Surrendering A Pet

Owner Surrender

We understand life can present unexpected challenges, possibly affecting the ability to provide proper care for a furry family member. The animal services team encourages pet owners to first consider alternate options for pets before surrendering to a shelter. The shelter is the least desirable place for pets and it should be a last resort.

Reach out to your friends and family and utilize all available rehoming networks. Social media sites like Nextdoor and Facebook can be a good resource for finding a new home for your pet. We also suggest using ReHome as a free service for finding a new home for your pet. You create a profile for your pet, review applications, and pick the best home for your pet. The adopter pays a fee and that fee is donated to San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.

Behavior/Training Concerns: If your pet's behavior is the reason you're considering rehoming, please visit our page dedicated to pet training tips and resources. 

Intake Diversion Form is available online. 

Before surrendering your pet to San Marcos Regional Animal Services, we ask that you submit the online Intake Diversion Form so we can help find resources or supportive placement options for your pet. 

When filling out the form, be prepared to supply 2-3 photos of your pet. The photos should be in good lighting with a clear view of your pet's face and body. The form will also ask for basic information needed to rehome your pet, including:

  • Your name, phone number, and email address
  • Pet’s Name
  • Type of pet (Dog, Cat, Other)
  • Breed(s)
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Is your pet spayed/neutered?
  • Is your pet current on their vaccinations?
  • Is your pet good with dogs, cats, and kids?
  • Does your pet have any medical needs we need to know about?
  • Is your pet kept primarily inside or outside?
  • Is your pet housebroken/litter box trained?
  • Is your dog crate trained?
  • Why do you need to surrender your pet?

In addition to submitting an Intake Diversion Form, owners are encouraged to post their pet(s) on the Hays County Urgent Pets Rehome Facebook group. A follow-up email will be sent to owners within two weeks after submitting the Intake Diversion form. If placement has not been found for a pet, a surrender appointment will be scheduled at that time. The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter will ONLY take owner surrenders from our service areas (Kyle, Buda, Hays County, and San Marcos).

Owners must present a valid, government-issued form of identification such as a driver’s license, military ID or passport with an address verifying proof of residence in our service area when surrendering their pet. Shelter staff will not accept a pet without the owner’s ID. Owners are also encouraged to bring any veterinary records available. We suggest owners send themselves a copy of the online Intake Diversion Form and bring the responses upon time of surrender.