Alternatives to Surrender
At SPCA of Northern Nevada, we’re committed to keeping pets and the people who love them together! Rehoming a pet can be an incredibly difficult decision, and we are here to support you the best we can with compassionate advice and affordable resources. If you’re facing challenges with your pet, we encourage you to explore these supportive alternatives before surrendering.
If you need to return your SPCA-NN alumni pet for any reason, we will always welcome them with loving care and treat you with kind respect (not judgment). We make a lifelong commitment to our pets, and we’re here for you, too! Since many of our pets are adopted with resources, please bring your SPCA-NN alumni pet back to our SPCA-NN Adoption Center instead of another shelter.
If it’s urgent, you can bring your SPCA-NN alumni pet back anytime during our normal adoption hours (Daily 11 am-6 pm).
If it’s not urgent, then please contact our Pet Helpline for surrender alternatives, advice, affordable pet resources, or to schedule a surrender appointment: (775) 324-7773, ext. 200 (Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm). Please leave a message and we will get back to you within 72 hours.)
Pet Care Assistance Programs
Often, people give up their pets because they are struggling to meet the pet’s care needs. We encourage you to check out these services designed to keep pets in their homes and ensure they are well cared for.
Todd’s Medical Fund provides financial assistance to qualifying people who can’t otherwise afford necessary veterinary services so pets can get the care they deserve.
We partner with Washoe County Regional Animal Services (WCRAS) and Res-Que to provide pet food for seniors and karma boxes around town. Click HERE for a karma box map. We also provide pet food to other nonprofits; please email info@spcanevada.org to sign up.
Helpful tips and trusted guidance to support you in caring for your pet’s health, behavior, and overall well-being.
SPCA of Northern Nevada's Pet Help Line offers free advice on pet care, behavior, affordable resources, and more. Call (775) 324-7773, ext. 200. Pet Helpline hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. Please leave a message, and we will get back to you within 72 hours.
Rehome Your Pet
If you’re no longer able to care for your pet, we encourage you to try rehoming them directly to a new, loving home before surrendering them to a shelter.
Direct rehoming is often the best option—for both your pet and our capacity.
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Less stress for your pet: Transitioning directly into a new home helps your pet avoid the stress of a shelter environment.
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You know them best: As their pet parent, you can share their personality, needs, and preferences with potential adopters to help find the best match.
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It opens space in our adoption center: This helps us care for pets who have nowhere else to go.
We encourage you to explore the rehoming resources listed below:
Adopt A Pet by PetSmart is a safe, reliable website designed to help you find a good home for your pet.
Northern Nevada Pet Rescue and Resources can be a good resource for rehoming your pet in our community.
Please do not abandon your pet. Abandoning animals is illegal under Nevada law (NRS 574.100) and may result in fines up to $1,000. If you’re struggling to care for your pet, we’re here to support you with resources and compassionate options.
Surrender Your Pet
If you’ve explored other options and still need to surrender your pet, we’re here to support you. We know this can be a difficult and emotional decision, and we’re committed to working with you in a respectful, judgment-free way.
Surrender Requirements
1. Secure an Appointment
If you adopted your pet from SPCA-NN, you can return them during our regular adoption hours (Daily 11 am-6 pm) for any reason, no appointment necessary.
We accept all other pet surrenders by appointment only. This allows us to ensure we have the space and resources to provide the best care possible.
2. Complete a Surrender Form
Please fill out the appropriate form with as much detail as possible. Your insight helps us better understand your pet’s unique personality, preferences, and needs so we can do our best to successfully match them with an appropriate home.
3. Provide Proof of Ownership
To surrender a pet to SPCA of Northern Nevada, you must be their legal owner. Please bring documentation showing proof of ownership to your scheduled appointment.
If You Adopted Your Pet from SPCA of Northern Nevada
You gave your pet a loving home—and we’re here to support you, no matter what. If you need to return your SPCA-NN alumni pet for any reason, we will always welcome them with loving care and treat you with kindness and respect (not judgment).
Here’s how:
If it’s urgent, bring your SPCA-NN alumni pet back anytime during our normal adoption hours (Daily 11 am-6 pm).
If it isn’t urgent, then please:
- Complete the Surrender Profile Form (click button below)
This helps us understand your pet’s needs, behaviors, and personality. - Email the form to:
📧 info@spcanevada.org
We’ll respond as soon as possible to schedule next steps and coordinate the transition for your SPCA-NN alumni pet.
While we don’t require a surrender fee, donations are appreciated because our average cost of care is $800 per pet, and every dollar helps.
If You Did Not Adopt Your Pet from SPCA of Northern Nevada.
Here’s how:
- Complete a Surrender Profile Form (mandatory)
This helps us understand your pet’s needs, behaviors, and personality. - Email the form to:
📧 info@spcanevada.org
- Wait to hear from us to schedule an appointment
We’ll respond as soon as possible to either schedule an appointment or let you know that we can’t accept your pet, why, and alternative resources.
While we don’t require a surrender fee, donations are appreciated because our average cost of care is $800 per pet, and every dollar helps.
Make A Gift
Your gift helps cover the cost of care for homeless pets in our care, which averages $800 per pet. Every dollar brings hope for a brighter future for pets in need in your community.
Pet Surrender FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
To legally surrender a pet at SPCA of Northern Nevada, the person bringing the pet in must be the pet’s legal owner. This means we may require proof of ownership and cannot accept pets surrendered by someone else—even a close family member.
If your loved one is unable to come in themselves, please call our Pet Help Desk at 775-324-7773 ext. 200. We’ll do our best to explore options and offer guidance based on the specific circumstances. We’re here to help.
Yes. We make a lifelong commitment to every pet adopted through us! If you can no longer care for your SPCA-NN alumni pet, you may return them during our normal adoption hours (Daily, 11 am-6 pm) for any reason. If possible, please complete a Pet Surrender Form (dog or cat) and email it to info@spcanevada.org before you bring your pet back. (Our team will contact you as soon as possible for next steps.)
Pets not adopted from SPCA of Northern Nevada must go through our intake evaluation process before we can determine if we’re able to accept them. Please complete the mandatory Pet Surrender Form and email it to info@spcanevada.org.
We will review your submission and respond as soon as possible to either:
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Schedule an intake appointment, or
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Let you know if we’re unable to accept your pet, why, and provide alternative resources that may help.
Please do not bring your pet to the shelter without an appointment, as we are unable to accommodate walk-in surrenders.
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Take your time. Finding a great home can take weeks or even months.
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Increase adoptability. Ensure your pet is spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, and well-groomed.
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Spread the word. Use social media, friends, and family to find trusted adopters.
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Use Adopt A Pet. This free rehoming platform helps you connect with potential adopters directly.
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Meet safely. Use public locations and ask questions to ensure a good fit for your pet.
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Set expectations. Communicate clearly if you’d like updates after rehoming.
- For more information, please read our surrender webpage above or call us.
We do not require a surrender fee, but donations are deeply appreciated. The average cost of care per pet is approximately $800 and every dollar helps.
No, we are unable to pick up pets for surrender due to our intake process.