What happens when you surrender your pet
RSPCA WA provides ongoing care to animals with immediate welfare concerns and medical needs. Most animals in our care have been rescued from cruelty, abuse and neglect, but we also take in pets who are voluntarily surrendered by their owners in cases of genuine hardship that impacts the pet’s welfare.
Our priority is accepting animals who are most in need, and while we can accommodate over 250 animals at any one time, demand can be even higher. That’s why we have a judgement-free application process to ensure that surrendering your pet to RSPCA WA is the best animal welfare decision.
This process can take days or weeks, depending on the space and resources we have available, and how urgently your pet needs care.
Once an application to surrender your pet to RSPCA WA is received and successfully processed, your pet is taken into our care at our RSPCA WA Animal Care Centre in Malaga. Here, our team of Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurses, animal attendants, behaviour support staff and volunteers provide the medical care, treatment plans, behaviour support, daily care and love to give your pet the best chance of being rehomed with a loving new family.
Things to consider before you surrender your pet
Surrendering your pet can be a heartbreaking decision for both you and your pet, but it may not be the only option. Before you make this difficult decision, consider the following alternatives…
For behavioural issues
Even small adjustments and simple positive reinforcement training can make a big difference to your pet’s behaviour. Here are a few ideas you can try:
- Exercise your pet regularly. For dogs, daily walks in the morning and evening can help reduce excessive energy. For dogs, cats and pocket pets, ensure they have enough enrichment and space to play.
- Work with a trainer or professional to help address unwanted behaviours. RSPCA WA provides private one-on-one dog training for a fee, as well as free information and advice at our Community Action Days.
- Visit your vet to explore whether the behaviour is related to an unknown health issue. Medication and other treatment may help.
For issues with finding pet-friendly accommodation
While WA rental laws mean landlords can’trefuse pets for arbitrary reasons, some properties may not be suitable for pets and in a competitive rental market, landlords may favour pet-free tenants.
- Offer to pay a pet bond and/ or sign an additional pet agreement to cover pet-related wear and tear.
- Introduce your pet to the agent or landlord to demonstrate their good behaviour, cleanliness and temperament. This may address their concerns and make them feel more comfortable about the arrangement.
- Share a pet portfolio with your pet’s vet history, up-to-date vaccination certificates, a behaviour profile from your vet, any training certificates you may have, pet references from past landlords or housemates, and anything else that helps demonstrate your pet’s good standing.
For financial issues with affording vet bills or ongoing pet care
Pet care can be expensive, especially when unexpected health issues arise. Here are some options to help with short-term costs:
- Talk to your vet about a payment plan for costly medical expenses and cost-saving options for your pet, like opting for generic medication. If your regular vet can’t provide flexible payment options, there may be other vets in your area who can.
- Attend one of RSPCA WA’s Community Action Days, where you can access free pet food, free advice, and free health checks for dogs.
- Explore free pet support options like these for pet owners facing financial hardship.
- Contact your local food shelter for donated pet food and supplies. You can also contact us in times of need, as RSPCA WA occasionally receives donated pet food which we can pass on.
- Consider pet insurance to avoid unexpected costs in the future. When you’re back on your feet, RSPCA Pet Insurance can help cover medical expenses and vet bills, with flexible options to suit what you can afford.
For private rehoming
Finding new owners for your pet through your own networks is often a faster and less distressing process for both you and your pet. You could try:
- Ask friends or family if they would be willing to take on your pet – especially those who already know and love them.
- Contact breed-specific groups online or reach out to the original breeder if your pet is a recognised breed.
- Ensure your pet is adoption-ready to increase their changes of being rehomed. That includes ensuring they are sterilised, vaccinated and groomed.
How to surrender your pet
- Read this page thoroughly, including the steps below, and seriously consider all other options to ensure you’re ready to surrender your pet.
- Complete our online pet surrender application form: Surrender your pet
When completing the form, provide as much detail as possible about your pet, including medical history, behaviour information and vaccination status. This helps us care for your pet as best as we possibly can and gives them a better chance of finding a new home.If your pet’s welfare is urgent, explain this clearly in your application. - Discuss the next steps with RSPCA WA.Someone from RSPCA WA will review your application form and reach out to you to determine whether we are able to accept your pet into our shelter.This may include an in-person appointment with you and your pet at the RSPCA WA Animal Care Centre to assess their suitability for shelter care.If we’re unable to accept your pet, we’ll help you to explore alternative options.
We will take care of them at our shelter and attempt to rehome adoption-ready pets through our animal adoption service.
RSPCA WA provides the best possible animal welfare outcome for every animal in our care, including full medical treatment, behavioural support and ongoing care. Click here to find out more about the RSPCA WA Animal Care Centre.