Six tips for surrendering an animal to a rescue

Before surrendering an exotic pet, there are some important facts that need to be told. It’s much more than simply ditching the animal without a care. As a pet owner, there are certain duties a person takes on that carry through the animal’s life. One, is making sure it is in a safe environment.

1. Almost all authentic rescues have a surrender form, adoption form and veterinary reference. Surrendering an animal to a random person doesn’t guarantee good care. A free animal has no value. If someone wants an animal without paying any fee for it, that is a red flag to person giving up the pet.
2. Guess what? The National Aquarium in Baltimore does not take in people’s pets. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore does not want exotic pets either. The National Zoo also does not want anyone’s pets. They may be able to give a referral to a rescue, but people can search for pet rescues on their own. In addition, most animal control facilities are not equipped to care for exotics, nor do they want them. This is especially true for pot bellied pigs, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish.
3. Contrary to popular belief, rescues do not get money from the government. A surrender fee is not unreasonable. The pet owner is not “paying” to get rid of the animal, rather they are ensuring that the animal goes to a good, responsible person in the future. Some animals stay for years at rescues awaiting adoption. The rescue has to feed, clean and house this creature indefinitely.
4. The pet owner may be asked to give up supplies along with the pet. If the person surrendering the animal is not keeping it, they no longer need the supplies.
5. The pet owner may not be able to find out where their animal goes. Often times, people surrendering animals want to get in touch with the new owners. That can end badly, so most rescues keep the person giving up the animal and the adopter anonymous.
6. Do not expect the rescue to come pick up the animal. Some of them do, but many require the owner to drop off the animal at their location.

Think about the lifespan, care, costs, vet care, housing and everything else involved with an animal before buying or adopting that animal. Do research! Find out everything possible about the animal before the fact, and surrendering an animal will not be an issue.