Surrendering Your Pet

ARF understands that in these difficult economic times, circumstances may arise that require individuals to relinquish their companion animals. We strongly encourage that before relinquishing your pet you explore the possibility of finding your animal a new home through your personal networks of friends, co-workers, family and acquaintances. Some local food pantries offer assistance with pet food. You can find information about food pantries from your county government or often your church will have information. If veterinary expenses are a problem, consult with your veterinarian to determine what services are “must haves” and concentrate only on those.

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 dependant 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 or www.DupageCo.org/animalcontrol

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, include a digital photo of the pet and email it to us at: surrender@arf-il.org.
• 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:

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