Learn
More!
Relinquishing
Your Pet
Here at
the SPCA of Central Florida we only
take owned animals. They are surrendered by their owners for many reasons,
including but not limited to moving, allergies and no time. In FY 2006,
the two shelters of the SPCA of Central Florida received almost 13,400
companion animals - or 259 animals
each week of the year - from community members who were unable
or unwilling to continue to care for them. While we primarily receive
dogs and cats, we will receive any domesticated animal.
We ask
the community to take strays and lost pets to Animal Services
in their County since that is where their owners will usually start
looking for them. We want all lost pets to find their way back to their
homes. Animals that have been with a caretaker for a period of weeks
may be considered owned animals rather than strays. This can be clarified
by contacting the Receiving Department.
The SPCA
of Central Florida is an open-door facility. This means we do not turn
away any animal in need of shelter. We will accept all pets regardless
of their health, breed, age, temperament, size, behavior, etc. All pets
are reviewed for a number of factors, including behavioral concerns,
illnesses and diseases.
Once examined
for adoptability, the pet may be placed in one of our shelters.
There is no time limit for how long animals will remain at our shelters.
Ideally, however, we would like their stay to be as short as possible
by helping them find new, secure and loving homes. As long as the animals
are healthy and of good temperament, they will remain at the shelter
until adopted.
Because
of our open-door policy, some pets will not be made available for adoption.
Difficult choices must be made by trained and loving staff. We ask the
community to be supportive of this sad aspect of shelter work. The problem
of unwanted pets is created by the community, and not by agencies like
the SPCA of Central Florida who are forced to handle the problem on
a daily basis.
If you
find it necessary to turn you pet over to the SPCA of Central Florida,
you will be asked to complete paperwork, including a pet profile, and
to make a donation to help defray the costs of caring for your pet.
To make the transition easier on your pet, we ask you say your “good-byes”
before entering the Receiving Department.
