Surrendering Your Pet

We understand how difficult it is to give up the family pet. Every day wonderful animals are surrendered into our care – victims of a broken bond between a human and his or her companion animal.

Problems that have shattered the bond between human and animal include:
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* the owner can no longer afford to keep the animal.
* the animal was obtained without a firm understanding or acceptance of the commitment the relationship required.
* the animal has a behaviour problem that the owner is unwilling or unable to resolve
* the owner is moving and is unable to find suitable housing that allows pets
* the animal has a medical problem that the owner is unwilling or unable to resolve
* the owner has a change in family circumstances
* the owner failed to spay or neuter

All of these problems lead pet owners to give up their pet is long and difficult. Before the decision is made to surrender, however, we want to let you know that we are here to help you repair that bond.

When you call; our staff will provide you with tips and options, like ways to educate yourself on animal behaviour and training. Perhaps family or friends would like to take on the responsibility. Maybe check with the source of the pet, for example if he/she came from a breeder. Good ones will attempt to help you with any problems and may even be willing to take their animals back. Contact local rescues or specialty groups like specific breed groups or perhaps a group for older pets if that's is what you have. If these options exhausted you can attempt to find your pet a home by advertising, but please take the following precautions. . . .

When Advertising:
* Charge a nominal fee for the animal.
* Be honest about why you are giving your pet up.
* Confirm that the potential purchaser is willing to provide the necessary veterinary care for the animal.
* Confirm that the potential purchaser will spay or neuter the pet if it has not been done already.
* Ensure that the potential purchaser is looking for a companion animal as opposed to a guard dog/outdoor pet.
* Look for a purchaser who has as many questions to ask you as you have for them. This shows a true initiative to find the right match.
* Talk to the potential purchaser about the importance of obedience training, exercise and grooming. Also make sure that all their family members meet, like and want the animal.
* It's a good idea to also introduce pets to each other if potential purchasers already have pets.

DON'T be afraid to refuse a sale if you are not comfortable.

If all else fails then please contact the Yorkton SPCA at 306-783-4080 to surrender your pet. Call ahead to see if we have room available and if not then we will take your information so we can let you know as soon as we do. Give us as much information as you can so we can re home the pet sooner then later. Please bring in all veterinary information, and please bring in a cash donation if you are able to do so, this helps us keep our doors open and take care of the unending surrendered pets awaiting their new loving responsible home.  

All surrendered animals immediately become property of the Yorkton SPCA and will be placed in a home or euthanized without prior notice to the surrender. All who adopt or surrender are kept private.