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  • pet-sur
  1. Our Services
  2. Pet Surrender

Pet Surrender

***WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT SURRENDERS AT THIS TIME, AS OUR KENNELS ARE OVERFLOWING WITH ANIMALS. PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON THIS SPACE FOR ANY UPDATES***

There are many reasons you may want to or need to surrender your pet. We understand that circumstances can change over time, so thank you for reaching out for help.

RSPCA WA offers a judgement-free service for pet surrender. We will do our best to accept animals when we can, subject to kennel or other space available at the time. Our focus will always be on the best welfare outcome for your pet, so we may suggest alternatives that may alleviate the pressures you are feeling.

 

Surrender Applications

 

How do I surrender my pet?

Before you surrender your pet, please refer to the FAQs below, which might offer some alternatives to the pressures you are experiencing with your pet or caring for your pet.

If you wish to continue the surrender process, please read the information below thoroughly and complete the appropriate surrender application form.

Pet surrender can take some time. Your application will be assessed within 5 business days. It may take longer for space to become available to accept your animal, based on capacity and availability at the Shelter. If you require urgent care, please complete the form, and explain your circumstances when the Shelter staff contact you.

Surrender availability

RSPCA WA can have over 250 animals in care at any one time. Most of the animals in our care come to us through our Inspectorate, having been rescued from cruelty, abuse and neglect. They have immediate welfare concerns and need urgent medical intervention or behavioural care. These animals may be in protective custody for some time while their owners are being prosecuted. We do try to prioritise animals coming into the Shelter who need our care the most.

If we are unable to accommodate your pet, we will talk to you about alternative arrangements to help you.

What information do I need to provide to surrender my pet?

We want to make sure we can find new homes for all the animals in our care as quickly as possible, so the more we know about your animal, the easier this is.

Please fill in the form as accurately as you possibly can, with as much detail as possible—the more information the better. If your animal is already vaccinated and sterilised this can help fast track the surrender process, so please make sure you include this information on the form. (If they’re not vaccinated or sterilised, that’s OK—we’ll still provide the best possible animal welfare outcome).

Once we receive your completed form a member of our team will call you to discuss your animal and make an appointment for you to come in. Before we accept your animal as a surrender we will assess them to ensure they are going to cope coming in to the shelter and discuss this, and your options, with you.

 

Apply to surrender your dog

Apply to surrender your cat

Apply to surrender other pets

 

My pet doesn't follow commands or do what I ask.

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You CAN teach an old dog new tricks! It’s never too late to introduce training to your dog, and it’s sometimes easier training older dogs than puppies. Here are a few suggestions you might like to try:

  • Speak with a trainer. Talk about the specific issues you have, and a trainer can then help you to address those unwanted behaviours. We only recommend talking to trainers who use positive training techniques.
  • Exercise your pet regularly. Daily walks in the morning and evening can help to calm your dog and reduce excessive energy.

Published: 19th July, 2022

Updated: 25th July, 2022

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My pet is showing signs of aggressive behaviour

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Depending on the severity, it may be possible to address signs of aggression with positive reinforcement-based training. It is crucial to diagnose the type of aggression and identify possible triggers like food, other dogs, certain people, etc.

We strongly recommend contacting a trainer who uses positive techniques and can assess your dog’s behaviour in a safe environment. They should be able to design a behaviour training program that addresses your pet's specific issues.

Published: 20th July, 2022

Updated: 25th July, 2022

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I'm moving to a rental and can't take my pet

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Finding a pet-friendly rental can be challenging. Very few agents or landlords will list a property as pet friendly, but it’s always a good idea to ask.

If you approach the agent or landlord directly to inquire about keeping your well-behaved pet, they may be open to negotiate. Try these extra tips:

  • Offer to pay a pet deposit. Offer to sign an additional pet agreement and pay an additional deposit to cover pet-related wear and tear.
  • Introduce your pet to the agent. Encourage the agent or landlord to meet your well-groomed, well-behaved, flea-free pet.
  • Keep a pet resume. Have a file that contains your pet’s vet history, up-to-date vaccination certificates, and behaviour profile from your vet. Also include any dog training certificates and pet-references from past landlords, agents or friends. This will help agents and landlords to learn a little more about you and your history of responsible pet ownership.

