SURRENDERING YOUR PET

If considering surrendering pets who were NOT adopted through ARF-IL, we strongly encourage that, before relinquishing your pet, you explore the options of rehoming your pet with your personal friends, co-workers, and family members. If your pet was adopted through a shelter other than ARF-IL, contact that shelter about returning the pet before contacting ARF-IL. If your pet was adopted through ARF-IL, please contact us first before making other arrangements, as stated in your adoption contract.

We understand that many are going through some tough economic times and that the needs of your pets may be a strain on the budget. Whenever possible, we ask owners to keep their pets in their homes by asking your county government office or church for information on area food pantries who offer assistance with pet foods and cat litter, and by speaking with your vet's office about temporarily doing only the necessary health maintenance care until finances improve. You can also find low cost spay & neuter options on our website.

The American Humane Society has a detailed list of tips for homeowners with pets who may be facing foreclosure.

If you're having behavioral issues and are seeking to relinquish your pet, you may wish to contact an animal behaviorist or professional trainer. Often times, behavioral problems can be resolved with a little patience and creativity. ARF is not equipped to handle the more severe behavioral issues and acceptance of your animal into ARF’s care will be dependent upon the animals overall health and behavioral temperament.

If you have found a stray, contact your local animal control agency for more information:

Du Page Animal Control
630-407-2800

SURRENDERING AN ANIMAL TO ARF

Please consider all options prior to contacting us. We will help if we can. Please read the following guidelines:

Before contacting us to surrender an animal, you must complete the Owner Surrender Form below.
ARF accepts pets by appointment only. You can email us at surrender@arf-il.org to discuss your situation.
You must be the legal owner of the animal and have had the animal in your custody for a minimum of thirty days.
Appointments to surrender and animal will typically take place at our preferred veterinarian’s office where a decision can be made as to the health of the animal. Unfortunately, many people surrender their animals when they are elderly or so sick that the only humane option is euthanasia.
Euthanasia fees are at the expense of the person surrendering. This is why the animal will not be relinquished until seen by a veterinarian.
You will be asked to provide us with any previous medical history and to complete a personality profile for each animal. ARF receives no public funding and survives on the generosity of caring individuals.
To compensate, ARF does charge the following minimum donation to cover costs for the care of your pet subsequent to relinquishment fees:

$50.00 Litter of kittens ( under 3 months of age)
$60.00 Litter of puppies ( under 3 months of age)
$25.00 Cat
$30.00 Dog

Please note that the relinquishment fee covers only a small portion of the cost to care for the animal.