Rehoming your pet
Before surrendering your pet to the Animal Shelter, please consider the following:
Resources for pet owners during COVID-19: https://redrover.org/2020/03/23/coronavirus-covid19/
If you want to keep your pet but are unable to due to financial, personal health, new baby, moving, military deployment, crises, or domestic violence issues, please visit http://www.keepyourpet.com/, https://redrover.org/ for resources that may be available to you, tips and ideas for keeping your pet despite life disruption and hardships.
Additional domestic violence specific resources: https://safeplaceforpets.org/ , https://awionline.org/
Surrendering a pet is never an easy decision, there are many reasons families may have to give up a pet. However, sometimes there are alternatives that would fit both humans and animals better.
Try re-homing your pet:
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Ask co-workers, neighbors, friends and family if they can adopt your pet
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Post on social media (nextdoor, facebook.com) to see if someone in your network can adopt your pet
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Or use a re-homing site like: https://vhs.home-home.org/ ; https://getyourpet.com/ ; or https://rehome.adoptapet.com/ to find an adopter for your pet.
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There are facebook groups dedicated to assisting rehoming: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BAYAREARehomeandAdoptPets, https://www.facebook.com/groups/BayAreaPetsandFriends, https://www.facebook.com/groups/627012497343721
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Contact breed rescue groups, your local SPCAs, and Humane Societies
If you are surrendering for behavioral reasons, Kelley Bollen - behaviorist and shelter supporter has graciously provided some reading material and resources. Find those here
If you are unable to find a home for your pet, and you have made the tough decision to surrender to the Hayward Animal Shelter, you must call the shelter at 510.293.7200 first. There may be a waiting list that requires at least 3 weeks before an animal can be brought in. Animal Services will accept owner-surrendered animals from incorporated City of Hayward residents ONLY. To surrender your animal you must be at least 18 years of age, provide a current driver's license, and provide proof that you own the animal you are surrendering.
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After a four (4) day minimum hold, your pet may be put up for adoption, transferred to another adoption facility or rescue group, or humanely euthanized.
Fees:
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$87 fee for each adult animal;
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For an adult animal with a litter under 10 weeks old, the fee is $87 for the adult and $13 per additional animal in the litter.
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If your pet needs to be euthanized, please contact your local veterinarian or explore owner-surrender euthanasia options.
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