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.