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Home / Animal Surrender and Intake Services  

Animal Surrender and Intake Services  

Animal Surrender and Intake Services  

(please read this entire page before submitting a surrender application)

At Rescue Village, we understand that surrendering a beloved pet is often one of the most difficult decisions a family can make. We are committed to treating every person and every animal with compassion, respect, and understanding throughout the process.

Because we receive hundreds of surrender requests each month, all surrender requests begin with an application and are reviewed individually. If approved, pets are placed on a waiting list and scheduled for intake based on shelter capacity, available resources, and the needs of the animal.

All animal intakes are by appointment only.

Before You Apply

Before completing a surrender application, please take a moment to consider whether surrendering your pet is the best option. In some situations, there may be resources or alternatives that can help you keep your pet or safely rehome them without entering a shelter.

Consider the Home to Home Alternative

Our Partnership with Home to Home: Home To Home is an online pet placement platform that helps pet owners find new homes (permanent or temporary) for their pets. Home To Home believes pets that need a new home do best if they can be transitioned directly from their current home to a new, loving home and avoid the stress of a stay at an animal shelter.

If your situation allows, this may be the quickest and least stressful option for both you and your pet.

Important Information

  • Rescue Village does not accept stray dogs. If you have found a stray dog, please contact the dog warden in the county where the dog was found.
  • Submission of a surrender application does not guarantee acceptance.
  • Rescue Village reserves the right to decline surrender requests when necessary.
  • We ask that everyone treat our staff with kindness and respect. While difficult conversations are sometimes part of this process, threatening or abusive behavior will not be tolerated.

How the Surrender Process Works

Step 1: Complete an Application

Review the information on this page, then submit the appropriate online surrender application below.

Step 2: Application Review

Applications are typically reviewed within 7–10 days.

Step 3: Next Steps

If your application is approved, a Rescue Village team member will contact you to discuss the next steps and place your pet on our intake schedule.

Because intake appointments depend on available space and resources, approved surrenders are placed on a waiting list.

Wait Times

Wait times vary depending on the type of animal being surrendered and our current shelter population.

For example:

  • Adult dog surrenders generally have longer wait times.
  • Kitten surrenders are often scheduled more quickly.
  • Adult cat surrenders are typically scheduled sooner than rabbit surrenders.

Service Area

Rescue Village serves a defined service area established through longstanding humane services, community participation, financial support, and operational capacity. This includes Geauga County and portions of neighboring counties where Rescue Village maintains established service relationships.

We may also serve surrounding communities as space and resources allow. Individuals outside our primary service area may be referred to their local humane society.

Surrender Application Links

  • Dog Surrender Application
  • Puppy Surrender Application
  • Stray Cat Surrender Application
  • Cat (owned) Surrender Application
  • Kitten Surrender Application
  • Barn (goats, alpaca, etc.) Animal Surrender Application
  • Horse Surrender Application
  • Small Animal (guinea pig, hamster, ferret, etc.) Surrender Application
  • Rabbit Surrender Application
  • Barn Fowl Surrender Application

Questions?

Animal Surrender & Intake Services

Phone: 440-999-4019

Email: animalintake@rescuevillage.org

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Copyright © 2026 Rescue Village  |  Rescue Village is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization  |  EIN 23-7358431

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Adopt Don't Shop

learn more
give now E-News sign-up >
CATS DOGS DOMESTIC BARN ANIMALS SMALL ANIMALS

Rescue Village relies on the community and donors to support its life-saving work. Consider making a donation to help the animals today.

ways to give
give now E-News sign-up >
MAKE A DONATION PLANNED GIVING EVENT SPONSORSHIP RESCUE PAWTIO GIFTS OF FOOD, TOYS, BEDDING HOST A COMMUNITY EVENT SPONSOR AN ANIMAL'S HABITAT MORE WAYS TO GIVE THANK YOU GALLERY HONORS & MEMORIALS

Foster families are always in need at Rescue Village. Learn how you can get involved to support the staff and animals.

get involved today
give now E-News sign-up >
ATTEND EVENTS & PROGRAMS HOST A COMMUNITY EVENT GROUP TOURS & SERVICE FOSTERING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY

Rescue Village provides humane solutions for animals and their people.

services index
give now E-News sign-up >
SHELTER SURRENDER YOUR PET SHELTER VETERINARY CLINIC SPAY AND NEUTER HUMANE INVESTIGATIONS HUMANE EDUCATION LOST PETS STAFF & BOARD
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