A Matter of Life & Death
There are many considerations responsible pet owners must take into account when deciding whether to give up their pet. Read this carefully to ensure your pet has the best chance at a good future. Making the wrong decision could mean your pet's life is taken prematurely.
Best Option for Your Pet
The best possible option is for your pet to stay with you. There are many resources available that could help you address medical or behavioral challenges. If you are facing financial hardship, programs exist to help you while you get back on your feet. Check out some resources.
Second Best Option for Your Pet
The second best alternative is to find your pet a home with a friend or family member who knows your pet well. You can continue to see your pet so that he doesn't feel abandoned, and you have confidence that he is being cared for.
Third Option for Your Pet
Use one of these ONLINE OPTIONS to find a new home for your pet.
Be careful when handing your pet over to a stranger.
Giving Your Pet to a Shelter or Rescue is a Last Resort
The last option is for you to turn your pet into a shelter. If you want to ensure your pet's life, you must do your due diligence! Many shelters pretend to be No Kill, but in reality they save far fewer than the bare minimum threshold of 90% to qualify as a No Kill shelter. Ask for data on all animals that came into the shelter in the prior year and ask whether the shelter would be willing to contact you if, for any reason, your animal was at risk of euthanasia.
Sadly, shelters are not always transparent to the public about a pet's likelihood of survival. Many call themselves "Open Door", but they take in more animals than they can save and kill the excess. They often euthanize greater percentages of the animals they take in than the city pound in the area, which frequently have robust transfer relationships with No Kill shelters and rescue groups.
If you must give your pet to a shelter, see the No-kill Shelters list for Illinois here:
https://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Illinois/
Surrendering Your Pet to Chicago Pet Rescue
Partnering with Chicago Pet Rescue guarantees your pet’s life. Founded with the No Kill mission at heart, we are committed to each and every pet in our care. And we are committed to our pets for their entire lives. If anything should happen where their adopters can no longer care for them, we ask that they be returned to us.
We are committed to every pet in our care, so we manage our admissions to ensure that we can provide the quality care that each pet requires. Depending on the day, we may have a wait list.
To have your pet considered for the Chicago Pet Rescue foster program, please complete the owner surrender form. Once submitted, we will contact you about next steps, which will include a meeting with our staff and your pet, looking at medical records and evaluating behavior.
We ask that families giving up their pets provide a modest Surrender Fee to help cover some of the cost of caring for, treating and finding a quality home for your pet. Each pet we save costs an average of $200 over our adoption fee, so Surrender Fees only cover a small part of the cost of taking in your pet. We would greatly appreciate additional financial consideration you could provide.
Chicago Pet Rescue Minimum Surrender Fees
Puppy or Kitten (less than 1 year)
$50
Adult Dog (1 year and older)
$75 and below additional amounts
$125 if not neutered/spayed
$25 if vaccinations are not current
$25 if no heartworm testing and prevention
Litter of Kittens
$75 plus $10 for each kitten beyond 3
Adult Cat (1 year or older)
$75 admittance charge and below additional amounts
$70 if not neutered/spayed
$25 if vaccinations not current
$25 if not tested for FIV/Feline Leukemia
Other Pet
$15 per animal
Chicago Pet Rescue provides a lifetime guarantee for every cat and dog in our program. Euthanasia is only reserved for pets who are irremediably suffering, where medical treatment cannot alleviate the condition, or for dangerous dogs who possess a threat to the public, as determined by behavior experts. Our save rate is an industry leading 98+ percent, despite taking in a very high risk population of pets from the city pound. Because of the quality care administered to all of our homeless pets, surrender fees help cover the significant cost of medically caring for, sheltering and adopting out your pet.
Did you adopt your pet from Chicago Pet Rescue? If so, please contact us at [email protected] for information on surrendering your pet.
There are many considerations responsible pet owners must take into account when deciding whether to give up their pet. Read this carefully to ensure your pet has the best chance at a good future. Making the wrong decision could mean your pet's life is taken prematurely.
