We know that sometimes life happens and people find themselves unable to properly care for their animal. Our greatest fear is that someone will feel so desperate that they consider giving or selling their animal to a stranger. Without the required references and home checks performed by rescue groups, animals run the risk of being placed into unhealthy and abusive homes. We want to ensure your loved one gets the home they deserve.
Before you make the decision to surrender, give away, or sell your animal, we may be able to help you find solutions that will allow you to keep your animal as a member of the family. While we can't guarantee miracles, we do have extensive experience dealing with a multitude of issues and can certainly offer suggestions and alternatives to giving up your animal.
We understand that sometimes despite best efforts it is necessary to surrender your animal. In this case, we feel the best solution is for Des Moines County Humane Society to take the animal and find them a new, loving home.
Based on urgency and shelter space availability, Des Moines County Humane Society does take in animals surrendered by their owners. Please understand that because we have very limited resources, it's necessary for us to prioritize the animals we take into rescue. Please be patient with us and we will do our best to work with you to ensure the safety and well-being of your animal.
Des Moines County Humane Society knows that surrendering your animal is a very difficult decision, but sometimes - it is the only one to make. If you choose to surrender your animal, you'll be asked to complete a surrender contract. Your signature on this contract represents a permanent decision on your part. This legally binding contract gives full ownership of the animal to Des Moines County Humane Society. We do have a surrender fee of $40 to surrender your animal. This allows us to provide food, individual care, veterinary care and down the road, legally adopt out the animal to a carefully pre-screened 'forever' home.
Complete the Surrender Form.
Our Team will review your application to determine if we have an open kennel available and whether or not your animal is a fit for our rescue.
We will contact you to let know our decision.
If it has been determined that your animal is a good fit for our organization, we will contact you to make arrangements to get the animal to the shelter and pay the $40 surrender fee.
If it not a good fit or we are too full to take we will try to find some other ways for you to be able to rehome your animal. Or you can try again in the future if we have more kennels open.
