Before you surrender your pet, consider other options. HSGS is an open admission shelter, the only one in Chatham County. This means we accept any and all pets surrendered by their owners. We do our very best to find homes for as many pets as possible, but the painful reality is that there simply aren’t enough homes out there. We need to be your last option. Once you have surrendered your pet, we cannot give you any further information regarding adoption.
Here are some reasons that owners have for considering surrendering their pet. There may be another alternative.
Behavior Issues
Call us! We can provide recommendations for mild to moderate behavior issues such as housetraining, resource guarding, fearfulness, scratching, etc.
Consider consulting a behaviorist. They will usually provide a phone consult before asking you to pay for services.
Allergy Problems
Regular grooming can minimize allergic reactions or try Pet Dander Wipes, sold at pet stores. Consult your doctor about receiving shots.
Not Enough Time
Pets are most comfortable in familiar surroundings. Your pet doesn’t mind that you are at work for 10 hours each day. He/she is just excited to see you when you get home, and to see you off in the morning. Your pet is much happier being alone in his/her own home than in a shelter surrounded by all those barking/meowing animals they don’t know.
Need Pet Food
Most food banks offer pet food as does the Salvation Army. Usually, we can provide you with a small bag to get you through a day or two until you find a food bank.
Pet Friendly Housing
DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! There are lots of pet-friendly homes and apartments, you just need to look. Call and ask about policies when you FIRST begin looking. Offer to have your pets meet the new landlord to show that your pet is well socialized. Bring your vet records too, proving that you are responsible and that your pet is spayed/neutered.
If surrendering your pet is the only choice you have, consider contacting one of the following:
Other Rescue Groups
Save-A-Life
Coastal Pet
Milton Project
Breed Rescue Groups
We only accept owned animals, and you will need proof of ownership. Acceptable proof includes vet bills, bill of sale, adoption paperwork, microchip information etc. If you have a stray animal you have found, you may take it to Animal Control, located directly behind us.
Fees
$25 per pet
$40 per litter
It costs us an average of $3,000 per day to operate the shelter. This includes animal care, food, socialization, equipment, cleaning, medication and utility bills. Anything extra that you can donate is much needed and appreciated.
Hours
Friday-Wednesday 8:30am-6:00pm
Thursday 11:00am-6:00pm
Make your pet as adoptable as possible.
Consider having your pet spayed/neutered prior to surrender. Be up to date on vaccines. Give your pet a bath to make him/her look their best. Be sure to be honest about your pet including any possible behavior problems as this will help adopters to be more prepared.
