must have a negative result on a feline leukemia/combo test within 3 months of coming to the shelter.

We cannot accept feral cats.

How to Surrender a Dog

Send completed Dog Surrender Form to adoption@roarshelter.org or by mail to ROAR, ATTN: Surrender, 45 South Street Ridgefield, CT 06877. Be aware of your pet’s medical/vaccination history including spay/neuter.  All dogs must be up to date on appropriate vaccinations including rabies and distemper. If we cannot accept your dog at this time, we will add you to our waiting list. Though we cannot guarantee the length of your wait, we will call you when a vacancy opens in our kennel. Please be aware that your dog will be required to pass our behavioral evaluation. The appointment for the behavioral evaluation will not be scheduled until we have space to take your dog. Prior to the evaluation, you must provide proof of current vaccinations.

We do not take in stray dogs.  If you find a stray dog, please call your local animal control office.