Owner Surrender

The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society is a limited admission shelter that is first and foremost committed to accepting animals from local municipal shelters in order to prevent euthanasia.

Our ability to accept dog surrenders is ever changing, and is contingent on available space, as well as the status of the dog populations of our municipal partners' shelters. We are occasionally able to accept dog surrenders that meet our criteria for adoption. Please contact our Canine Department to check on our ability to accept surrenders and for more information. All surrendered dogs must pass a medical and behavioral evaluation.

Because the numbers of cats and kittens in local shelters are overwhelming, BEBHS cannot accept owner surrenders of cats.

Note: Due to the fire on May 20, 2010, we are not able to accept non-return owner surrenders until further notice.

Returns

We will always accept returns of animals adopted from our shelter, with no time limit. You may be asked to provide verification of adoption from BEBHS if the date of adoption precedes our electronic records. If possible, we appreciate a call in advance so we can make arrangements to accommodate the return. Please call (510) 845-3633 to make arrangements with a staff member.

Requirements

BEBHS cannot accept the following animals for surrender:

• animals with a history of biting humans
• animals displaying unmanageable aggression towards other animals
• pets showing aggressive or unsociable behavior during a behavior evaluation
• animals who are physically unsuitable for adoption as determined during a veterinary examination

Please bring the following items when you return or surrender your pet:

• your pet's complete medical records
• a fecal sample
• the food your pet has been eating
• any medications your pet is on