Surrendering Your Pet

Surrendering Your Pet


The SPCA of Luzerne County is an Open Admission facility.  No animal is turned away, however, if you need to surrender your pet(s), you will need to call the SPCA at 570-825-4111 to make an appointment.  We do ask that you do everything you can to keep your pet(s), or to find them a new loving home on your own.

Why does the SPCA require an appointment to bring in my own pet or pets?

Each year the SPCA takes in several thousand animals who are in need of a new home.  In order for us to make sure that we have room to take in your pet(s), so they can have the best opportunity for finding a new home, we ask you to make an appointment.  The time before your appointment can be utilized by you to try to find a new home for them on your own, or consider working with your pet(s) or situation to be able to keep your pet(s).  Why is that so important?  If you can place your pet(s) in a new loving home, that means one less animal in need of our services.

We do offer euthanasia services to those who have pets that are ill or have become unsafe to keep in the home.  You will still need to call the SPCA for an appointment, fees and information on other related services.

What can you do to find a home for your pet(s), or resolve your situation before bringing him or her to the SPCA?

  • Place an advertisement in the PETFINDER.COM public classifieds.  Their website offers valuable information on placing your pet, with advice on how to screen potential homes and avoiding scams.
  • Contact your veterinarian and ask to put a posting in his or her office.  Most vets offer for their clients to do this.  Your vet might even have a client in mind to adopt your pet.
  • Examine why you are re-homing your pet.  Have you tried everything possible to keep your pet?  Are you giving up your pet for convenience?  What other options are available in order to not have to re-home your pet?  There are often many other alternatives to placing your pet in a new home.
*****If you are needing to re-home a pet that you have adopted from the SPCA of Luzerne County, per your contract the pet must be returned to the SPCA.  If you have already found a suitable home for the pet, you are required to come to the SPCA with the new family to complete a transfer of ownership.

If you are moving-have you examined all housing possibilities?  It may be necessary to move to a smaller apartment or consider a slightly higher rent until another rental that meets your needs can be found.  Consider a friend or family member for your pet(s) until you can find alternative living arrangements.  Contact local real estate agencies...many manage rental properties and will work with your budget and housing needs to find a place where you can have your pet(s).  You can also try http://www.peoplewithpets.com/, to locate pet friendly housing.
Not Enough Time?- Here are some things to consider before giving up your pet(s).  Age of your pet(s)...most older pets really don't care how long you are gone in the day...just that you come home eventually.  Of course you do have to consider how long they will be in the home without being able to use the bathroom...so if you know you are going to be gone too long during the day please consider some of the following options before giving up your family member- a neighbor, friend, family member or accredited pet care professional who can come to your home once a day to take dog out for potty time and exercise, or simply to just spend some time with your pet.  If you have a younger pet schedule play time and exercise time..really schedule it.  Use a daily calendar to schedule your pets play time with you.  Most often when you really examine your day to day activities it is not hard at all to find adequate time with your pet.
Training Issues- Training(basic obedience, socialization and housebreaking), is a highly solvable issue.  Just like any other parent with a child, it takes a little time, a lot of patience and the occasional help from a professional.  Thankfully there are many affordable options for you and your furry family member so that you can work together, bond and make him or her the best they can be, all the while becoming the best pet parent you can be.
Having a baby(giving up the cat)- Much research has been done on illnesses associated with pregnancy and cats.  The recommendation to anyone who is expecting - use gloves and a mask when scooping the litterbox. Have your cat titered for Toxoplasmosis.  If you are in a high risk pregnancy, have another member of the household help with the litter box.  You might also want to invest in an automatic litterbox.  These are quite handy and effective gadgets!  Tip:Whenever scooping boxes, even if not expecting, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.  Another issue people find is that the cats like to lay in the crib with the baby.  Most cats are quite thrilled at having a new little addition to the home, but if you have concerns about the crib, you can keep kitty out by closing the door, or when its bed time for baby, move kitty to his or her very own room until the baby is a little older.

We understand that sometimes you feel like you have explored every option, but our intake counselors do have many suggestions and are always happy to give advice or refer you to a professional who can.  If you are in a position where you absolutely have no choice, please do bring your pet(s) to the SPCA.  Do not just let them go, or leave them behind.  It is against the law, but most importantly unfair to the life/lives who depend on you to do what is best for them.  We cannot guarantee placement in a new home for every pet, but we do everything in our power to give yours the best opportunity at a new life.

Are you bringing in a litter of animals as a result of an accidental or intentional breeding with your own animals?  First - this is 100% preventable.  Spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted animals is key to solving our pet overpopulation problem and reduce the number of animals euthanized in shelters every year, as well as reduce the incidence of animal abuse that is rampant in this country and in our state.
Please explore all options for getting your pets spayed and neutered to prevent future unwanted litters.  Here are a few options locally:
Spay Neuter Assistance Program(SNAP)- This program is our low income assistance program designed to address the #1 most relinquished pet to animal shelters - Cats!   Click here... to learn more.
Eastern Pennsylvania Animal Alliance - A regional low cost spay/neuter organization with mobile clinics operating throughout Eastern Pennsylvania.  Please visit their website to learn more and schedule an appointment today!
Be a hero to animals...Spay and Neuter your pets!