Surrender an Animal

 

Moving to a new environment with a new set of caregivers can be a very stressful time for animals and we are also keen not to split up families whenever possible. Before you call to surrender an animal please consider the following:

Surrendering an animal due to behavioural issues

In these cases, what we strongly recommend you do is take the animal to the vet to rule out any ailments your pet might trying to communicate to you. Once all medical issues have been ruled out, get your vet to recommend to a qualified animal behaviourist that uses positive reinforcement methods in their training. They will be able to assess your pet and help you work out what may be causing its undesirable behaviours. Follow the behaviourist’s tailored advice and training instructions to the letter and remember you can always contact them again if something in your personalised plan is troubling you or not appearing to work.

If you have already taken your pet to the vet and a qualified behaviourist and you still do not feel that they are a good fit for your family, then and only then, should you surrender your animal.

Surrendering an animal for financial reasons

Animals can end up costing way more than owners anticipate especially if they need lifelong treatment or have complex behavioural issues. If you have fallen on hard financial times, you may want to contact the PDSA first to see if they can help. The PDSA often offers discounted or free vet consultations and treatment to those in a financial bind. If the PDSA are unable to help you and your pet stay together, then please do fill the surrender form and we will help your pet however we can.

Moving to a location where no pets are allowed

We can sympathise with this. Sometimes life throws a situation at you that you cannot control.

Fleeing domestic abuse: Good for you! The strength you must have to get this far is incredible and we want to help survivors in any way we can. While Ren’s does not have the facilities at this time to foster animals while people get back on their feet, there are dozens of organisations that do. Check out www.moretodogstrust.org.uk/about-freedom/about-freedom for just one example. There are also many charities that help those in domestic crisis with links to other amazing services. Many people won’t flee horrible homes without their pets so they take it very seriously indeed.

If this is the very first step in your journey, we recommend you contact one of these organisations as soon as it is safe to do so.

Women – www.womensaid.org.uk

Men – www.mensadviceline.org.uk

LGBT+ – www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/

Children – www.nspcc.org.uk

Surrendering a stray

This is one of our most commonly dealt with issues. In fact, it’s so common we made a webpage dedicated to helping you work out what to do next.

What to do when you find a stray

Surrendering because owner has died

Many of the animals we rehome have come to us because their owner has passed. Before you contact us in this situation we recommend you contact the family lawyer or executor of the estate. In some cases the owner may have left instructions on where they wish their pet to go in the event of their death or made an arrangement with a family friend.

Does Ren’s Rescue take in FIV+ cats?

You bet we do! Some of the nicest cats we ever met were FIV+. Even if we can’t find them a perfect family to go and live with, we keep them safe and loved here on site for the rest of their lives.

You suspect an animal is being abused or neglected

Ren’s Rescue does not have the power to intervene in incidences where you suspect neglect and cruelty is occurring unless the legal owner has contacted us and signed over the rights to the animal.

Call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line to report cruelty, neglect or an animal in distress: 0300 1234 999

Before contacting the RSPCA, please read their reporting checklist to make sure the animal you are calling for has the best chances possible. https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty/crueltychecklist

Surrendering livestock or bringing in wildlife

Ren’s Rescue can accommodate some species of wildlife for rehabilitation (hedgehogs, pigeons, bats and soon foxes) and livestock like pigs, poultry and sheep. For either of those types of animals, call Pamela our general manager and wildlife/livestock wiz directly on 07477461481

When it comes to wildlife, please note that we are not vets and if you have an animal that is in urgent need of serious and urgent medical care take it to the vets.

How to surrender a pet

If you would still like to surrender a pet please fill out the surrender application.

If you wish to surrender more than one pet please fill out the initial form with the first animal in mind. Once you have submitted the first form, click the ‘Part 2’ button to fill in information about the other animal. You can submit as many ‘Part 2’ forms as you like but if you are surrendering more than 4 animals (excluding litters) we recommend you give us a call.

If you are handing in a mother with a litter, Fill the first form with the mother in mind and do Part 2 for the kittens.

If you would like help filling in the form, call Emma on 07393822566 and she will get all the information we need over the phone.

What will happen once my pet has been surrendered?

Once you have signed the surrender contract (separate from the surrender application) Ren’s Rescue will take on all rights and responsibility to the animal. For the sake of the animal’s emotional welfare and our charities security you will not be able to come and visit them. As soon as the animal has been assessed by both a vet and our team, they will be put up for adoption or foster. Every adoption/foster applicant will have to undergo a thorough application and home check stage. If a perfect home is found, Ren’s Rescue will continue to check in with them after adoption. If an ideal home cannot be found then the animal will live out its life in the care of Ren’s Rescue. We never put an animal to sleep because it is ‘unadoptable’.

What do I do if Ren’s Rescue can’t accommodate my animal?

Don’t give up hope. Ren’s is just one of many fantastic rescues and sanctuaries near you. Have a look at our list of alternative rescues.

If you have any further questions, feel free to give us a call

Wildlife & Livestock – Pamela 07477461481

All other animals – Emma 07393822566