Surrending Your Animal

Open Door Policy
The Humane Society of Parkersburg has an open admission policy, which means we accept animals regardless of where they come from, their temperament, health, age or breed.

While we will not turn away animals, if the animal is a stray from an area which we know has a local humane society or shelter, we will advise you to take the stray animal to that area’s servicing shelter. That way the owner will have a better chance finding their pet at their local shelter, rather than at ours.

Additionally, there are many times when we have limited space for animals. Again, while we will not turn animals away, we will make the person aware of our limited space. It is up to the person to decide whether to surrender the animal on that day, or keep the animal until more space is available. We will also advise if the only option we have, based on the animal's history or observed behavior or potential for adoption, is euthanasia.

Owner/Stray Surrender Form
The first step in surrendering an animal is meeting with our Intake Staff to enter your information and the animal's information into our computer system. You will also be asked to fill out an animal profile form to give us as much information about the animal as possible. Even if the animal you are bringing to the shelter is a stray, you will still be asked to give any information you might have. Including your personal information, where the animal came from and what you know about the animal. Even if all you know is what you experienced after picking them up on the side of the road and driving them to our shelter. Even that information is helpful when it comes to assessing and finding a home for the animal.

If you are surrendering your own animal, it is critical that we receive specific, accurate information about what types of issues you may be having. Many animals have behavioral or medical issues that can be solved, but it is important that we are aware of such information so the animal can best be matched to a new owner.

Also it is very important that you be honest about the animal you are surrendering. Some people are embarrassed to admit that they are surrendering their own animal, so they tell us it is a stray instead of risking this embarrassment. However, this lie delays our ability to put the animal up for adoption. We are required by law to hold stray animals for 6 days. If the animal you are surrendering is actually your own, we can put them up for adoption as soon as we have a chance to evaluate them. As kennel space is frequently a problem, being able to put the animal up for adoption as quickly as possible can often save a life. Please be honest!

Bite Cases
One important question that you will be asked is: Has this animal bitten anyone and broken the skin in the last ten days?. If the answer is yes, West Virginia law requires that we follow certain procedures. We will discuss the procedures with you if you are surrendering an animal that has recently bitten.

Euthanasia and Disposal Requests
The Humane Society of Parkersburg does offer euthanasia and disposal services to the community however we will only do euthanasia requests for the types of pets we normally house at the shelter. Cremation fees vary. For more information, please visit the shelter during operating hours.

Fees & Donations
While we do not charge a fee for surrendering animals into our care, we do ask you to consider making a donation to help with our costs. HSOP offers a long list of services to animals coming into our shelter which include:

• Physical exam
• Vaccinations
• Food
• Shelter
• Rehabilitation/socialization
• Additional medical services when necessary

The average cost incurred by the Humane Society of Parkersburg to care for an animal during its stay at the shelter is $67. Please consider doing so when you surrender your animal or even a stray into our care. We are a non-profit organization and we must have the support of our community in order to continue to provide these services to our community.

Behavior Evaluations
In order to be placed on our adoption floor, every animal must pass a series of behavioral evaluations. These evaluations include assessments of the animal’s responses in the kennel, their reactions when being handled by a staff member (handling involves actions that would typically be performed by an owner or groomer), and response to other animals. Additionally, we look for resource guarding issues – animals becoming aggressive or violent when their food or toy is moved. Typically, we will wait at least two days to perform these evaluations to give the animal a chance to adapt to its new surroundings.

Physical Assessment
We are concerned with the health of every animal brought to us, both the continued well-being of the animals already up for adoption, and to ensure the healthiest animals possible at the time of adoption. Our staff and our weekly volunteer veterinarian will perform a physical exam on every animal possible to assess any apparent disease or disability. If it is determined that the animal needs a more detailed evaluation, it is referred to a local veterinarian.

Animal Abandonment
Occasionally people will chose to abandon an animal on HSOP property by leaving the animal outside in a carrier, in one of the fenced yards, or simply running loose. First, this practice is unlawful and anyone caught doing such will be reported to the local authorities. But additionally, doing this does not allow us the opportunity to get useful information about the animal, such as background, temperament, etc. that could help in finding the animal’s rightful home or a new home. While it may save you some embarrassment, you will do more to help the pet if you will wait until business hours when we can ask you important questions.

Thank You
The Humane Society of Parkersburg is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for animals while searching for permanent loving homes. We thank you for doing the right thing by bringing the animal that you can no longer care for, or stray animals, to our shelter.