Best Option for Your Pet
The best possible option is for your pet to stay with you. There are many resources available that could help you address medical or behavioral challenges. If you are facing financial hardship, programs exist to help you while you get back on your feet. Check out some resources.
Second Best Option for Your Pet
The second best alternative is to find your pet a home with a friend or family member who knows your pet well. You can continue to see your pet so that he doesn't feel abandoned, and you have confidence that he is being cared for.
Third Option for Your Pet
Use one of these ONLINE OPTIONS to find a new home for your pet.
Be careful when handing your pet over to a stranger.
Giving Your Pet to a Shelter or Rescue is a Last Resort
The last option is for you to turn your pet into a shelter. If you want to ensure your pet's life, you must do your due diligence! Many shelters pretend to be No Kill, but in reality they save far fewer than the bare minimum threshold of 90% to qualify as a No Kill shelter. Ask for data on all animals that came into the shelter in the prior year and ask whether the shelter would be willing to contact you if, for any reason, your animal was at risk of euthanasia.
Sadly, shelters are not always transparent to the public about a pet's likelihood of survival. Many call themselves "Open Door", but they take in more animals than they can save and kill the excess. They often euthanize greater percentages of the animals they take in than the city pound in the area, which frequently have robust transfer relationships with No Kill shelters and rescue groups.
If you must give your pet to a shelter, see the No-kill Shelters list for Illinois here:
https://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Illinois/
Surrendering Your Pet to Chicago Pet Rescue
Partnering with Chicago Pet Rescue guarantees your pet’s life. Founded with the No Kill mission at heart, we are committed to each and every pet in our care. And we are committed to our pets for their entire lives. If anything should happen where their adopters can no longer care for them, we ask that they be returned to us.
We are committed to every pet in our care, so we manage our admissions to ensure that we can provide the quality care that each pet requires. Depending on the day, we may have a wait list.
To have your pet considered for the Chicago Pet Rescue foster program, please complete the owner surrender form. Once submitted, we will contact you about next steps, which will include a meeting with our staff and your pet, looking at medical records and evaluating behavior.
We ask that families giving up their pets provide a modest Surrender Fee to help cover some of the cost of caring for, treating and finding a quality home for your pet. Each pet we save costs an average of $200 over our adoption fee, so Surrender Fees only cover a small part of the cost of taking in your pet. We would greatly appreciate additional financial consideration you could provide.
Chicago Pet Rescue Minimum Surrender Fees
Puppy or Kitten (less than 1 year)
$50
Adult Dog (1 year and older)
$75 and below additional amounts
$125 if not neutered/spayed
$25 if vaccinations are not current
$25 if no heartworm testing and prevention
Litter of Kittens
$75 plus $10 for each kitten beyond 3
Adult Cat (1 year or older)
$75 admittance charge and below additional amounts
$70 if not neutered/spayed
$25 if vaccinations not current
$25 if not tested for FIV/Feline Leukemia
Other Pet
$15 per animal
Chicago Pet Rescue provides a lifetime guarantee for every cat and dog in our program. Euthanasia is only reserved for pets who are irremediably suffering, where medical treatment cannot alleviate the condition, or for dangerous dogs who possess a threat to the public, as determined by behavior experts. Our save rate is an industry leading 98+ percent, despite taking in a very high risk population of pets from the city pound. Because of the quality care administered to all of our homeless pets, surrender fees help cover the significant cost of medically caring for, sheltering and adopting out your pet.
Did you adopt your pet from Chicago Pet Rescue? If so, please contact us at [email protected] for information on surrendering your pet.
What to do if you've decided to give up your pet...
If you're wondering if Chicago Pet Rescue can take your pet, please be aware that...
1) We receive several requests a day to take an animal in.
2) We have a very limited space and sometimes before we can rescue a pet, one of our current pets must find a home first.
