YOU MUST FIRST CALL OUR SHELTER TO SURRENDER A PET. WE DO NOT ACCEPT DRIVE IN DROP-OFFS DUE TO OUR LIMITED SPACE.

Before calling to surrender a pet we must have ALL of the pets medical records faxed to us at
978-422-8574. Call your pets veterinarian and ask them to fax ALL written medical notes as well as the vaccination history. This is required EVEN IF the vaccinations are expired. Once we review the medical records we can determine a surrender fee.

After we determine a surrender fee (which is based on all your pets medical history, status of spay/neuter, reason for surrender, etc...) you can then schedule a time to bring your pet in.

When you bring your pet to the shelter for surrender, please STILL bring the following:

· Any copies of medical records and make sure you have the rabies certificate and spay/neuter certificates.

· Your pets medication such as HW pills and flea/tick preventative.

· A pet that has been bathed and/or groomed which makes him/her more adoptable and should be wearing a new leash and collar. If your pet is matted and dirty...or has fleas/ticks WE WILL NOT accept him/her.

· Special food or treats your pet enjoys.

· Your pets personal belongings from home. Make sure they are all clean and in good shape or else they will be thrown away.

· Make up a pet portfolio (cute photos, letters to the potential adopters) or story about your pet and include the reason your pet needs a new home, the kind of home he needs and would do well in and some human interest info such as his funniest behaviors, tricks, and the things you love most about your pet. May people will write the story from the Pet's perspective "Hi my name is Sabrina and I need a new home because my poor mom is allergic to me. I'm going to miss her but she promised to find me someone who likes to play and will enjoy cuddling with me".

· Your pets carrier or crate.

· Cash or credit cards (Visa, MC or Discover) only for surrenders no checks!

Things to increase YOUR PET's Adoptability while waiting to come into our shelter

· Make up a pet portfolio (cute photos, letters to the potential adopters)

· Update all vaccinations

· Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered

· Test for HW or Feline FIV/Leukemia

· Vaccinate against kennel cough

· Have your pet groomed and wearing a new collar and leash

If the shelter deems your pet un-adoptable, you have the final option of returning for your pet and being reimbursed your surrender fee MINUS $75 for administrative fees, $15 a day for boarding and the cost of any medical work that was done to the pet while in our care in addition to any destructive things that your pet has done. This is non-negotiable.

There is a cost to caring for your pet, even if he/she is unadoptable. The shelter reserves the right to euthanize any animal that is aggressive, destructive, or unhealthy.

Please use our automated phone system to answer your questions as staff is extremely limited and we don't always have time to answer the phones. Email us at: staff@sterlingshelter.org.

Top | Home