Surrender Your Dog
Regrettably, we realize that sometimes the need for owners to surrender their pets arises. Since we operate solely based on the generosity and availability of volunteer foster homes, we cannot honor every owner surrender request we receive.
Please review the information below before making a decision that will alter the life of both you and your pet.
Consider Your Options
If you are considering surrendering your dog, ask yourself HONESTLY why you have come to this conclusion? The first step is to make sure that you have exhausted all possible options.
Did You Acquire Your Dog From A Rescue Organization?
If so, have you contacted that rescue organization? If they are reputable, you would have signed a contract at the time you adopted your dog, stipulating that the dog must be returned to them if you decide to no longer keep him or her for any reason.
New Baby In the Family?
Lucky for you most dogs are fantastic family pets! If you can take care of your new little human baby, you can take care of a dog. Some of our educational materials are listed below to help you ease the transition:
Moving?
There are plenty of apartments, townhouses, condos and hotels that accept pets. Many places will even allow you to spread payment of your pet deposit over multiple months as part of your rent. Please see our helpful resources below for more information about renting with pets:
Think You Don’t Have Enough Time For Your Dog?
Make time by playing ball in the backyard for 15 minutes while dinner is cooking, or going for a walk or jog! Springfield, MO has its very own dog park with lots of doggies for your pet to play with. Pets reduce personal stress and can add years to your life – make the time for you AND your dog.
Are There Behavioral Issues?
If behavioral issues are the root of the problem, we may offer training suggestions or tips, or offer to put you in contact with a reputable dog trainer. Even for seemingly insurmountable behavioral issues, there may be training or modification that can help keep your family intact.
Are You No Longer Able to Provide For Your Pet?
Please let us know if you are unable to afford food or vetting for your animal. Having a financially hard month does not mean you need to get rid of your pet – you may just need a little help. Email us with a detailed description of the hardship you are having. We will do our best to help or provide you with other resources.
Surrender a Dog to Rescue One
When you contact us, we will need to know the reasons behind your decision to surrender your dog. We will offer all owners considering surrendering their pets as many alternatives as possible in order to give every family a chance to hold onto their beloved companion. If you feel as though you have no other option but to surrender your dog, please fill out our surrender application.
Note that filling out an application does NOT guarantee we will be able to take in your dog. We will, however, get back to you as soon as possible and will offer any resources we have at that time.
We use the same form and the same information whether you are surrendering a pet or a stray dog that you have found. We realize you may not have all the information on a stray but please provide as much as you can.
At this time, Rescue One does not accept cats or kittens. If you need to surrender a cat or kitten, we recommend that you contact other area rescues who do accept them (depending on available space) such as C.A.R.E., Watching Over Whiskers, or the SW MO Humane Society.
Stray Dogs
If you find a dog within Springfield city limits, please contact Animal Control at (417) 833-3592. We generally do not take in dogs found within city limits; as we do not have a facility of our own, it would be impossible for owners to come and see if we have their pet. Once the stray hold period is over, if no owner comes forward to claim the pet, area rescues such as Rescue One can pull the dogs to join their programs.
Resources
Humane Society of Southwest MO || 417.833-2526
Haven of the Ozarks || 417.835-DOGS (3647)