(please read this entire page before submitting a surrender application)
At Rescue Village, we understand that surrendering a pet can be an emotional and difficult decision. We are here to provide support and safe options for people and pets in our community.
Because we receive hundreds of surrender requests every month approved surrender applications are placed on a waiting list by the staff and scheduled for next steps.
All intakes are scheduled by appointment only so we can manage our shelter population, avoid overcrowding, and ensure we have appropriate resources to meet the needs of the animals in our care.
While we cannot take in every pet, we are committed to approaching every request with care, compassion, and respect for both people and animals.
We ask that everyone treat our staff with kindness and respect. Difficult conversations are part of this work, but we cannot provide services if interactions become threatening or abusive.
Note: Rescue Village does not take in stray dogs. If you have found a stray dog, you must contact the dog warden in the county where the dog was found.
Service Area
Rescue Village serves a defined Service Area established through longstanding provision of humane services, community participation, financial support and operational capacity. This area includes Geauga County and portions of neighboring counties where Rescue Village maintains established service relationships.
Rescue Village also serves a broader surrounding region as capacity allows. Individuals outside our service area will be encouraged to contact their local humane society.
Step 1: After thoroughly reading this page, and before completing the surrender application, make sure that surrendering your pet is the right decision. Sometimes there are other options that may suit you and your pet better.
Step 2: To begin the process of surrendering a pet to Rescue Village, complete our online application using the links on this page.
Step 3: Your application will be reviewed within 7-10 days. If your application is accepted, an employee of Rescue Village will contact you to discuss the next steps.
While we do our best to accommodate most requests, we are not able to take in all animals, and we reserve the right to decline applications when necessary.
Approved surrender requests are scheduled by appointment.
Rescue Village has a wait list for owner surrenders. Wait times will vary depending on the type of animal you are surrendering. For example: an adult dog surrender will typically take longer than a kitten surrender. A adult cat surrender will typically go faster than a rabbit surrender.
Phone: 440-999-4019 | Email: animalintake AT rescuevillage DOT org