Surrender a Pet

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Surrender a Pet

Your pets don't have to suffer when life throws you challenges. Giving up a pet is hard. Sadly, shelters have less room and fewer adopters. The City of Elk Grove Animal Services is here to help. 

Want to keep your pet but need help?

I don't have time for my pet
I can't afford to keep my pet

Free and Affordable Medical Care and Vaccines:

Grants and Assistance for Veterinary Care Costs:

Free or Low Cost Spay and Neuter Surgeries:

Free or Low-Cost Food for Pets and People:

Utility and Income Assistance:

My animal has behavior problems
I have housing restrictions

Permanent or Temporary Housing for Pets and People:

Pet Friendly Assisted Living, Senior and Memory Care Communities:

Domestic Violence Assistance & Resources:

I need information about veterinary hospice and euthanasia
Where can I learn more about pet support resources?

Try Rehoming Your Pet Before Surrendering to the Animal Shelter

We know it's not always possible to keep your pet. If you need to find a new home and loving family for your pet, these helpful resources will help guide you.

Learn how Rehome works, and read the Pet Owner FAQ.

Rehome Your Pet

Before surrendering your pet to the animal shelter:

  • Create a pet profile on the free Rehome tool, to avoid your pet going to a shelter.
  • Review our Pet Resource Guide (PDF).
  • Post a photo and bio of your pet on your social media.
  • Talk to your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers or other social networks about your pet.
  • Contact a breed-specific rescue if your pet qualifies. Here is a list to get you started. 
  • Before surrendering your pet, visit KeepYourPet.com and Pets.findhelp.com resources in the Sacramento area to help you keep your pet.

Elk Grove Pet Resources

Questions About Surrendering Your Pet to the Shelter

How can I increase my pet's chance for adoption by the Animal Shelter?
  1. Vaccinate your pet at least a week before going to the shelter. Proof of vaccination will be required before an appointment is made.
  2. Make sure your pet is socialized and trained, able to accept handling, petting, and walking on leash with unfamiliar people.
  3. Provide as much information as possible about the pet on the owner surrender application.
  4. Have the pet spayed or neutered before surrender to keep costs down and to allow the pet to go home with its new owner immediately. (not mandatory for intake)
  5. Promote the Elk Grove Animal Shelter as a great place to acquire a pet. Encourage people to adopt instead of breed or buy pets.
How much does it cost to surrender my pet?

Each domestic animal (four months of age and older) $50
Domestic animals under the age of four months $65

Why do you charge to take in animals?

Each day a pet waits in the shelter it costs Elk Grove Animal Services resources. This includes food, labor, cleaning and caring for the pet, and needed medications and vaccines. If the pet is unaltered or not microchipped, those services are provided before the animal is placed up for adoption.

What is required to surrender my pet to the Elk Grove Animal Shelter?

The pet must:

  • Live within the City of Elk Grove. 
  • Have an up-to-date rabies vaccination at the time of the appointment (dogs and cats only).
  • Be posted on Rehome for a minimum of 2 weeks (dogs and cats only). 

Surrender Your Pet to the Animal Shelter

Surrendering your pet to the shelter should be a last resort because of limited space.

City of Elk Grove residents can submit dog, cat and small animal applications.

Surrender a Dog Surrender a Cat Surrender a Small Animal

Applications are approved on a case-by-case basis and only as space and resources allow. Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed and could take up to 3 business days for staff to get back to you with next steps.