If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of owning an animal that you can no longer care for, Broward County Animal Care and Adoption can help. For example, if your pet is experiencing behavior problems, our Parks and Recreation Division offers obedience classes. If your pet is experiencing a minor medical condition that you cannot afford to treat, we may be able to provide low-cost veterinary services.
Our first goal is to help you keep your beloved pet with you throughout its lifetime. But we recognize there are many reasons to surrender a pet that are beyond an owner’s control.
Options for Surrendering a Dog or Cat
- If you must surrender your pet, your first, best option is to distribute flyers about your pet, or place an ad in the newspaper. Someone in your neighborhood may want to adopt your animal and give it a good home.
- A not-for-profit rescue organization may be able to take the animal and place it for adoption. Call the Florida Humane Society at 954-974-6152, or Abandoned Pet Rescue at 954-728-9010.
- The Humane Society of Broward County always accepts cats and dogs, although they cannot guarantee your pet will be adopted. Call 954-989-3977.
- You can bring your animal to a Broward County Animal Care Adoption Center. Bring proof of ownership, such as a photo of you with your pet, or veterinarian bill. There is no fee involved. Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee that your pet will be adopted.
Common Reasons for Surrendering a Pet
According to studies, the most common reasons for surrendering a pet are:
- Moving
- Landlord does not allow pets
- Too many animals in the household
- Cost of pet maintenance
- Owner having personal problems
- Inadequate facilities
- No homes available for litter mates
- For dogs, additional reasons include no time available for pet, pet illness and biting or behavior problems
- For cats, additional reasons include allergies, house soiling and incompatability with other pets
Before Surrendering Your Pet
Before surrendering your pet, please ask yourself the questions presented below to help us help you evaluate your needs and explore options.
| Services and/or Programs: |
Yes |
No |
| Would you be interested in dog obedience classes if offered at a location near you? (96 percent of dogs surrendered have not had obedience training) |
[ ] |
[ ] |
| Would you consider giving your pet to an animal rescue group as an alternative to surrendering your animal to Broward County Animal Care? |
[ ] |
[ ] |
| If you are surrendering your pet due to minor medical conditions that you cannot afford, would you be interested in low cost veterinary services? |
[ ] |
[ ] |
| Are you willing to participate in a low cost spay/neuter service for your pet? |
[ ] |
[ ] |
| Would you be interested in learning about pet care tips for a busy pet owner? |
[ ] |
[ ] |
| Are you in need of a “pet friendly” rental or housing community? |
[ ] |
[ ] |
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Please provide us with additional information: |
| Name: |
Date: |
| Animal Being Surrendered: |
| Dog(s): |
Number: |
| Cat(s): |
Number: |
| Daytime phone: ( ) |
Cell phone: ( ) |
| Best time to call: |
Email this document to animalcare@broward.org, fax to 954-359-1349, or print and mail to:
Broward County Animal Care and Adoption
1870 S.W. 39th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315