Admissions - Stray Pets & Owner Surrenders

Stray Pets

If you find a stray dog or cat contact the Licking County Animal Shelter (740) 349-6562. You can also search their database of lost and found pets at LC Animal Shelter Lost & Found Online.

Surrendering Your Pet

Before You Decide to Surrender...

If you are considering surrender due to behavioral issues or because your pet has become unmanageable in some way, we encourage you to discuss your situation with someone at the shelter. We may be able to offer solutions or resources that would allow you to live harmoniously with your pet dog or cat.

What Should I Do If I Want to Surrender a Pet?
1.) Contact the Shelter at (740) 323-2100 or info@lchspets.org and speak with a coordinator to discuss your request.
2.) An intake coordinator will either schedule an appointment for intake screening or add you to the waiting list. If you are placed on the waiting list, the coordinator will contact you to schedule your appointment as soon as shelter or foster space becomes available.
3.) Prior to your appointment, contact your veterinarian and obtain all medical and shot records for your pet. Bring these with you to your screening appointment.
4.) When you arrive, you will be asked to complete an assessment form. To expedite screening, we recommend you obtain this form in advance and bring the completed form with you to your appointment. An assessment form can be obtained at the Shelter or downloaded here: Assessment Form.
5.) During screening, the vet tech will review the assessment form, evaluate the health and temperament of the animal, then conduct a heartworm and parvo test for dogs, and heartworm, feline leukemia and aids test for cats.
6.) If the tests are negative and there are no health or temperament concerns that would prevent intake you will be asked to read and sign a surrender form and pay the fee.

Then:
If your animal is entering the general population at the shelter, you may leave the animal at this time.
If your animal is entering the foster program, you will pay the fee but take the animal with you. You will be given instructions as to how to contact your assigned Foster Caretaker to make arrangements for transfer of the animal. Transfer to foster is typically same or next day, and usually you will be asked to meet the foster caretaker at a location of their choosing to deliver the animal.

What You Should Know
There is a common misconception that the shelter is ready and able to accept any animal at any time. As the shelter and foster program have limited space, and an intake screening must be accomplished, we are unable to accept animals on the spot in the majority of cases. We also maintain a list of animals already awaiting entry. While we make every effort to honor the waiting list, several factors may prevent us from accepting animals strictly on a first come, first serve basis. As resources are extremely limited, we are currently only able to accept adoptable pets of reasonably sound health and temperament. Animals with health or behavioral issues that could pose a risk to humans, other animals or property, or any other condition that would prohibit them from placement in an adoptive home, cannot be accepted. Animals without proof of current vaccines, including Bordatella, require isolation and cannot enter the general shelter population for two weeks from the date of vaccination. (If you elect to vaccinate your animal, please coordinate this effort with the shelter to avoid misunderstandings. Also be aware that while vaccinating may in some cases shorten your wait, it does not guarantee entry and the animal must still complete the intake screening.) There is a $25 fee for all surrendered pets.