Yucaipa / Calimesa CA

Rehoming & Surrender Options

We understand how hard this decision is. Choose the path that matches your situation.

Rehome vs. Surrender

Both options are valid. The right choice depends on what’s safest for your pet and what you can realistically do right now.

Rehome (best when you have time and stability)

Rehoming means you’re looking for a new home while your pet stays safe with you (or in a stable temporary arrangement). We help guide the process and improve the odds of a successful match.

  • Your pet is currently safe and cared for
  • You can share photos, details, and temperament notes
  • You can support the transition while we help with matching

Surrender (when you cannot continue care)

Surrender means you’re requesting that a rescue take responsibility for placement. Because capacity can be limited, we review requests and follow up with next steps.

  • You cannot safely keep the pet
  • There are urgent circumstances or safety concerns
  • You need structured intake and next-step coordination

How It Works

Choose the path that fits your situation. Rehoming and surrender follow different steps, but both start with clear information.

Rehoming Path

  1. 1
    Share your pet’s info
    Photos, age, temperament, medical notes, and what home would be the best fit.
  2. 2
    We review and guide next steps
    We may recommend updates that increase adoption success and safety.
  3. 3
    Matching and outreach
    We help connect your pet with a responsible adopter and support the transition.
  4. 4
    Placement and follow-through
    We confirm the plan, adoption expectations, and handoff details.

Surrender Path

  1. 1
    Choose dog or cat application
    Dog and cat surrender applications are separate.
  2. 2
    Submit detailed information
    The more complete the information, the faster we can evaluate options.
  3. 3
    We review capacity and follow up
    We’ll contact you with next steps based on availability and urgency.
  4. 4
    Coordinated intake (if approved)
    If we’re able to help, we’ll coordinate timing and instructions.

Surrender Applications

Dog and cat surrender applications are separate. Select the correct form below to begin.

Surrender a Dog

Use this form if you need to surrender a dog. Please include as much detail as possible so we can assess options.

  • Age, breed, and weight (estimated is okay)
  • Temperament and behavior notes
  • Medical history and vaccines (if known)
Open Dog Surrender Form →

Surrender a Cat

Use this form if you need to surrender a cat. Detailed information helps us respond faster.

  • Age and personality (shy, friendly, etc.)
  • Indoor/outdoor history and litter habits
  • Medical history and vaccines (if known)
Open Cat Surrender Form →

Before You Surrender

If your pet is safe right now, there may be options that help you keep them or rehome them more smoothly. These are common solutions that prevent a crisis from turning into permanent separation.

Temporary plan

A short-term arrangement can buy time while you stabilize housing, work, or family needs.

Best for: short-term setbacks

Behavior support

Many issues improve quickly with the right training approach and routine adjustments.

Best for: jumping, barking, litter issues

Low-cost vet options

If medical costs are the barrier, low-cost resources can reduce the pressure to surrender.

Best for: vaccines, spay/neuter, basic care

Supplies assistance

Food, litter, or basic supplies can be the difference between coping and giving up.

Best for: temporary financial stress

Rehome support

If surrender is preventable, rehoming support may help your pet transition safely.

Best for: planned transition

Safety-first decision

If there’s danger, aggression risk, or immediate instability, surrender may be necessary.

Best for: urgent safety situations
Not sure what applies? Message us and tell us what’s driving the decision. We’ll point you to the best option.
Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

These are common questions we receive during rehoming and surrender requests. If you’re still unsure, please reach out—we’re here to help.

Is surrender guaranteed once I submit an application?
No. Submitting an application allows us to review your situation, but intake depends on available foster space, medical needs, and overall capacity. We follow up with next steps when possible.
How long does the review process take?
Review times vary based on volume and urgency. We prioritize safety concerns and will contact you as soon as we’re able with guidance or updates.
Is there a fee to surrender a pet?
Fees, if any, are discussed during the review process and depend on the situation. Fees help offset medical care and transition costs but are never the sole factor in our decisions.
What if my pet has medical or behavioral issues?
Please be honest and detailed in your application. Knowing about medical or behavioral needs helps us plan responsibly and determine what support options may be available.
Will I receive updates after surrender or rehoming?
We do our best to communicate clearly during the process. Ongoing updates after placement may be limited due to privacy and capacity, but we ensure animals are placed responsibly.
What if my situation is urgent?
If there is immediate danger to you or the animal, contact local animal control or emergency veterinary services. For time-sensitive but non-emergency situations, include details in your message so we can assess urgency.
Still have questions or need help deciding what to do?
Contact Us

You’re Not Alone

Rehoming or surrendering a pet is never an easy decision. If you’re unsure what to do next, need guidance, or just need to talk through options, reach out. We’ll respond as soon as we can.

Reminder: If an animal is injured or in immediate danger, please contact local animal control or an emergency veterinarian right away.