3) The moment a space opens up, we go to the shelter and rescue a pet that is in danger of being euthanized. Technically, your pet has a home. How can we choose to rescue your pet and deny the pet in the shelter a chance at life?
Having said all of that, we're still here to help in any way we can.
Before you decide to give up your pet, ask yourself the real reasons you are doing it. Below you will find information and helpful tips for the most common circumstances.
"I'm moving and can't find a place that accepts pets."
If you need to find a rental that allows pets, try these helpful sites.
"I just don't have the time for your pet. He deserves a home that can give him more attention."
We can't even tell you how often we hear this. But unfortunately your pet does not have a voice. He can't tell you that he would rather stay with the family he has known and loved all his life. Animals ask for so little in return for their unconditional love. We humans are not nearly so selfless. That must be why we crave the love of these wonderful creatures.
Now think about it... you took on the responsibility to care for your pet for its entire life when you adopted him/her, right? You must have 5 minutes in your schedule to play some ball or spend some time snuggling with your pet when you sit down to watch your favorite TV program. Isn't that why you adopted your pet to begin with? Dogs and cats have feelings, too... they go through psychological torment when they lose their family. Your pet deserves to stay with the family he/she loves.
"My dog is out of control, jumps on me and the kids and destroys my house, etc."
Okay, c'mon, we all went through an obnoxious teenage stage, right? Our parents didn't toss us out... thankfully! Every dog around 8 months old to 2 years old goes through a difficult period. Hey, guess what helps? Training! Now, you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Trust us, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just need better communication with your dog, and you both will get through it. And guess what your reward will be? A pet that will love you unconditionally for the rest of its life! Not bad, huh?
"I'm pregnant and am not supposed to be around cats."
Okay, here's a common misconception. You can be around cats... you just aren't supposed to change their litter box anymore. So, here's a great idea...get that husband or boyfriend to do it! With all that you are about to go through for the next 9 months, it's the least they can do. And kitty will be so grateful!
1) We receive several requests a day to take an animal in.
2) We have a very limited space and sometimes before we can rescue a pet, one of our current pets must find a home first.
3) The moment a space opens up, we go to the shelter and rescue a pet that is in danger of being euthanized. Technically, your pet has a home. How can we choose to rescue your pet and deny the pet in the shelter a chance at life?
Having said all of that, we're still here to help in any way we can.
Before you decide to give up your pet, ask yourself the real reasons you are doing it. Below you will find information and helpful tips for the most common circumstances.
"I'm moving and can't find a place that accepts pets."
If you need to find a rental that allows pets, try these helpful sites.
"I just don't have the time for your pet. He deserves a home that can give him more attention."
We can't even tell you how often we hear this. But unfortunately your pet does not have a voice. He can't tell you that he would rather stay with the family he has known and loved all his life. Animals ask for so little in return for their unconditional love. We humans are not nearly so selfless. That must be why we crave the love of these wonderful creatures.
Now think about it... you took on the responsibility to care for your pet for its entire life when you adopted him/her, right? You must have 5 minutes in your schedule to play some ball or spend some time snuggling with your pet when you sit down to watch your favorite TV program. Isn't that why you adopted your pet to begin with? Dogs and cats have feelings, too... they go through psychological torment when they lose their family. Your pet deserves to stay with the family he/she loves.
"My dog is out of control, jumps on me and the kids and destroys my house, etc."
Okay, c'mon, we all went through an obnoxious teenage stage, right? Our parents didn't toss us out... thankfully! Every dog around 8 months old to 2 years old goes through a difficult period. Hey, guess what helps? Training! Now, you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Trust us, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just need better communication with your dog, and you both will get through it. And guess what your reward will be? A pet that will love you unconditionally for the rest of its life! Not bad, huh?
"I'm pregnant and am not supposed to be around cats."
Okay, here's a common misconception. You can be around cats... you just aren't supposed to change their litter box anymore. So, here's a great idea...get that husband or boyfriend to do it! With all that you are about to go through for the next 9 months, it's the least they can do. And kitty will be so grateful!
