Alternatives to Surrender

1. Behavior Concerns

Many issues can be improved with time, patience, or professional help. Contact us for guidance—please allow up to 48 business hours for a response.
Common challenges include:

• Reactivity or aggression toward people or other pets

• Separation anxiety

• House training or marking issues

• Leash pulling and basic obedience problems

• Excessive barking

• Fear of strangers

• Dominance or jealousy

• Cats urinating outside the litter box or showing aggression

2. Health or Financial Challenges

If you’re struggling with vet bills or basic pet care, reach out before surrendering. We can often connect you with low-cost veterinary options, free pet food (when available), or basic supplies to help keep your pet at home.

3. Allergies

Before assuming your pet is to blame, consider seasonal or environmental allergies. A simple blood test can confirm pet allergies. Over-the-counter medications and cleaning routines often help.
Learn more: How Pets & Allergies Can Go Hand-in-Paw.

4. New Baby

Many pets and babies coexist safely with proper introductions. If you’re expecting, talk with us about your pet’s temperament—we can help you prepare.
Read more:

• Why Dogs and Cats Make Babies Healthier

• Introducing Pets to New Babies

5. Moving

Moving is stressful—but it doesn’t have to mean losing your pet. There are many pet-friendly rentals with few or no restrictions. Before signing a lease, confirm your pet can come with you. Your companion depends on you to bring them along, every time.

6. Not Enough Time

Busy schedule? Traveling more? Your dog would almost always rather wait at home than live in a shelter. Consider a dog walker, in-home sitter, or doggy daycare instead. There are affordable solutions that let your pet stay where they belong—with you.

Before You Surrender

Giving up your pet is never easy—and it’s especially hard on them. Pets who lose their families often struggle to adjust to shelter life. They grieve, become withdrawn, stop eating, or get sick from stress. Seniors are at the highest risk.

For your pet’s well-being, surrendering should always be a last resort. Before making this decision, please explore every possible alternative. Talk to friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, or rescue groups. There are often other options.

While WCAS does not euthanize animals for space or time, surrendering still carries emotional and health risks for your pet. We will always treat any illness or condition that allows for a good quality of life—but their recovery often depends on their emotional state.

A Better Option: ReHome by Adopt-a-Pet

ReHome is a free, direct-to-adopter program that helps pets find new homes without entering a shelter. Owners can connect directly with adopters, share their pet’s story, and ensure the best fit for both sides.

Visit How to Rehome Your Dog or Cat to get started.

There’s no place like home. But when a new home is needed, we’re here to help make sure it’s the right one.

IF You Still Need to Surrender

WCAS accepts owner surrenders from Wabash County residents only. Because strays take priority, there is often a waiting list. Please call ahead to be added.

Surrenders are accepted by APPOINTMENT only.

Bring vaccination and medical records to help us process your pet quickly.
Surrender fee: $30 per animal.

WCAS reserves the right to decline an owner surrender if it is not in the best interest of the animal or shelter.

Note: If you have been feeding or caring for an animal, it is legally considered your pet and treated as an “Owner Surrender.”