Surrendering a Pet
Deciding to surrender your pet can be very emotional and difficult for both you and your pet. Arlington Animal Services would like to make that decision and the surrender process as easy as possible. Our first priority is to help you find a way for your pet to remain a member of your family.
Before you decide to relinquish your pet, reevaluate your situation. Please consider the following alternatives to surrendering your pet:
Alternatives to Surrendering Your Pet
Arlington Animal Services Rehoming Packet
Why are you surrendering your pet?
Surrendering Your Pet
Please bring current medical records of the animal if available and proof of Arlington residency (driver's license, utility bill, housing rental contract, etc.) to your appointment.
Owner Surrender Fee: The City of Arlington charges a $25.00 owner surrender fee. The fee is utilized to offset the cost of housing and care for pets placed in our care, which can range between $28.00 - $41.00 per day. The fee does not apply to a litter of unweaned animals, when accompanied by the nursing mother. The owner surrender fee also does not apply to citizens delivering to the Animal Services Manager animals found running at-large within the territorial limits of the City of Arlington.
Arlington Animal Services tries to find homes for every suitable animal entering our shelter, but we can never guarantee the placement of any animal. For this reason, we ask that you use Arlington Animal Services as a last resort, after you have exhausted all other attempts to find your pet an alternative suitable permanent home. The transfer of ownership to the City of Arlington is final and irrevocable once the animal has been surrendered.