How to Surrender a Pet

Life happens, LRHS is here to help!

We understand it can be difficult to surrender a pet – our team is here to help find the best possible solution for you and your pet.

How to Surrender

Animal intakes are conducted by appointment only.

In order to obtain an appointment, please complete the canine or feline intake form provided below. After reviewing your application, we will contact you to schedule an appointment for you to bring your pet in. It may take  2-4 days to process surrender requests. There may also be a waiting list. We thank you for your patience. If you don’t hear back from us within 4 days, please give us a call at 603-539-1077.

Please plan ahead when exploring pet surrender. Waiting until the last minute is stressful for you, your pet, and LRHS and it may mean we won’t be able to accommodate the intake.

If your pet is eligible for a surrender appointment, please ensure that he/she is current on all vaccinations. A pet that is current on vaccinations and has been spayed/neutered will have a shorter stay at the shelter.

Consider contacting a local trainer for help. Many problems can be reduced or eliminated with professional help.

Talk to your veterinarian about allergies or other health issues. Most pet allergies are caused by pet dander, not fur. You can keep dander to a minimum by routinely brushing and bathing your pet. Nutritional supplements and/or certain brands of pet foods may also help with skin and coat problems. Consult with your veterinarian or local pet food store.

Find a new "familiar" home. Ask friends, family, co-workers, neighbors or your veterinarian if they may be able to provide a new home for your pet or know of someone who can. If you own a purebred consider contacting a Breed Rescue Organization.

it is unlawful under RSA 644:8. Not only is it illegal and dangerous, but your pet’s successful transition to a new home is much easier when we have information about their behavior and medical history.

Canine intake form    Feline intake form

The more information you can supply, the better job we can do re-homing your pet.

LRHS may decline a surrender if:

  • Your town is contracted with a different Humane Society.
  • During the behavior assessment the animal is found to exhibit behaviors that we don’t have the resources to safely address.
  • LRHS is at maximum capacity; in this case you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when space is available.
  • You obtained the pet from a different Humane Society, Rescue, or a breeder and they want the animal returned to them.

There are no surrender fees for residents in our contracted towns of Ossipee, Effingham, Wolfeboro, Sandwich, Wakefield & Tuftonboro. A donation to help cover your pet’s medical and kenneling costs is welcome but not required.

LRHS is a “limited admission shelter”. We will not take in animals who require euthanasia. LRHS does not have a Veterinarian on staff.