Animal Humane Society helps thousands of dogs, cats, and critters in need find loving homes each year. We take in every animal surrendered to us regardless of its health, age, breed, or behavior. Last year, more than 93% of the animals in our care were placed in homes, reunited with owners, or released to other animal welfare organizations.
We understand that parting ways with an animal can be especially difficult and we're committed to working with you to ensure the best possible solution for you and your pet.
Rehoming options
Before making the decision to surrender, please consider all of your options. Learn more about alternatives to surrendering your pet including other re-homing options.
Surrender appointment wait times
As of December 3rd, expected wait times for non-emergency appointments are:
- Coon Rapids: 30-32 days
- Golden Valley: 35-37 days
- Woodbury: 35-37 days
Schedule a surrender appointment
Please note: Our Pet Helpline is encountering intermittent issues. If your call drops, please call back so we may assist you with your concerns. Additionally, if you leave us a voicemail and do not receive a return call within a few business days, please contact us again as we may not have received your message.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these technical difficulties.
When you call to schedule your appointment, our Pet Helpline representatives will need time to gather health and behavior information about your pet. We’ll then discuss your options so you can make an informed decision for your pet. During your surrender appointment, the staff will review with you the information you provided during the phone call and assist you with any questions you may have.
Please note that Animal Humane Society is an open-admission organization that accepts all animals. Animals deemed unhealthy or untreatable may not be candidates for adoption, and humane euthanasia may be considered in some cases.
To schedule a surrender appointment, call our Pet Helpline at 952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738).
Surrender fees
| Species | Fee |
| Dogs and cats | $59 each, $97 for litters of two or more |
| Rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, and hedgehogs | $32 each, $54 for litters of two or more |
| Guinea pigs, rodents, and birds* | $16 each, $22 for litters of two or more |
Surrender FAQ
In order to ensure resources are ready and available when a pet arrives, Animal Humane Society requires a scheduled surrender appointment. Without an appointment process, we would have no control over the number of pets that come into our care each day, and our ability to provide the best possible care for each animal would be hindered.
If you don't want to schedule an appointment, we will refer you to other rescues and shelters or provide rehoming information to help you rehome your pet yourself.
- A driver's license or other government issued ID.
- Your pet's surrender form. Find the appropriate surrender form below. (A profile form is not required for ferrets, chinchillas, other small animals and birds.) If you do not have access to a printer, please arrive to your appointment 15 minutes early to complete the forms. Our goal is to find a happy home for every healthy and treatable animal, which we can achieve by knowing more about the animals that come into our care.
Canine profile | Feline profile | Rabbit profile - Your pet’s veterinary records.
- Payment method for the surrender fees listed above.
Animal Humane Society provides services for cats, dogs, rabbits, domestic rodents (rats, mice gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas, degus), ferrets, hedgehogs, and small birds. We are unable to accept exotic pets such as reptiles, large birds like cockatoos and amazons, or livestock (chickens, pigs, and goats). If you have an exotic pet or livestock you're hoping to re-home, these organizations may be able to help:
- Care About Wildlife (wildlife, exotics, and farm animals), 612-325-6220
- Chicken Run Rescue
- Minnesota Herpetological Society
- Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue
- NEWDAY Sanctuary
- Resource for Iguana Care and Adoption
Yes. If you contact AHS, we'll let you know if your pet was adopted or placed with a rescue partner. However, we will not share adopter contact information or details about the rescue partner to which your pet is transferred.
Last year, more than 94 percent of the animals in our care were placed in homes, reunited with owners, or released to other animal welfare organizations. AHS has not euthanized a healthy animal for any reason since 2011, and there is no time limit for animals in our care. Animals with untreatable illness or severe behavior issues may not be candidates for adoption, and humane euthanasia may be considered in some cases. If we determine your pet cannot become healthy or suitable for placement, and euthanasia is the most humane option, you may reclaim your pet.