Frequently Asked Questions - (and Answers)
Can I relinquish a pet to HSCI?
We are frequently asked if a pet can be relinquished to us. Please consider the following suggestions if you want to relinquish a pet.
- Before you bring a pet to the Pet Adoption Center call our office first at (309)451-1000 during our office hours. For a variety of reasons, occasionally there are times that we are unable to take in pets.
- Our adoption staff may ask you some general questions about the pet to determine if we can help or not.
- If we are unable to help immediately but think we may be able to help at a later time, our staff will either put you on a waiting list (dogs) or ask you to call back (cats/others). Our ability to take pets in greatly depends on how pet adoptions are doing at the time.
- If we are able to take the pet in, we often will ask that you bring the pet in on a specific day. Our reason for doing this is to coordinate the timing with our vet, surgery schedules, and cage openings.
- When bringing in a pet it helps to have as much information as possible. If you have vet records, please bring them with you.
- If you no longer need the supplies that go with the pet (bedding, food, medication, toys), you are welcome to donate them to HSCI.
- When relinquishing a pet it is necessary to complete one or two forms. The first form states that you give your consent to transfer ownership of the pet to us, and allow us to medically treat and adopt the pet as we see fit. This form terminates your ownership of the pet. No follow-up information is provided about the pet after this point.
The second form is a personality profile for the pet. We understand that in some cases you may not be able to provide this information. The personality profile tells us the habits of the pet and can help us find a good match with a potential adopter.
Please complete the forms honestly as that will put us in the best position to help the pet. Your responses help us assess the pet best medically and behaviorally. Some pets will demonstrate different behaviors in a group environment. To know how a pet is in a home environment can either help us help the pet while at the shelter or find a home that really is a better match.
- There is a Relinquishment Fee of $25 for cats and small dogs, and $50 for dogs 50 lbs and greater. This helps offset some of our expenses in caring for your relinquished pet. As a not-for-profit, donations help us provide medical and basic care for the pets at our adoption center. Larger donations and memberships are greatly appreciated.
- If you choose not to relinquish a pet to the Humane Society, we strongly encourage you to:
- If the pet is "found", to file a "found" report over the phone with us so a reunion with the owner might occur.
- If you decide to keep the pet, spay/neuter.
- If you decide to relinquish the pet to another pet organization, please visit the facility before taking the pet there. Standards of care vary drastically. Some shelters simply warehouse pets without providing medical care and/or regular human contact. See for yourself the environment. Ask to see medical records of pets currently available. Make sure you are comfortable with the facility before making a decision.
- If you decide to find a pet a home yourself, check out our tips to do so.
