Geauga Humane Society's
Rescue Village
15463 Chillicothe Rd.
Russell Twp., OH 44072
440.338.4819
fax 440.338.4855

 
the difficult decision to give up your pet

Rescue Village offers resources and education to help you maintain the treasured bond that you have with your animal companions. The decision to surrender your pet may be difficult and emotional.

When you bring your animal to Rescue Village for surrender, he or she will receive a temperament and health evaluation. If your animal is taken into the shelter for adoption, he or she will remain with us until a new, loving home is found.

Please contact us to speak with an intake counselor who will review all the details involved with surrendering ownership of your animal. Once a surrender profile is received (via mail or email at reception@geaugahumane.org) an adoption counselor will contact you to discuss the process.

Surrender Profiles can be picked up at Rescue Village or you can download and print a copy:
Cat Surrender Form
Dog Surrender Form

At the time of surrender, you should bring in all medical records for your animals as well as a photo ID for yourself. You will be requested to present documented proof of ownership, such as licensing or medical records.

We ask for a donation for each animal surrendered to Rescue Village. It costs us at least $150 to provide care for every animal that comes to us, so you are welcome to contribute more than the minimum.

If you have to give up your pet, please do the right thing:

  • Do not drop your pet off in the woods or countryside, assuming that it can take care of itself. Pets lack the skills to survive on their own and may die as a result of starvation or injury.
  • Do not abandon your pet in the house or apartment you are moving out of thinking that someone will eventually find it. This does not always happen.
  • Do not give your pet away to a stranger. You do not know if that person is a responsible pet owner. Pets that end up in the wrong hands may be abused or neglected.
  • Try to place your pet with a trusted family member or friend, one who you are confident will love and care for your pet properly and will keep you informed of its welfare.