How to Rehome Your Pet

Sometimes, people find themselves in situations where caring for their pet(s) is no longer possible. Rehoming a pet can be an incredibly difficult decision, but we are here to support you the best we can with compassionate advice and resources.  If you adopted your pet from the SPCA of Northern Nevada (SPCA-NN), you may return your pet to us during our normal hours of operation. We make a lifetime commitment to our alumni animals and will always take them back, regardless of the situation. 

Tips for Rehoming Your Pet

  • Take Your Time: Finding the right home can take weeks or even months.
  • Increase Adoptability: Ensure your pet is spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and groomed as needed.
  • Spread the Word: Ask friends, family, and co-workers for help. Social media is also a great tool for reaching potential adopters.
  • Use Rehoming Tools: The Home to Home rehoming tool is a free, user-friendly platform that allows you to be more involved in finding a new home for your pet. Create a pet profile, and interested people can apply. (Please do NOT use Craigslist). [Visit Home to Home here]
  • Exercise Caution: When meeting potential adopters, choose a public location and ask questions to ensure your pet’s new home will be a good fit. (Some questions to consider: Are there other pets in the house? Have you had a similar pet before? Do you have experience training a dog? Have you established a relationship with a veterinarian? Do you have an appropriate living space for this type of pet? How many hours a day will the animal be left alone?)
  • Set Expectations: If you want to stay in touch with your pet’s new family, make this clear from the start.
  • Contact Rescue Groups: Reach out to breed-specific rescue organizations if applicable.
  • Never Abandon Your Pet: It is both cruel and illegal.
  • Need More Help? Contact our Pet Help Desk at 775.324.7773, ext. 200 for additional tips and support.

Please do NOT abandon your pet(s): Abandoning animals is illegal under Nevada law NRS 574.100 and can result in a fine of up to $1,000.

Alternatives to Surrendering Your Pet

We understand that keeping a pet isn’t always possible, and we’re here to offer compassionate advice and resources. Surrendering a pet is a difficult decision, so we encourage you to consider alternative rehoming options, such as reaching out to trusted friends or family. SPCA-NN may also be able to assist you in keeping your pet or finding other rehoming solutions. Before surrendering your pet, please explore the following resources:

*For additional information and/or assistance with any of these concerns, contact our Pet Help Desk at 775.324.7773, ext. 200.

If these resources do not address your situation, please review the process for surrendering your pet to SPCA-NN below.

What to Do If You Need to Surrender Your Pet

If You Adopted Your Pet from the SPCA-NN:

We understand that circumstances can change, and sometimes it’s necessary to surrender a pet. We make a lifetime commitment to our pets and will always take them back, regardless of the situation.  If you adopted your pet from the SPCA of Northern Nevada (SPCA-NN), you may return your pet to us during our normal hours of operation.

Since our Adoption Center will be temporarily closed during February 2025 for mandatory HVAC repairs, please contact us to return your SPCA-NN pet: info@spcanevada.org; 775-324-7773, 200.

To help us better understand your pet, please complete the appropriate Pet Surrender Profile Form (Dog or Cat) below and email it to: info@spcanevada.org.

If You Did Not Adopt Your Pet from SPCA-NN:

Since our Adoption Center will be temporarily closed during February 2025 for mandatory HVAC repairs, we cannot accept any pets who were not adopted from SPCA-NN during our closure.

Per their Professional Services Agreement with WCRAS, Nevada Humane Society (NHS) is required to take public surrenders. Please contact them if you did not adopt your pet from SPCA-NN and can no longer care for your pet: 2825 Longley Lane, Suite B, Reno, NV 89502; 775-856-2000; animalhelp@nevadahumanesociety.org.

Once you’ve completed the form, email it to us at info@spcanevada.org. Our team will review and respond within 72 hours about intaking your SPCA-NN alumni pet.

While we do not require a surrender fee, donations are appreciated to help cover the cost of care, which averages $800 per pet.

You Can NOT Surrender A Pet That Is Not Yours

To surrender an animal to the SPCA of Northern Nevada, you must be the animal’s legal owner. *We require proof of ownership.