Shelter Programs
Pet Surrender
Surrendering an Animal
Although our goal is for every pet to have a permanent, lifetime home, we understand that life circumstances can sometimes make caring for an animal difficult. However, before surrendering your pet to our shelter, consider taking advantage of the many resources the Animal Rescue League of Boston offers pet owners to assist them in dealing with common behavioral and medical issues.
Behavior Counseling
- Dr. Amy Marder, a veterinarian with special certification and expertise in animal behavior, is based in our Boston shelter. Dr. Marder and her staff work with pet owners to correct common problems like house soiling, scratching, biting, barking and destructive behaviors. If you are considering surrendering your pet for one of these reasons, enrolling in one of our behavior classes could help you resolve the issue. You can also speak with a member of our behavioral staff through our free behavior helpline by calling (617) 426-9170. Please visit our Behavior Center homepage for more information on classes, private phone consultations and other services by clicking here.
Veterinary Exams
- Behavioral problems such as house-soiling and temperament issues can be caused or worsened by underlying medical problems. Consider scheduling a veterinary health screening for your pet to rule out a treatable medical condition before you surrender your pet. For some behavior problems, pharmacotherapy may be the answer. Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) at the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston, located next to the shelter at 10 Chandler Street in Boston, is open to the public and offers compassionate care and convenient weeknight and Saturday hours. Please visit the BVC's homepage by clicking here.
If surrendering your pet for adoption seems like the right choice for you, please contact one of our shelter locations to discuss placement options and the surrender procedure.
- Boston Adoption Center: 617-426-9170
- Dedham Adoption Center: 781-326-0729
- Brewster Adoption Center: 508-255-1030
All surrenders require an advance appointment. An appointment-based system is necessary because we want to ensure that we have cage space available and allows us enough time to sit down with you and learn what kind of home would best suit your pet. The Animal Rescue League of Boston assesses a $25 fee for cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets and large birds, $35 for litters of 2-4 with a $10 fee for each additional animal. All other animals require payment of a $10 surrender fee.
During the surrender process, we will ask that you fill out an intake profile and that you bring your pet’s medical records and any other pertinent information. Please click on the link below to access the appropriate intake profile. Please bring the completed profile with you to your surrender appointment.
Cat Intake Profile
Dog Intake Profile
Miscellaneous Animal Intake Profile
Parrot Intake Profile
Rabbit Intake Profile
For sick or elderly pets, if euthanasia is the best option, we recommend contacting your veterinarian. If this is not possible, please contact us to discuss arrangements and fees.
