surrender a pet
We know that surrendering your pet is a very difficult decision, and that sometimes resources or support are all you need to keep your pet with your family.
Before requesting a surrender appointment, click here to view our Pet Resource Flyer for a list of low-cost services, food pantries, and more.
If any of the situations below apply to you, please review possible alternatives before surrendering your pet:
My pet exhibits behaviors that I have trouble managing: If behavior issues are the reason for surrendering, visit our online Behavior Resources library where you can access articles that aid with common behavior issues.
I am not able to afford to have my pet spayed or neutered, or I am not able to afford my pet’s vaccinations and routine medical visits: please consider using our Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic or Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic for your basic vet care.
I am not able to afford to feed my Pet: Click here for details on FIDO’s Pet Food Pantry.
IndyHumane is a limited-admission facility. Our ability to take in animals is based on our space and capacity for care.
IndyHumane requires a $40 fee to surrender an animal: For pets who are scheduled an Intake Appointment, there is a $40 fee due at the time of the appointment. This fee assists us in caring for our shelter guests. This fee may be reduced for those who upload a copy of their SNAP Benefits Eligibility Letter to the Animal Surrender Request Form.We do not receive any tax money or funding from national animal welfare groups for the care of our animals.
Outdoor Cats: Contact Indy Neighborhood Cats for assistance and information.
Found a Stray that you cannot keep until the owner is found? Due to space and available resources, IndyHumane is not always able to accept Strays. You may attempt to drop off a Stray without an appointment, but if the shelter is at capacity, you may be asked to keep the Animal until we have space (we can provide supplies for the Stray Animal), or you may be asked to try another facility.
You may also send an email to Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) to request an appointment to surrender a Stray Animal. Visit their website for animal intake hours and more information.
Have a litter of Kittens or Puppies or a single Kitten or Puppy less than 8 weeks of age? Email the Pet Resource Center.
Have a litter of Kittens or Puppies in between the ages of 8 weeks – 16 weeks? Call and leave a message with our Customer Service Department at 317-872-5650 ext. 0. A team member will follow up with you within 72 hours.
Need to request a Surrender Appointment for your Pet who is 8+ weeks of age? If you need to surrender your Pet, you have several choices, and just one of them is requesting to surrender your Pet to IndyHumane. If you have exhausted alternatives and are unable to rehome your Pet without our assistance, please click on the link below to complete and submit an Animal Surrender Request Form. IndyHumane will accept the surrender of owned animals by appointment only.
submit a surrender request form
- Only the legal owner of the Pet can surrender the Pet unless a power of attorney is provided.
- Completing and submitting this form does not guarantee we will be able to accept your Pet into our facility.
- If your Pet is accepted into our program, appointments may be scheduled up to 1-month from the time your form is submitted. The wait time is determined by space availability.
- Need a more urgent placement? Contact IACS to request an appointment.
Need a little help? Before making an appointment, take a look at the 2021 Indy Pet Resource Flyer for a comprehensive list of low-cost pet services, food pantries, and more.
