Animal Surrender

At SVACA, we understand at times some owners need to make the very difficult decision to surrender their beloved companion animal. We are here to help explain surrender options for owners that they may not have realized existed.

We ask that all owners to explore every possible alternative before deciding to surrender their animal to SVACA. Shelters can be stressful environments, even for well-adjusted animals, and the transition can be challenging.

Despite our best efforts, we cannot guarantee new homes for all animals surrendered to our shelter each year. Therefore, we urge you to consider the following options before proceeding with surrendering your animal.

Before Surrendering Your Animal:

• Consult Professionals: Seek help from a trainer or behaviorist for behavioral issues and speak with your veterinarian to rule out medical problems.

• Explore Alternatives: Look for a new residence that accepts animals or discuss with friends and family who might be able to temporarily care for your animal.

• Re-home Yourself: Consider finding a new home for your animal personally. Our staff can offer advice on the best way to do this.

• Local Rescues: Contact local rescue groups for possible assistance or placement options.

• Other Shelters: Depending on your location, other shelters might offer surrender services:

  • San Jose Animal Care & Services: Cupertino, Milpitas, San Jose, and Saratoga
  • County of Santa Clara Animal Services: Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Stanford Campus, and Unincorporated Santa Clara
  • Town Cats: Santa Clara County
  • Humane Society Silicon Valley: Sunnyvale
  • Pets In Need - Palo Alto: Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills
  • Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA: San Mateo County

Important Legal and Safety Notes:

• It is illegal to abandon your animal in parks, the countryside, or any other location. Domesticated animals lack the skills to survive on their own and may die of starvation or injury.
• Abandoning your animal in a house or apartment you are moving out of is illegal and unsafe
• DO NOT leave your animal at an animal shelter when it is closed; this is both illegal and puts the animal at risk.

If you have exhausted all other options and reside in Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, or Santa Clara, you may be able to surrender your companion animal to SVACA’s Animal Care Center. We require an owner surrender fee of $150.00 for dogs and cats. An additional $55.00 fee will be charged for animals collected by staff in the field.

To begin the process, please fill out an Animal Surrender Application. We will schedule an appointment to review all options with you and your animal. Due to staffing availability, it may take up to two weeks to contact you.

While we cannot guarantee placement, we will make every effort to accommodate your animal if possible.

For more information or to start the surrender process, please contact us at staff@svaca.com.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Animal Loss Services

We offer services for the handling of deceased owned animals in Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, and Santa Clara. The fees are as follows:

• Small animals: $25.00
• Dogs, cats, or rabbits: $50.00
• Dogs over 150 pounds: $125.00

An additional $50.00 fee applies for animals collected by staff in the field. For more information, please contact us at staff@svaca.com.