Surrendering an Animal

*MCASAC is near critical capacity for dogs. If there is something we can do to help you keep your pet, please reach out to us.*

If you are a resident of Montgomery County and you can no longer care for your pet and you have exhausted all other options, you may surrender ownership of your pet to the Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center (MCASAC). You will be asked for your photo identification and any prior veterinary or vaccination records for your pet. If you adopted your pet from another shelter or rescue, please contact them prior to surrendering your pet to MCASAC.  Surrendering your pet to MCASAC should be a last resort. Remember, you are your pet's best advocate! Check with friends, family, and neighbors to see if they would be willing to take your pet. Try contacting a non-profit rescue or use a rehoming website such as Rehome by Adopt a Pet, Home to Home , or  Rescue Me!

If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, please email our Behavior Team for support! We're here to help you keep your pet by walking you through common behavior issues and offering solutions for management. This resource is free! Don't give up hope, help is here!

Browse through our Behavior Resources  or Financial Resources  sections to find ways to address specific behavior issues or for helpful information regarding pet food assistance, medical care assistance, housing, insurance, and more.

If you are facing a crisis such as eviction, homelessness, or domestic violence, you may be eligible for our Safekeep Program which provides temporary assistance for pets.

Appointments are required to surrender animals. We offer appointments during the following times:

Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
(Closed Wednesdays)
Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, please call 240.773.5666.
 
The Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center is an open-admission organization. Despite our best efforts, some animals cannot be placed due to behavior and/or medical issues. Because of this, euthanasia may be the most humane outcome for certain animals.