FAQ

Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter understands that circumstances may arise that require individuals to surrender their companion animals. Surrendering a pet is never an easy decision. We strongly encourage you to notify friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances to determine if a close contact can take your pet.

Surrendering an animal is an important decision for both you and Rivers and Bluffs and should be handled in a humane manner.

FAQ

  • Q: Do I need to have an appointment to surrender my pet?

  • A: Due to Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter being a limited intake facility we can only take animals in when we have adequate space, and volunteers to care for them. Calling to schedule an appointment will ensure that we have an open kennel to hold the animal, and the ability to care for it properly.


  • Q: What information do I need to surrender a pet?

  • A: When surrendering your animal we will provide you with a questionnaire to fill out. The questionnaire will ask about your pets behavior, and personality. We ask that you bring your animals vet records to show proof of any vaccinations, or medical issues.


  • Q: Is there paperwork I need to fill out?

  • A: The owner of the animal will be required to fill out a Surrender Statement. This form relinquishes the pet to the custody of Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter. Owners will also be asked to fill out a Surrender Profile. This profile has questions about what kind of environment your pet is used to. This information helps Rivers and Bluffs place your pet in its new home. These forms are available online and at the shelter. The paperwork takes approximately 20-40 minutes to fill out so please allow enough time to complete the forms.


  • Q: Is there a payment required?

  • A: Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter does not have a surrender fee, but we do ask that you could make any type of donation to help offset the costs of caring for your pet till they are adopted. If your pet is not spayed/neutered, or up to date on vaccinations we will have to get this done prior to adopting the animal out to it’s new family. If you cannot afford a monetary donation, even bringing in the food they are eating, or their supplies will help.


  • Q: How long does the shelter keep animals?

  • A: At Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter we keep all animals in our care till they are adopted. The only exception to this rule is if the animal's behavior is dangerous to RABAS Staff/Volunteers, or the public. We have also humanely euthanized animals if they are suffering from an illness, or injury, and their nothing that can be medical done to help the animal.


  • Q: Can I visit my pet after I surrender it?

  • A: Once the animal is surrendered to the shelter we typically don't recommend coming to spend time with the surrendered animal. Being left at the shelter is a very hard adjustment for an animal to make, and coming to see the animal can cause them stress when they are not able to leave with you.


  • Q: Can I call to check on my pet?

  • A: You are welcome to call, and check on a pet, but please keep in mind that once a pet is surrendered we will not give you any information on the pet that would be considered confidential. Please trust that the staff at the shelter is doing the very best job to take care of your pet.


  • Q: What if I change my mind and want my pet back?

  • A: Occasionally, pet owners are put into a position where they have to surrender a pet to the shelter. Sometimes they find a way after they’ve surrendered that would allow them to have their pet. We will use our discretion as to whether we will return the animal back to an owner. Never surrender your pet when you are upset. If you are having difficulty with your pet’s behavior you can always call the shelter, consult your veterinarian or a professional before surrendering. Keep in mind that signing the surrender paperwork means you are signing your rights to that pet(s) to Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter. After the surrender form is signed the pet is Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter's property. Typically the animal can be returned to the owner if it is shortly after the surrender, but if the animal has interest after being put up for adoption a previous owner may have to fill out an application.


  • Q: How long before my pet will be available for adoption?

  • A: Each pet needs to adjust to the shelter, so that staff, and volunteers can see the animal's behavior to find it the perfect home. The animal may need to stay in our care longer if it needs to be altered, receive vaccinations, or other medical care. An animal's length of stay at our shelter varies for every animal.


  • Q: Will surrendering have an effect on my chances of adopting an animal in the future?

  • A: There is not a black and white answer for surrendering animals as each situation is different. Rivers and Bluffs understand that situations arise and prevent families from keeping pets sometimes. We do not discourage people from adopting in the future, but please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee that an application will be approved.


  • Q: Will my pet find a good home?

  • A: Rest assured that our staff takes very good care of all of the animals that come into the shelter. They are all treated like they are family. Applicants are screened to make sure they will be the best fit for your pet. When you surrender a pet, the surrender profile helps us to match your pet with the perfect home. We love these animals like they are our own and we’ll do our very best to take care of them.