Surrendering
Important Information About Our Intake Process
At Chihuahuan Desert Animal Shelter and Sanctuary, the safety and well-being of every animal is our highest priority. We follow all required protocols and policies established by Texas laws and regulations.
All owner surrenders are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure we can responsibly provide the care they deserve and maintain the highest standards for the animals already in our shelter or sanctuary.
As we are just getting started and do not yet have a physical location, owner surrenders are extremely limited at this time. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding. While we may not always be able to intake, we are here to help guide you—please use our available resources, and we will do our best to support you in safely rehoming your pet.
We can assist with found/stray animals after a report has been submitted to the appropriate animal services agency, in accordance with local guidelines and to allow for potential owner reunification.
Gentle Reminder
We encourage you to explore our Helpful Resources Guide linked in a PDF below. This guide includes local and regional support options for veterinary care, financial assistance, pet food, and more—resources that may help you and your pet stay together.
Surrendering a pet is never easy, and support may be more accessible than it seems.
We strongly encourage reviewing these options before completing a surrender form. If you need help navigating these options, we are always here to guide and support you. 💛
Options to Consider
- Reach out for support – Friends, family or friends of family may be able to help temporarily
- Training or behavior help – Many common issues can be improved with guidance and patience
- Behavior hotlines or online resources – Many free resources are available for common pet concerns
- Low-cost veterinary care – Look into affordable clinics or assistance programs
- Pet-friendly housing and financial hardship resources – Some programs offer support for renters and families with pets
- Temporary rehoming – A trusted person may be able to care for your pet during difficult times, because good times come back
- Pet food assistance programs – Local organizations may help provide food and basic supplies (INCLUDING US, JUST ASK)
Owner Surrender Process
To begin the surrender process, please complete the form below. This allows us to learn about your pet and carefully evaluate each request. Once submitted, a member of our team will review your information and reach out within 24–48 hours.
If we are able to move forward, an appointment will be scheduled based on availability and sent to the email provided. *Please note that, as a nonprofit organization, our ability to accept animals is limited and depends on our current capacity, available resources, and the support we receive from our community. Submission of a form does not guarantee acceptance.
A surrender fee of $150 is required at the time of intake. This fee helps cover the cost of the initial veterinary exam and care required for each animal upon arrival. We understand that financial hardships can arise, and each situation will be considered with care.
On the day of your scheduled appointment, each animal will be scanned for a microchip. The registered owner information must match the individual surrendering the animal.
If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, one additional appointment may be offered based on availability. Please note that this will be the final opportunity to reschedule.
If you experience any difficulty completing the form, you may reach out to us by call, email, or text, and we will be happy to assist you.
What Happens After Surrender
We understand that surrendering a pet is not only difficult for you, but also a significant and emotional transition for your animal. They are leaving behind everything familiar—their home, their routine, and the people they know.
When an animal enters our care, our first priority is to provide a safe, calm environment where they can begin to decompress and feel secure. We give them time, patience, and gentle care as they adjust at their own pace.
Each animal receives a full health check, proper nutrition, and a quiet space to rest. Our team takes the time to learn their personality, needs, and comfort level so we can support them both physically and emotionally.
As they begin to feel safe, they are gradually introduced to their new environment in a way that prioritizes their well-being and minimizes stress.
While the transition can be difficult, our commitment is to ensure that every animal who enters our care is met with compassion, stability, and the opportunity for a secure future.
Depending on each animal’s individual needs, they will either enter our lifelong sanctuary program or be placed in our compassionate care shelter while we work to find them a safe and loving adoptive home.
You and your pet are never alone—we are here every step of the way.