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Are you thinking of surrendering your pet to a shelter? Is your dog becoming destructive? Barking too much? Is the cat suddenly having litter box issues? Has your child developed an allergy? Before making a rash decision, give the issue some thought and consider looking for other solutions. Owner surrendered pets are often the first ones to be euthanized at city shelters.

Below are a few ideas to try:

  • Have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian. The problem could have a physical basis, such a urinary infection.
  • Is your pet getting plenty of exercise? Boredom often leads pets to find their own entertainment and it might involve your curtains! Try spending more time with your pet going for walks or playing a game of fetch.
  • Behavioral issues can often be worked out after a one on one session with a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. These pros have insight into what makes dogs tick and can provide real world advice on how to curb common owner complaints such as barking or digging.
  • Moving? Find “pet friendly” housing through search engines such as http://www.myapartmentmap.com/pet_friendly/
  • Allergies? Create a pet-free zone, usually the allergic person’s bedroom that is off limits to the family pet. Bathe pets more frequently to reduce dander. Use HEPA filters throughout the house and keep up with dusting and vacuuming to reduce allergens. Pet allergy testing.

Surrendering Your Pet to the Helotes Humane Society

In the event you have tried some of the above mentioned solutions and still find it necessary to surrender your pet, please be advised that the Helotes Humane Society is a foster-home based organization. We do not operate an animal shelter facility. All intakes of animals are done by appointment. If you would like your pet to be considered for intake into our organization for eventual adoption, please email at info@hhsanimals.org with the following information:

  • Species, Age and Breed of Pet
  • Two clear jpeg photos
  • Reason for surrender of pet
  • Information about pet’s current medical status (up to date on shots? Heartworm preventative? Spayed/neutered?)
  • Insight into pet’s personality, the good & the bad

If we believe we may be able to take your pet, you will be contacted by an HHS representative as soon as possible. Owner surrender fees are as follows: $50 for all dogs/cats, $10 per animal for litters of puppies or kittens. If proof is provided that mother of litter is altered within 30 days of surrender of the litter, we will refund ½ of the surrender fee. Please realize that it costs us on average $100-200 to get an animal ready for adoption, and we rely on donations to carry out this part of our mission.

Finding a New Home for Your Pet – On Your Own

You can attempt to place your pet into a new home on your own. You can list your pets on https://www.adoptapet.com/. and https://pawslikeme.com/ to try to find them new homes. We do not recommend Craigslist or Ebay. Be sure never to give your pet away for “free”. There are unscrupulous people out there who may take advantage of your pet and you. Carefully screen any potential adopter to make sure they can give your pet a suitable, stable home. If you need help in what types of questions to ask a potential adopter, we’d be glad to offer assistance.

Other shelters or rescue groups in the surrounding area:

If you need to surrender your pet and we are unable to take it, please check this list for other shelters or rescue groups in the area immediately surrounding San Antonio and Bexar County that may be able to help. All information on this list is current as of November 12, 2020. We do not endorse or recommend any of these organizations; this is being provided as a resource only.