No-Kill Since 2000

Butler County Humane Society

Surrendering a Pet

If you find you must surrender your pet to the Butler County Humane Society, here are some things to know:

There are more homeless animals than space available at the BCHS, so your pet may have to be placed on a waiting list. The time on the waiting list varies. You will be notified about the current length of the waiting list when you call to begin the process of surrendering your pet.

The BCHS can more easily accommodate pets that are current on their vaccinations and have recent medical records since these pets can be placed almost immediately up for adoption and housed in our adoption areas. Animals without a vaccination or medical history must be placed in the animal incoming area which has limited space.

To help speed up the intake of your dog:

· They must be current with their Distemper/Parvo (DA2P-CPV), Bordetella, and Rabies vaccinations. Puppies under 16 weeks of age require DA2P-CPV and Bordetella.

· Dogs younger than 6 months old do not need to be tested for heartworm.

· Vaccination records including a Rabies Certificate must be given at the shelter

To help speed up the intake of your cat:

· They must be current with their Distemper (FVRCP) and Rabies vaccinations. Kittens under 16 weeks old require FVRCP only.

· Cats and kittens must have been tested negative for Feline leukemia and Feline AIDS.

If you have special circumstances or questions in regard to meeting these vaccinations requirements, please request additional information. We will be happy to help you.

Unfortunately, the Butler County Humane Society cannot accept dogs or cats with a history of aggression towards other people and/or animals. Dogs or cats in declining health (kidney or liver failure, Parvo, canine or feline distemper, feline leukemia or AIDS, etc.) or of advanced age must also be declined. In these situations, we will provide additional information or assistance in helping you make a humane decision regarding your pet.

 

Surrender Fees

Owner Relinquished

Dog/cat over 12 wks of age: $100.00

Sociable puppy/kitten under 12 wks of age: $50.00

Litter of 2 or more sociable puppies/kittens: $100.00

Note: If you are surrendering the offspring of your pet, you must show proof that the mother has been spayed within the 30 days or you will be charged an additional $70.00.

 

Strays not within contracted municipalities

Dog/cat over 12 wks of age: $60.00

Socialized puppy/kitten under 12 wks of age: $45.00

Litter of 2 or more sociable puppies/kitten: $90.00

 

How your surrender fee helps the animals housed at the BCHS

The Butler County Humane Society surrender fees help cover the cost associated with the care and treatment of the animal you are surrendering and the animals housed in our shelter. We are a non-profit organization, and do not receive any federal funding. We rely solely on donations, bequests, and fundraising initiatives. Therefore, we do request a fee when you surrender an animal. This monetary donation will help offset some of the costs associated with caring for the animals. Surrender fees help cover the cost of food, care, staffing, and the placement of your pet plus any medical care that may be required. It is not unusual for the cost of this care to run from $450.00-$1,000.00 per pet. Owners have many reasons why they cannot keep their pets. How many seriously ill, old, or untrained dogs can shelters take? Yet this is our mission. The BCHS will regardless continue to take care of these animals, providing vets and training, and then seek out the best possible homes-the home that will love and cherish them for the rest of their lives. Final decisions on feral or fractious animals will be at the sole discretion of the society.

 

Top 10 reasons for pet relinquishment to shelters in the U.S.A.

DOGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following municipalities are contracted with the BCHS for stray dogs:

Adams Twp-Buffalo Twp-Butler Twp-Center Twp-Chicora Twp-Clearfield Twp-Clinton Twp-Connoquenessing Boro-Connoquenessing Twp-Donegal Twp-East Butler Boro-Fairview Twp-Forward Twp-Franklin Twp-Harmony Boro-Jefferson Twp-Lancaster Twp-Marion Twp-Mercer Twp-Middlesex Twp-Muddy Creek Twp-Oakland Twp-Penn Twp-Saxonburg Boro-Seven Fields Boro-Slippery Rock Boro-Slippery Rock Twp-Washington Twp-West Liberty Boro-Winfield Twp-Zelienople Boro

 

The following municipalities are contracted with the BCHS for stray cats:

Seven Fields Boro-Slippery Rock Boro-Buffalo Twp-Chicora Boro-Donegal Twp-Fairview Twp-Jefferson Twp-Marion Twp-Middlesex Twp