How to Return Pets Back to a Shelter

When adopting a pet from an animal shelter you work with the staff to find the pet that will best suit your family. You may make several trips until you find the pet that is right for you. You pay the adoption fee and fill out all of the paperwork. Then you bring your pet home. But sometimes a pet behaves in a way that makes you want to return it. For example, a cat may hiss and scratch at your kids or a dog may bite your other animals. If you lose your job, and you can no long afford your pet, you may also need to return the pet to the animal shelter.

Things You'll Need

  • Animal shelter's phone number
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Instructions

    • 1

      Call the animal shelter with your concerns first. Animal shelters will always take the animal back, but they would like to work with you to see if there is any way you can keep the animal.

    • 2

      Take the animal to the vet. Some shelters will give you a coupon for one free vet visit. It may be that your animal is acting out because of some unknown health condition.

    • 3

      If you have no success with steps 1 and 2, call the animal shelter and let them know that you are coming so they can get a space ready for the animal.

    • 4

      Place your animal in a cage if possible. If you have a large dog you will need to put on his collar and leash and take him to the animal shelter.

    • 5

      Give the pet and all of her accessories to the animal shelter worker. You may need to fill out some more paperwork. Let the animal shelter keep the adoption fee you paid so they can continue to house, feed, and take care of animals in need.