Animals may be surrendered to the shelter by appointment only.

Upon surrender, a number of questions will be asked about the pet and the reason for surrender. Please consider your reasons:

• Pet’s behavior and training

• Behavior issues

• Medical issues or expenses

• Moving

• Pet friendly housing

• Unsafe conditions for the pet

If there is a way that we can help the owner keep the family together, such as offering low cost spay/neuter, access to a pet food bank, behavioral help, or other services, we will always try to do that first.

If surrender is the only option, the animal will be held in quarantine for 72 hours. During that time the owner has the ability to change their mind and reclaim their pet. However, they must pay for any costs incurred with the animal during the time they are in our facility, such as vaccinations, food, boarding.

After 72 hours the owner has relinquished legal ownership rights to the animal and legal ownership and responsibility are transferred to Mitchell County Animal Rescue. The pet will then be available for adoption and will not be re-adopted to the same family that surrendered them.