We understand that the decision to rehome your pet can be a difficult one, and we're here to support you. Before you surrender, know that we offer resources — from low-cost clinics to our Pet Food Pantry — that may help you keep your pet in your home. If rehoming is still the right choice, we'll help you through it.

As space allows, we accept owned pets from residents of Catawba County and surrounding areas. Once you've completed the steps below, an HSCC staff member will contact you within 72 hours with further instructions.

If you need to surrender your pet immediately due to a safety emergency, please contact your local Animal Control.

A relinquishment fee of $50 is collected at intake and goes directly toward the animal's care until adoption.

Dogs & Puppies

• Start by email
  Email us at info@catawbahumane.org with the reason for surrendering, the animal's age, breed, and medical history, and photos.
  
  
• Assessment
  All dogs undergo a behavioral assessment at the shelter before we commit to accepting them.
  
  
• By appointment
  Owner surrenders are by appointment only. Dogs must arrive on a leash; puppies in a carrier or safe enclosure.

Cats & Kittens

• Start by email
  Email us at info@catawbahumane.org with the reason for surrendering, the animal's age, breed, medical history, and photos.
  
  
• Friendly cats only
  Cats and kittens must be friendly to be surrendered. We do not accept feral cats through owner surrender.
  
  
• By appointment
  Owner surrenders are by appointment only. All cats must arrive in a carrier or safe enclosure.

Additional Resources

Because of space limitations, HSCC is not able to accommodate every request we receive. We maintain a list of local rescues and shelters who may be able to help, and we ask that you please be patient with our staff as they work through every request with care.