Owner Relinquishment or Stray Surrender

Resources

We understand that many are going tough economic times and that the needs of your pets may be a strain on the budget. If you are considering surrendering a pet because of financial difficulties, check out our list of resources for low-cost pet care.

If you’re having behavioral issues, you may wish to contact an animal behaviorist or professional trainer. Often times, behavioral problems can be resolved with a little patience and creativity. A.R.F. is not equipped to handle the more severe behavioral issues and acceptance of your animal into A.R.F.’s care will be dependent upon the animals overall health and behavioral temperament. A Sound Beginning Program offers behavioral training for both dogs and cats.

If you adopted your pet through A.R.F., please contact us first before making other arrangements to surrender or rehome the pet, as stated in your adoption contract.

If you adopted your pet through a shelter other than A.R.F., contact that shelter about returning the pet before contacting us. Additionally, we strongly encourage that before relinquishing your pet to another shelter, you explore the options of rehoming your pet with a friend, coworker, or family member. Adopt-a-Pet offers free pet rehoming listings.

Owner Relinquishment to A.R.F.

It is illegal to abandon animals anywhere in the state of Illinois. Do not bring animals to adoption events to relinquish them, as we cannot take them without following our owner relinquish or re-homeing instructions below.

Please consider all options prior to contacting us. We will help if we can. Please read the following guidelines:

Before contacting us to surrender an animal, you must complete the Owner Surrender Request Form.
A.R.F. accepts pets by appointment only. You can email us at surrender@arf-il.org to discuss your situation.
You must be the legal owner of the animal and have had the animal in your custody for a minimum of 30 days.
Appointments to surrender an animal will typically take place at our preferred veterinarian’s office where a decision can be made regarding the health of the animal.
Euthanasia fees are at the expense of the person surrendering.
You will be asked to provide us with any previous medical history, a personality profile, and photos or videos for each animal.
The following minimum fee will apply to cover costs for the care of your pet subsequent to relinquishment:
- Litter of kittens (under 3 months of age): $60
- Litter of puppies (under 3 months of age) : $60
- Cat: $35
- Dog: $35