Owner Surrender Request

Before you surrender your pet

We understand that sometimes pet owners believe they cannot keep their pet. When you surrender a pet to any shelter, the transition can be difficult. Shelters are stressful environments for even the most well-adjusted animal. Before you make the final decision to surrender your animal, consider the following:

• Contact the shelter, rescue or breeder where you initially got your animal. Most adoption contracts require you to contact them before surrendering or re-homing your pet.
• Contact your veterinarian to rule out possible medical issues your pet may be experiencing. Undetected medical issues can often cause sudden or gradual behavior changes.
• Consult a trainer or behaviorist for help with common behavioral problems.
• Reach out to friends and family members to determine if they would be willing to take ownership of your pet.

Please know that OPHS serves as the municipal shelter for Clallam County.

If you reside outside of Clallam County, please call local resources for your area.

Bringing your pet to the shelter

If you have exhausted all other options, you can surrender your pet to Olympic Peninsula Humane Society, We cannot guarantee an instant surrender. In this case, you may be placed on a wait list until a kennel is open and if the pet in question has been approved through our application process.

You may contact us at info@ophumanesociety.org, or reach us at (360)457-8206 for any questions. 

What to bring

• Current photo ID (required)
• Your pet's veterinary records and/or the name of the vet where they were last seen
• Any behavioral or training records

Please provide as much information as you can about your pet; the more information we have from the previous owner, the easier it is to address potential Medical or Behavioral issues and place them into a new home.

Our office staff can share with you more information about our policies and procedures for evaluating pets and placing them up for adoption.

Species of Animals that we can house

Olympic Peninsula Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) organization only has the resources to house Cats & Dogs

Please understand that we CANNOT take any and Small Mammals (Guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, ferrets, rabbits)  Exotic pets, Livestock, Birds or Aquatic animals.

Can you guarantee that my pet will be placed for adoption?

Sadly, we cannot. Olympic Peninsula Humane Society serves all of Clallam County, and in some cases transfers from out of state regardless of species, breed, age, condition or behavior. While we can typically adopt out 99% of dogs, cats and that come through our shelter, some will not be able to be placed for adoption. Our staff will perform behavioral and medical evaluations to determine if your pet is an adoption candidate. Pets that are determined to be a health or safety risk to humans or other pets will not be placed for adoption. Additionally, pets that are unable to be helped by reasonable veterinary care may also not be placed for adoption.

We are not able to notify you of your surrendered pet's status, but you are welcome to email info@ophumanesociety.org to inquire about their status. We cannot give out information about the pet's new adopters.