Surrendering a Pet to Cascades Humane Society
We understand that life circumstances change, and sometimes caring for a pet is no longer possible. CHS is here for those moments — and because we're a no-kill facility, every pet we accept is given the time and care needed to find a new home.
How the Surrender Process Works
CHS accepts dogs and cats based on kennel availability and behavioral assessment. To get started, complete the appropriate admission application below. Once submitted, our Intake Coordinator will reach out to schedule an evaluation appointment. At that appointment, CHS will perform a behavioral assessment to evaluate your pet's social behavior and health. If the pet passes the assessment and kennel space is available, we'll take your pet into our care and begin preparing them for adoption.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Coming prepared helps make the transition as smooth as possible for your pet. Please bring the following to your scheduled evaluation:
- All veterinary health records, including spay/neuter certificate, vaccination history, rabies certificate, and any pertinent medical history
- Any medications your pet is currently taking, along with documentation from your veterinarian stating the diagnosis and need for each medication
- Your pet's favorite toy, blanket, or bed — familiar items reduce stress during the transition into the shelter and later into an adopter's home
- Your valid driver's license
Surrender Fees and a Note on Unplanned Litters
Surrender fees help offset the cost of intake, assessment, and care. Current fees are as follows:
| Animal Type | Surrender Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Animals | $10 |
| Cats | $20 |
| Dogs | $35 |
| Litter of Kittens | $25 |
| Litter of Puppies | $40 |
Have an unplanned litter of puppies? Space permitting, CHS will accept the puppies upon surrender and spay and rabies vaccinate the mother at no charge.
If CHS is unable to accommodate your pet due to capacity, visit our additional rescue resources page for other options in the area.
Surrender Questions, Answered
Does CHS accept all animals surrendered to them?
CHS accepts dogs and cats based on kennel availability and behavioral assessment. Because we are a no-kill, limited-intake facility, we cannot guarantee immediate intake for every animal. Once you submit an admission application, our Intake Coordinator will contact you to schedule an evaluation and discuss availability. If we are unable to accommodate your pet, we can point you toward additional rescue resources in the area.
What happens during the behavioral assessment?
At your scheduled appointment, CHS staff will evaluate your pet's social behavior and overall health to determine whether they are a good fit for our shelter environment. This assessment helps us ensure the safety of the animals already in our care and gives us the information we need to match your pet with the right adopter. If your pet passes the assessment and space is available, intake is completed the same day.
Can I surrender a litter of puppies or kittens?
Yes, space permitting. Litter surrender fees are $40 for puppies and $25 for kittens. If you are surrendering a litter of puppies, CHS will spay the mother and provide her rabies vaccination at no charge at the time of surrender. Submit the appropriate admission application to get the process started.
What if CHS doesn't have space for my pet right now?
If kennel space is unavailable at the time of your inquiry, our Intake Coordinator will let you know and can point you toward additional rescue options in the Jackson area. We recommend submitting your application as early as possible so we can get your pet on our radar and reach out as soon as space becomes available.
Is there a surrender fee, and what does it cover?
Yes. Surrender fees range from $10 for small animals to $40 for a litter of puppies and help offset the cost of intake, behavioral assessment, veterinary care, and shelter operations. Fees are due at the time of surrender. If you have questions about fees before your appointment, call CHS at (517) 787-7387 during open hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM.