Surrender Resources

Doghouse Rescue Academy can only take animals that are surrendered by their owner (and if we have an available foster). There is a surrender fee associated to help offset the cost of caring for your animal while it is in our care. Due to requirements by Lee County Domestic Animal Services, we are unable to take strays or abandoned animals. These animals should be taken and processed through Lee County Domestic Animal Services. You will find directions from LCDAS on what to do if you found a lost pet here. You can visit them at 5600 Banner Dr Fort Myers FL 33912 or call 239-533-7387 (LEE-PETS). 

Sometimes the situation may arise where you feel like you have no choice but to give up and surrender your pet. Before you do that, here is some advice to help you keep your pet:

• If you adopted your pet, usually your adoption contract requires you to surrender back to the organization so they can safely re-home and keep track of the whereabouts of the animal. Contact that organization first to see if they have any options to help you.

• If a behavior is a reason you cannot keep, have you thought about getting a trainer? Many people assume their dog is aggressive or too set in their ways to change; although, with the right trainer that understands your dog's needs, it's possible to fix bad behavior by researching and hiring a good dog trainer.

• If you are local and having trouble getting food for your pet, Lee County Domestic Animal Services established the Community Pet Pantry Program to temporarily assist pet owners in financial crisis to keep beloved pets in loving, responsible homes rather than surrendered to overcrowded shelters. If you are outside Lee County, research food assistance programs in your area.

• If you have a medical emergency or costly procedure that you can not afford to pay all at once, ask your vet office if they accept Care Credit or go to an office that does. Care Credit helps make large medical bills become manageable payments to pay easily over time.