Surrender Information

If you find that you must surrender your pet to the Humane Society of Ashland County for adoption, here are some things to know:

Our mission is to help abused, neglected, ill (homeless) or injured animals and this does take priority.

Often times, there are more homeless animals than space available at the Humane Society of Ashland County so your pet may have to be placed on a waiting list. Time on the waiting list varies, and typically involves the rate at which we are able to place animals in their new homes.

Due to our lack of a facility, our cats are available at PetSmart Ontario/Mansfield and the Ashland Pet Store (beside Walmart) and dogs are in the Tender Loving Care Dog Program at Mansfield Correctional Institution or being cared for by the veterinary science students at the Ashland County West Holmes Career Center. We only have the capability to accept owner surrenders when space becomes available.

Please be prepared to provide as much initial information about your pet as possible: vet records, current status of vaccinations, behavior with various pets and people, bite/scratch history if any, the reason for surrender, and your contact information - including your name, phone number, and mailing address.

Unfortunately, the Humane Society of Ashland County cannot accept dogs or cats with a history of aggression towards people and/or other animals. Dogs and cats in declining health (kidney or liver failure, parvo, canine or feline distemper, feline leukemia or AIDS, etc.) may also be declined. The Humane Society of Ashland County has the right to decline the intake of any animal for any reason.

In order to prepare your surrendered pet for its new adoption, it will be microchipped, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, tested for leukemia and FIV (cats), wormed, receive basic obedience if space permits (dogs), and given medical care while with us. We do NOT euthanize for space, so your pet will stay here until it is adopted, as long as it is fit for adoption.

A nominal fee of $25 will be assessed for each animal surrendered to the Humane Society of Ashland County. The $25 fee covers only a portion of the average costs the Humane Society of Ashland County incurs to care for each animal. Donations in excess of the $25 are greatly encouraged and appreciated as the Humane Society of Ashland County does not receive government funding, is not a United Way agency, and is not affiliated with any national humane organizations. While tax dollars help pay for your local animal control, they do not benefit the Humane Society of Ashland County. As the Humane Society of Ashland County is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, a surrender fee is critical to helping us care for the animals that come to us daily.

If you find a stray, please make every effort to take him or her to the local animal control for the area in which you found the animal. This will help ensure the best possible chance of the pet being reunited with his or her guardian who may already be calling or visiting that shelter.

Any further questions can be emailed to info@ashlandhumane.org