"My dogs don't get along with each other."
Before you decide you need to separate the dynamic duo or trio or whatever, contact a behaviorist to evaluate the situation. It may not be as bad as you thought. Perhaps the problem can easily be solved and you can keep on loving your canine buddies.
"My dog is aggressive towards people."
Once again, our suggestion is to contact a trainer or behaviorist that specializes in aggression. When something becomes inconvenient or the animal is more than you can handle, so many people just wish to pawn their problem off on to someone else. "Here, you want my dog that bites?" So often, however, the problem can be solved.
Owner Surrender:
Now, granted, there are special circumstances that require that some people give up their beloved pets. While Chicago Pet Rescue is dedicated to rescuing animals from shelters, sometimes we will have room for pets that are owner surrender, so if you feel there is nothing else you can do, you can fill out our owner surrender form to have your pet considered.
When an owner surrenders their pet to us, ownership rights are relinquished to our organization. We’ll ask you to complete the surrender by making a the minimum donation above to cover any emergency expenses or medical care that may be required – if not for your pet then for the next pet that doesn’t have an owner to transition them to a better situation. Please note, however, that no pet will be turned away if an owner is unable or unwilling to make a relinquishment donation.
And while you're doing that, make up flyers with your pet's information. A cute picture and story go a long way! Post those flyers in local vet offices and pet stores, place an ad in the newspaper... and network, network, network! It's up to YOU to find your pet a safe and loving home.
Things to remember...
When you adopted or bought your pet, you took on the responsibility of that animal for the rest of its life. Remember that a pet is an actual life - not a piece of furniture to be given away when it no longer fits. Animals are such wonderful, compassionate, giving souls... we hope you find it in your heart to keep your pet.
Before you decide you need to separate the dynamic duo or trio or whatever, contact a behaviorist to evaluate the situation. It may not be as bad as you thought. Perhaps the problem can easily be solved and you can keep on loving your canine buddies.
"My dog is aggressive towards people."
Once again, our suggestion is to contact a trainer or behaviorist that specializes in aggression. When something becomes inconvenient or the animal is more than you can handle, so many people just wish to pawn their problem off on to someone else. "Here, you want my dog that bites?" So often, however, the problem can be solved.
Owner Surrender:
Now, granted, there are special circumstances that require that some people give up their beloved pets. While Chicago Pet Rescue is dedicated to rescuing animals from shelters, sometimes we will have room for pets that are owner surrender, so if you feel there is nothing else you can do, you can fill out our owner surrender form to have your pet considered.
When an owner surrenders their pet to us, ownership rights are relinquished to our organization. We’ll ask you to complete the surrender by making a the minimum donation above to cover any emergency expenses or medical care that may be required – if not for your pet then for the next pet that doesn’t have an owner to transition them to a better situation. Please note, however, that no pet will be turned away if an owner is unable or unwilling to make a relinquishment donation.
And while you're doing that, make up flyers with your pet's information. A cute picture and story go a long way! Post those flyers in local vet offices and pet stores, place an ad in the newspaper... and network, network, network! It's up to YOU to find your pet a safe and loving home.
Things to remember...
- There are 18,000 animals put to death in Chicago each year.
- Most shelters are full beyond capacity!
- A stray dog is generally given just 5 days to be adopted. If that dog is not adopted, it could be put to sleep, sometimes as soon as that first day. Your dog (an owner turn-in) could be euthanized at any time.
- The shelters are full of young and old dogs, purebred and mixed, sweet and shy... don't assume your dog will be easily placed just because he's cute or has a great personality.
When you adopted or bought your pet, you took on the responsibility of that animal for the rest of its life. Remember that a pet is an actual life - not a piece of furniture to be given away when it no longer fits. Animals are such wonderful, compassionate, giving souls... we hope you find it in your heart to keep your pet.
