Rehome Assistance
Pets are surrendered for many reasons—financial concerns, illness, moving to a home that doesn’t welcome pets, allergies, pet behavior issues, and unwanted litters—to name a few. Rehoming a pet can be devastating for the owner and the animal, so HSSC urges pet owners to consider other options before deciding to surrender. We’re here to help. HSSC offers many resources to help keep pets in loving homes.
HSSC is a private, managed-admission shelter. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of rehome requests and limited staff and resources, HSSC is not able to accommodate all requests.
If you have found a stray animal, please contact Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services at 941.861.9500 or Manatee County Animal Services at 941.742.5933.
We accept cats and dogs by appointment only. An appointment does not guarantee acceptance into HSSC. Each pet is evaluated for health and temperament. We accept rehome applicants from Sarasota County or Manatee County only. Animals from other counties are case-by-case.
HSSC makes every effort to place healthy, friendly pets in new, loving homes, but we cannot guarantee the rehoming of your pet. The first step is to fill out the form below.
If you have any questions about rehoming your cat or dog, please contact us at [email protected] or call 941.955.4131.
Rehoming Services
If You Need to Rehome Your Pet
- You, as the pet owner, must complete the appropriate surrender request form. Submit the completed form electronically or drop it off at HSSC.
- You will receive confirmation from HSSC indicating we are in receipt of the form. HSSC reviews every surrender request form. However, not all pets are a candidate for the shelter and subsequent adoption.
- If we feel your pet is a candidate for our shelter, we will contact you and place your pet on a waiting list. Once space becomes available in the shelter, we will contact you to schedule an appointment for surrender. An appointment does not guarantee acceptance into our adoption program.
- HSSC will notify you if we cannot accommodate your request for surrender. We may be able to recommend other facilities in the area, including those listed in the Animal Resource Guide (PDF).
If You Need to Return a Newly Adopted Pet
- If an adopted animal turns out to not be a good fit, the animal may be returned to HSSC within 30 days of adoption. After 30 days, adopted animals may still be returned to HSSC, but we ask the adopter to first complete the Rehome Request Form so we have updated information on the animal, including medical records. All returns are by appointment only so we can ensure we have space available. We do not charge owner surrender fees for animals that were previously adopted from HSSC.
Read the Adoption Returns Policy (PDF) Animal Resource Guide (PDF).
Once You Have a Scheduled Appointment
- An appointment does not guarantee acceptance into our adoption program.
- Please arrive on time and allow approximately 30 minutes for the appointment. The pet owner must be present.
- All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
- All pets are tested for communicable diseases and evaluated for suitable temperament prior to admission.
- If your pet is deemed unfit for the shelter, the behaviorist may be able to recommend other facilities in the area.
- If your pet is accepted into the program, you will be required to sign a rehoming form. We ask that owners rehoming their pet make a monetary donation to help support the costs of care for the animal (on average, it cost HSSC $600 per animal). If you are not able to make a monetary donation towards the animal’s care, we ask if you can donate food, treats, toys, bedding, or other items belonging to the animal.
Please bring the following with you to your rehoming appointment:
- Pet’s crate or carrier
- All veterinary records
- Pet’s medications
- Special treats or food that your pet needs
- Your pet’s bed, toys, leash, and other belongings from home
- Your current and valid photo ID