Pet Surrender Steps
The City of Columbia and Richland County pet owners who wish to surrender their pets should call us at (803) 776-PETS (7387) to schedule an appointment. If your pet isn’t safe enough to place in the community (for example: displaying aggression) or your pet will likely have a poor quality of life due to untreatable/unmanageable medical illnesses/injuries, we may recommend humane euthanasia rather than surrendering your pet for adoption. There is no guarantee as to the disposition of any animal that is brought in.
Surrendering your pet is a very difficult decision to make, but we are here to support you. As the pet’s owner, you have the best chance of finding your pet a new home.
Rehoming Tips
- Ask your network for help.
- Talk with your friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers. Let them know that you need to find a new home for your pet to see if they or someone they know is looking to get a new pet.
- Share some cute photos of your pet on your social media channels and ask your friends and followers to share them with their friends and followers.
- Ask your veterinarian if you can post signs in their clinic. This type of networking can have very positive results.
- Most people who want a new pet start by doing their research online. Help them find you by listing your pet for adoption on one of these rehoming websites: Adopt-A-Pet or Home to Home. They are free, easy to use, and will get your pet’s profile in front of thousands of potential adopters in just a few minutes. To create a pet profile for your pet on Adopt-A-Pet, scan the QR code on the flyer below.
- Reach out to local no-kill rescue shelters.
- As a very last resort and only after all other options have been exhausted should you consider surrendering your pet to your local shelter.
