Considering Surrendering a Pet
Surrendering a pet is never an easy decision. But if you find you are no longer able to keep your pet, you have options. First, notify trusted friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers that you need to find a new home for your pet. More often than not, this type of networking can have very positive results. Plus, you may even get to visit on occasion if you find your pet a new home within your social network.

Resources
If you are thinking about surrendering your dog, cat or other companion animal, please first consider utilizing the following resources:

• Behavior issues - Frustrated with a pet behavior issue? Free assistance is available by phone or email by contacting us via email or phone, 703-777-0406.
• Breed rescue - Try contacting a breed rescue group if your dog is a purebred. View a list of breed rescue groups. 
• Pet allergies - Pet allergies are a common problem. The good news is that today, your allergist or veterinarian can recommend many helpful products and tips to "lose" the allergies, rather than your pet.
• Pet friendly apartments - # Finding "pet friendly" apartments can take a little more time, but today there are many options for people with pets. Try visiting one of many websites tailored to the needs of pet guardians, such as peoplewithpets.com, which save you time by allowing you to search for "pet friendly" apartments in various communities, in your target price range, with the amenities you specify.

Surrendering Guidelines
If you have exhausted these options and find it necessary to surrender your pet to Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS), please note the following guidelines:

• Animals can be surrendered during normal business hours:
  
  • Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
  • The Animal Shelter is closed on Thursday and Friday
• Animals can only be accepted by Loudoun County residents over the age of 18. Proof of age and residency will be required.
• When you come to the shelter to surrender your pet, please bring proof that you own the pet. This can be in the form of:
  • Bill of sale
  • Breed registry
  • County license
  • Microchip registration
  • Photograph
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Veterinary records
  • Written transfer of ownership

After Surrendering a Pet
We make every effort to place healthy, behaviorally sound companion animals in new homes. However, we cannot guarantee that any animal will be placed for adoption. The placement of an individual pet is based on an evaluation of his or her health and temperament, as well as available space in our adoption kennels. Once we place an animal up for adoption, there is no time limit in which he or she can remain up for adoption.

But please know that we have each animal’s best interests in mind. While we cannot provide updates on the status of animals, take comfort in the fact that we are committed to providing the very best care for each animal that comes to our shelter.