If You Have to Give Up Your Pet, Please Do The Right Thing:
DON’T drop your pet off in the woods or countryside, assuming that it can take care of itself. Pets lack the skills to survive on their own and may die of starvation or injury. Dumping your pets is also illegal.
DON’T abandon your pet in a house or apartment you are moving out of, thinking that someone will eventually find it. This doesn’t always happen.
DON’T give your pet away to a stranger. You don’t know if that person is a responsible owner or even honest. Pets that end up in the wrong hands may be abused or sold.
DO try to place your pet with a trusted family member or friend, one who you are confident will love and care for your pet properly and will keep you informed of its welfare. Be sure the friend or relative understands the commitment of time and resources your pet requires.
Shelters receive many pets from people who knew the previous owners and wanted to help them by taking in a pet, but who did so without realizing the efforts involved in keeping the animal.
Animal Surrender Process
YOU MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT
Please understand that, as a safe shelter, MARL cannot accept every animal brought to our shelter. We treat every animal’s life as precious and will not resort to euthanasia to control the number of pets at our shelter. Therefore, we will accept the surrender of owned cats and dogs by appointment only, and as space allows. If you are considering surrendering a pet, please fill out our surrender form. We try our best to accommodate owners, during busy seasons, our wait can be weeks to months. Please consider this timeframe when surrendering your pet.
You will be required to sign a release form giving MARL the legal ownership of the animal. Once you have signed the release statement, you may not reclaim your pet, so please be sure that you have made the right decision for you and your pet. MARL does not give out information about animals after they are surrendered to us.
There is a surrender fee to help offset the costs associated with the animal. Please see graphic.
Important Note About Surrendering Animals:
As a no-kill shelter, we are committed to providing safe and loving care to every animal that comes through our doors. However, for the safety of our staff, volunteers, and potential adopters, we are unable to accept animals that exhibit aggressive behavior, have a known history of biting, or are feral. We encourage you to contact local behavior specialists or other shelters that may be better equipped to handle these situations. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping both animals and people safe.
Pet’s medical records
It is extremely important for you to bring any medical records you have for your pet. A lack of medical information can delay the time it takes to evaluate your pet, and thus delay its availability for adoption.
Pet’s personality profile
Please be honest when answering questions about your pet; let us know if your pet has a history of biting, refuses to use the litter box, has a serious or chronic medical condition, or any other problem. It is unfair to pass on severe behavioral or medical issues to another family.
Your donation is their chance to be seen, to be cared for, and to know what it’s like to feel safe. Without you, many may never find the home they deserve