We often receive more surrender requests than adoption inquiries, but our goal is to accommodate as many animals as possible while ensuring they have enough space and a healthy environment. Please exhaust all possibilities before considering surrendering your pet, as it should be a last resort. Surrendering a pet is a challenging and heart-wrenching experience for them. Please note that once your pet is adopted, you will not have visitation rights or receive information about the new owner. Before making this decision, please be fully aware of these conditions.

If you’re facing temporary financial difficulties and need assistance, please contact the shelter for information about the services provided by ROAR or check the Resources tab for alternative ways to seek help.

TIPS:

When relocating, search for pet-friendly housing options as there are many available, although it may require extra effort.

Avoid placing a “free to good home” ad in the newspaper unless you are prepared to thoroughly screen potential adopters. Such ads can attract individuals involved in illegal activities like dog fighting, laboratories, or those with a history of animal abuse. Seek assistance from a reputable shelter instead.

If you have allergies, consult your doctor about possible medications that can help you manage them while still keeping your pet at home.

Please note that surrendering animals is strictly by appointment only.

We operate on a wait-list for incoming animals and have specific requirements for surrendered pets. A surrender fee is also requested. If you are surrendering a dog, an evaluation is necessary, so please don’t delay.

Contact Us Below:

To Surrender a Cat:
Complete the Cat Surrender Form by clicking HERE and email it to officeadmin@roarshelter.org. You can also mail it to ROAR ATTN: Surrender, 45 South Street Ridgefield, CT 06877. Make sure to have your cat’s medical and vaccination history, including spay/neuter information. If we are unable to accept your cat currently, we will add you to our waiting list. When a spot becomes available in our cat room, we will contact you. Please be prepared to surrender your cat when we call.

All cats must be up to date on vaccinations, including rabies and distemper. They should also have a negative feline leukemia/combo test result within the past 3 months.

Please note that we do not accept feral cats.

To Surrender a Dog:
Complete the Dog Surrender Form by clicking HERE and email it to officeadmin@roarshelter.org. You can also mail it to ROAR, ATTN: Surrender, 45 South Street Ridgefield, CT 06877. Be sure to provide your dog’s medical and vaccination history, including spay/neuter details. Dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies and distemper. If we are unable to accept your dog at the moment, we will add you to our waiting list. We will contact you when a spot becomes available in our kennel. Please note that your dog will need to pass our behavioral evaluation, which will be scheduled once we have space. Before the evaluation, you must provide proof of current vaccinations.

Please note that we DO NOT take in stray dogs. If you find a stray dog, please contact your local animal control office.