How Do I Surrender My Cat?

You can quickly surrender your cat by bringing them to an open-admissions shelter or rescue organization. But shelters can be very stressful environments for pets. And on top of that, shelters may not have the resources to find adopters as thoroughly as you could, and your cat could end up in a situation that isn’t ideal. There are other alternative options to surrendering to a shelter to consider. Read more to explore your options and, if needed, how to safely surrender your cat.

Signing up for Rehome is easy — all you need to get started are photos of your cat, some basic health and behavior information, and a bio that describes your cat’s personality and temperament. Once you’ve entered all this information in your cat’s profile, you can post your cat and will soon begin to get applications from potential new families. It’s another option that will help your cat be seen by millions of potential adopters.

Before surrendering a cat

When a cat is used to living in a home they know and are comfortable in, moving to a shelter or rescue with other pets and people they don’t know might be a big adjustment. It’s also possible that a shelter or rescue will have limited space, causing additional stress for your cat. Here are a few things to consider before surrendering:

• Look into financial help: If the costs of cat food, litter, or vet bills for your cat are what’s making things tough, you’re not alone. See our financial advice for making pet care more affordable.

• Find cat-friendly housing: Is your landlord saying no? Or are you moving somewhere strict? You’ve got more pet-friendly housing options than just giving up your pet.

• Get behavior support: Chewing, scratching, not using the litterbox? These struggles are so common with cats — and the good news is, they can often be improved.

• Find a rescue group: Rehoming your cat through a rescue is another option. A privately run rescue provides cats with as much time as needed to find their forever home.

• Try rehoming your pet yourself: Consider using Rehome by Adopt a Pet to find a new, safe home for your pet.

How to surrender a cat

Surrendering or rehoming a cat is a difficult decision, one that loving pet parents sometimes have no choice but to make. If you find yourself in this heartbreaking situation, carefully consider the steps and associated costs involved in finding your beloved cat the perfect new home, knowing you did everything you could for them.

Request an appointment

First off, get in touch with the animal shelter or welfare group to tell them you're planning to surrender your cat. They might ask some questions about your cat and why you're surrendering them. For instance, they might inquire about your cat's medical history, behavior, and daily routine.

As more animal welfare facilities are learning the importance of trying to keep cats in their homes, they may offer or suggest talking with someone who could help you work on the issues that are making you want to surrender the cat. 

Before scheduling the surrender appointment, they may offer tips about litterbox training, cat sitters, where to find financial assistance, and other concerns. You can also refer to our pet advice guides to learn how to address some common cat ownership questions.

What to bring to your surrender appointment

Once the difficult decision to surrender is final, and the shelter has agreed to welcome the cat, you’ll bring your beloved feline to the facility. There, you’ll complete some paperwork and pay a small fee to help cover their care, officially signing your pet over to the organization. To make this process as smooth as possible during such an emotional time, here are some items you will likely need to bring.

1. Your cat

2. A valid driver’s license or other ID

3. Your cat’s current veterinary records

4. Money for the surrender fee

What happens after you surrender your cat

When you surrender your pet, its fate is no longer in your hands. A lack of space unfortunately puts many healthy animals at risk of euthanasia. Some pets may also struggle in the shelter environment, leading to fearful or aggressive behavior, which can decrease their chances of adoption. While some lucky animals will find new homes, you will have no say in the type of family that adopts your pet.

Related article

Where Can I Put A Cat Up For Adoption?

How do I find a new home for my cat?

To give your cat the best shot at finding a new home, it’s a good idea to try rehoming them yourself. If your cat can stay with you while you search for a new family, they’ll experience less stress and will likely adjust more easily to their new home.

• Start with your friends and family. Does someone you already know want to adopt your cat? You never know unless you ask.

• If your friends and family aren’t able to take your cat, you can make a profile on Rehome. Rehome allows you to post your pet on Adopt a Pet for millions of adopters to see.

When you rehome your cat yourself, you can choose the right family based on your cat’s needs. You’ll be able to meet potential adopters, ask questions, and make sure they’re a good fit.