Need to surrender a pet?
Before DBCHS will consider admitting an owner-surrendered pet, owners are required to first attempt to rehome the pet through Home To Home™.
Many pets can successfully transition directly into a new home without ever entering the shelter. This approach is often less stressful for the animal, allows owners to help choose the best fit, and preserves limited shelter space for pets with urgent or emergency needs.
Like shelters across the country, DBCHS regularly operates at or near capacity. Our ability to admit additional animals depends on available kennel space, foster availability, staffing, medical resources, and the overall needs of the animals currently in our care. Submitting a surrender application does not guarantee that DBCHS will be able to admit your pet.
In some cases, families may not actually need to surrender their pet — they may simply need support. DBCHS offers several safety-net programs designed to help keep people and pets together whenever possible, including:
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Pet Food Pantry assistance
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Compassionate Care Assistance Fund (CCAF) support for unexpected pet-related expenses
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Community resources, referrals, and rehoming support
If you need to request surrender assistance after attempting Home To Home™, please complete the appropriate form below:
We understand that these situations can be emotional and difficult, and we appreciate you exploring every available option for your pet first.
How To Use Home To Home™
1. Create a Pet Profile
Pet owners create a listing on the DBCHS Home To Home™ page with photos and information about their pet.
2. Listing Approval
Once approved, the listing appears on our Home To Home™ site. DBCHS may also share the pet on social media to help spread the word.
3. Adopters Reach Out
Interested adopters contact the owner directly.
4. Choose the Best Fit
The owner screens potential adopters and chooses the home they feel is the best fit for their pet.
5. A Direct Transition
The pet goes straight from one home to another, reducing stress for the animal and helping preserve shelter space for pets with nowhere else to go.
❤️ Why We Use Home To Home™
Home To Home™ gives pets the best chance at a smooth transition. Current owners know their pets best, and adopters can learn firsthand about the pet’s personality, habits, and needs.
It also helps DBCHS reduce owner surrenders and preserve shelter space, staff time, and medical resources for animals who truly need emergency shelter care.
DBCHS helped rehome more than 500 pets in six years!
🏡 Get Started
Need to rehome your pet? Looking to adopt directly from a local owner?
Visit the DBCHS Home To Home™ page: DBCHS Home To Home™