We know that sometimes people find themselves unable to properly care for their dog. Our greatest fear is that someone will feel so desperate that they consider giving or selling their dog to a stranger. Without the required references and home checks performed by rescue groups, dogs run the risk of being placed into unhealthy homes. We want to ensure they get into the home they deserve.
Before you make the decision to surrender, give away, or sell your dog, we may be able to help you find solutions that will allow you to keep your dog as a member of the family. While we can't guarantee miracles, we do have extensive experience dealing with a multitude of issues and can certainly offer suggestions and alternatives to giving up your dog.
If you are in need to surrender a dog you adopted from Wags, you are contractually obligated to contact Wags.
We understand that sometimes despite best efforts it is necessary to surrender your dog. In this case, we feel the best solution is for Wags Rescue to take the dog and find them a new, loving home.
Based on urgency and foster home space availability, Wags Rescue does occasionally take in dogs surrendered by their owners. Please understand that because we have very limited resources, it's necessary for us to prioritize the dogs we take into rescue. Shelter dogs in danger of being euthanized are given first and top priority. Next are Wags dogs originally adopted that are being surrendered. Then, owner surrenders are considered. Please be patient with us and we will do our best to work with you to ensure the safety and well-being of your dog.
Dogs being surrendered will need to be current, as is age appropriate, for core vaccines and spayed/neutered with a current heartworm status. Wags will need to meet with the dog prior to any decision being made for a behavioral assessment.
Wags Rescue knows that surrendering your dog is a very difficult decision, but sometimes - it is the only one to make. If you choose to surrender your dog, you'll be asked to complete a surrender agreement. Your signature on this agreement represents a permanent decision on your part. This legally binding agreement gives full ownership of the dog to Wags Rescue. This allows us to provide veterinary care and down the road, legally adopt out the dog to a carefully pre-screened 'furever' home.
Complete and submit the Surrender Form.
Our Surrender Coordinator will review your application, contact you to request medicals and vaccine certificates and schedule a behavior assessment.
After our Surrender Coordinator reviews application, verifys medical information and behavioral assessment are completed, all information is reviewed by The Board of Directors for a decision.
If it has been determined that your dog is a good fit for our organization, we will contact you to make arrangements to get the dog.
If your dog is not a good fit or if we do not have room at this time, we will try to provide you with alternative resources.