Published: 20th July, 2022

Updated: 25th July, 2022

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I can't afford vet bills or cost of sterilising my pet

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There are a number of options available to you to help pay for vet bills, or to get your pet de-sexed:

  • Talk to your vet. If you’re a regular client in good financial standing with your vet, talk to them about options to pay over a period rather than all at once. Also ask them about any generic medication that they prescribe for your pet—this may save some money.
  • Find other sources of vet bill assistance here. 
  • Purchase pet insurance. While pet insurance may not help right now, consider pet health insurance to help cover future medical costs and minimise vet bills.

Published: 20th July, 2022

Updated: 27th February, 2023

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I love my pet but can't afford to keep it

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Pet care is a big responsibility and can be expensive. In addition to adoption fees and daily nutritious food, providing shelter, enrichment and medical care when your pet is sick can quickly add up. If you're finding it hard to keep up with the costs associated with pet care, try these few tips:

  • Consider generic brand pet food. Ask your vet for advice on how to reduce feeding costs while ensuring your pet gets the nutrition it needs.
  • Contact your local food shelter. Pet food is a commonly donated item you may be able to access.
  • Come to an RSPCA Community Action Day. Check details for the next RSPCA Community Action Day and come down with your dog. You can get a free medical check, free micro-chipping, free training and behaviour advice and free dog and cat food. (You're welcome to bring your dog, but please don’t bring your cat, for welfare reasons).
  • Pet Insurance can help to cover the medical costs if your pet becomes sick or gets injured. Once you're back on your feet, consider signing up for a pet health insurance policy.

Published: 20th July, 2022

Updated: 25th July, 2022

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I think I'm allergic to my pet

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Begin by testing. Many people think they are allergic to their pets, but the cause of the reaction often comes from something else—such as flea treatment. The only way to verify your allergy is through a quick test from your local GP.

If you have a confirmed allergy, love your pet, and just need some good advice on how to live happily ever after, try these tips:

  • Create a pet-free zone in your home, such as your bedroom, and do not allow your pet to access this area. Often, it is not a small exposure to an allergen that triggers a reaction, but increased exposure over time.
  • Wash your pet regularly, ensuring you use pet-safe shampoos. Bathing them and trimming their fur helps prevent the build-up of old and loose hair.
  • Groom your pet regularly. Having your dog’s hair trimmed reduces the amount of hair and shedding around the house, so there will be fewer allergens. Grooming will also help long-haired pets in summer. Investment in a good pair of pet shears means you can do it from home.
  • Keep your home clean and invest in an air purifier. Regularly wash your and your pet’s bedding, carpet and curtains. If your pet rides in the car with you, consider using washable covers.

Published: 20th July, 2022

Updated: 25th July, 2022

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I just don't want my pet any more

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Many options exist for easily rehoming your pet with new owners. It’s also important to prepare your pet for this change in their life.

It can often take weeks or even months to find your pet a new home. To increase your pet’s chances, ensure he or she is sterilised, groomed and vaccinated. If your pet is a purebred, you could try contacting the original breeder.

Sometimes, the best homes are found with people who already know and love your pet, so try asking family and friends too.

If you've already considered all of this information and still need to surrender your pet, please complete a surrender form.

Surrender Application - Dog         Surrender Application - Cat          Surrender Application - Other

 

Published: 20th July, 2022

Updated: 29th July, 2022

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Address

RSPCA Animal Care Centre
108 Malaga Dr, Malaga

Shelter Hours:
Tue-Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat: 9am-4pm
Sun: By appointment only
Closed Mon, Public Holidays

Contact

Report cruelty: 1300 278 358
or Online cruelty report

Animal Shelter: (08) 9209 9323
Dog Training: (08) 9209 9309
Donations: (08) 9209 9311
General inquiries

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