About HSPC: Surrendering Animals

Surrendering Procedure (in general)
HSPC admits new animals into the shelter by appointment on a space-available basis. Do not abandon animals on our premises or just show up with an animal, as we usually do not have space available immediately!

When we do have appropriate shelter space and can safely take in your owned or stray animal, we will make an appointment for you to bring the animal to the Humane Society. When you arrive, we will ask you to complete a Surrender Form and will ask for a surrender fee to help us with the costs associated with caring for the animal. We will request as much information about the animal as you can provide, including information about the animal's health, behavior and personality. Veterinary records, if available, are particularly useful. We use this information to help evaluate potential adoptive homes and to help our staff and volunteers better care for the animal while he or she is in our shelter.

Once an animal is surrendered to us, the animal is permanently in our care and will not be returned to you. We will do our best to find a safe, loving, permanent adoptive home for him or her.

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"I am currently caring for an animal that I cannot keep and the Humane Society doesn't have room to take him in right now. What are my other options?"

HSPC Waiting List
Because of our limited space, we usually have a waiting list. Small dogs and kittens usually have the shortest wait because they are most quickly adopted and the space opens up more frequently. But it is important to realize that placing the animal on the waiting list may mean a wait of several months before appropriate space is available in the shelter. You should contact us again near the beginning of each month if you wish to remain on the waiting list. You should also consider other options to find homes on your own in case the wait is longer than anticipated.

HSPC Lost and Found Database
We maintain a database listing lost and found animals, in an effort to reunite lost animals with their families. Persons who have found an animal may submit that information to us and we will attempt to match your information with a lost report. Through this service, we put the parties in contact, they make their own arrangements to return the lost animal to the family, and the animal never comes to our shelter.

We retain the lost and found reports on the database for approximately one year. This database is NOT the same as our waiting list. If you wish to be placed on the waiting list, you will need to submit the appropriate information and specify that you would like to place an animal on our waiting list for admission.

Finding a New Home for an Animal on Your Own
Co-workers, neighbors, friends and veterinarians can often be resources for finding the right home for an animal in your care. Ask people you know to help you get the word out. Ask questions of potential adopters to help be sure the home is appropriate for that particular animal. If at all possible, take the animal to a veterinarian for a basic exam and medical care, including spaying or neutering. A responsible new owner should help share the cost of this.

Newspaper Ads
Placing a classified ad is sometimes helpful in finding a home, but unless it is done very carefully, this can potentially be very dangerous for the animal. Unfortunately, animals given away blindly through "Free to a Good Home" ads can end up in the wrong hands and in trouble.

To help protect the animals, thorough screening of potential homes is essential. Again, it is better for you to obtain basic medical care for the animal, including spaying or neutering, and ask the new owner to share the cost. This helps screen potential responsible, legitimate homes and provides an added level of protection for the animal.

Municipal Animal Control Agencies
Most cities have tax-funded animal services programs responsible for taking in stray animals. This is the case in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville and Maumelle. These agencies hold the stray animals for a short period of time in case they are claimed by owners, and if they are not claimed, the animals are either adopted or destroyed. Some agencies have higher adoption rates than others. The Humane Society regularly refers potential adopters to these city facilities and also takes in animals from these agencies whenever possible.

• Little Rock - (501) 376-3067
  
• North Little Rock - (501) 791-8577
  
• Maumelle - (501) 851-6219
  
• Sherwood - (501) 834-2287
  
• Jacksonville - (501) 982-2916
  

Breed Rescue Groups
Nearly every breed of dog and cat has a breed rescue group. These groups specialize in finding homes for particular breeds of dogs and cats, and are a good resource for persons needing to place purebred animals. The groups understand the individual traits associated with the breed and are adept at screening potential adoptive homes for them.

Some of these groups even accept animals that are not 100% purebred. These can be found in a variety of places, including on the internet, through the American Kennel Club, through the Cat Fanciers Association and through the Humane Society. A few of the local groups are listed below. For details about rescue groups for a particular breed, contact the HSPC at 227-6166.

• Golden Hearts Golden Retriever Rescue - (501) 758-9691 or (501) 791-0062
  
• Greyhound Rescue - (501) 663-3646 or (870) 735-7317
  
• Italian Greyhound Rescue - (501) 225-5271
  

Miscellaneous Rescue Groups
The Pulaski County area has several independent rescue groups that take in stray or surrendered animals and place them in foster homes until they can find permanent homes. Each group has its own criteria for accepting and placing animals. Contact the individual groups for details on their particular admission guidelines.

• A.R.F. - (501) 842-2392
  
• C.A.R.E. - (501) 804-CARE
  
• Helping Hands for Little Paws - (501) 888-1741 (owner surrenders)