What if I need to surrender a pet?
If you've been wrestling with the decision to surrender your pet, we understand this may be a stressful time. If you're no longer able to care for your pet due to lack of resources, such as food or medical care for your pet, behavior concerns, or domestic violence, we may be able to connect you with resources that can be helpful to keeping your pet with you. Email us at [email protected] or call us at 720.523.PETS (7387) to discuss your situation.
If you are in a position to keep your pet with you while you seek a new home for them, we recommend using Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com*- a surrender alternative. This service allows you to create your pet’s profile, review applications from potential adopters, and to set up a meet-and-greet with families interested in adopting. These private adoptions take place without ever having to set foot in a shelter.
*Please note, Riverdale Animal Shelter is not affiliated with Rehome and does not facilitate the adoption process for pets available through this program. We make this information available to you as another alternative to surrendering.
To ensure the highest quality of care for our shelter pets, we are asking community members to schedule an online appointment for non-emergency surrender services. Please click the link below to schedule an appointment with our team.
Schedule an Appointment |
Please note: provide stray intake and pet surrender services for the cities of Brighton, Commerce City, Federal Heights, Northglenn, and Thornton; the towns of Bennett, Hudson, and Lochbuie; and Unincorporated Adams County. If you are outside of these jurisdictions, we may still be able to assist you as our shelter capacity and resources allow. We can also provide you with resources, to include information on shelter partners in your specific area. Please note, an additional fee will apply for pets surrendered from outside of our listed service areas.
