---
title: Animal Surrender | Providence Animal Rescue League | Rhode Island
description: PARL accept pet surrenders by appointment to make sure we have the proper resources and space to help your pet. Please contact us for more information.
---

[![providence-animal-rescue-league-logo.jpg](https://www.parl.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NewLogo_header_PARL.png?width=985&height=205&name=NewLogo_header_PARL.png "providence-animal-rescue-league-logo.jpg")](https://www.parl.org?hsLang=en)

- Donate 
    - [Make a Donation](https://www.parl.org/get-involved/donate)
    - [Betsy's Fund](https://www.parl.org/betsys-fund)
    - [Your Legacy](https://www.parl.org/legacy)
    - [Sponsor Our Work](https://www.parl.org/sponsorships)
    - [Donate Your Car](https://www.parl.org/donate-car)
- [Get Involved](https://www.parl.org/get-involved/donate) 
    - [Donate](https://www.parl.org/get-involved/donate)
    - [Foster](https://www.parl.org/foster)
    - [Volunteer](https://www.parl.org/volunteer)
- [Our Services](https://www.parl.org/adoptable-animals-providence) 
    - [Adopt An Animal](https://www.parl.org/adoptable-animals-providence)
    - [Surrender Your Pet](https://www.parl.org/animal-surrender)
    - [Pet Food Pantry](https://www.parl.org/pet-food-pantry)
    - [Vaccine Clinics](https://www.parl.org/vaccine-clinics)
    - [Spay/Neuter](https://www.parl.org/spay-neuter)
    - [Lost and Found Pets](https://www.parl.org/lost-and-found)
- [Events](https://www.parl.org/events) 
    - [Vaccine Clinics](https://www.parl.org/vaccine-clinics)
    - [Pop Up Pet Food Pantry](https://www.parl.org/pet-food-pantry)
- [About Us](https://www.parl.org/about-us) 
    - [About Us](https://www.parl.org/about-us)
    - [Hours & Location](https://www.parl.org/visit-us)
    - [Staff Directory](https://www.parl.org/team)
    - [Join Our Team](https://www.parl.org/jobs)
    - [Our Sponsorship Partners](https://www.parl.org/our-sponsors)
    - [Shop](https://www.bonfire.com/store/providence-animal-rescue-league-1/)

[![Donate](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/103039/ae16e1c7-0bd4-4257-b09e-01576609fe06.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/103039/ae16e1c7-0bd4-4257-b09e-01576609fe06)      [![Adopt](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/103039/059dbcdd-6cb0-49b9-966f-5c4f0e3d570a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/103039/059dbcdd-6cb0-49b9-966f-5c4f0e3d570a)

# Pet Surrender

# Making a Surrender Appointment at PARL

PARL is an open adoption shelter that manages intake, meaning we accept surrenders by appointment to make sure we have the proper resources and space to help your pet. Sometimes, especially during Covid-19, our facility is full to current capacity and all appointments are booked. In these cases, we may use a Wait List or refer you to other organizations and agencies that may be able to help. 

Please complete a Surrender Profile for your animal(s) and we will connect with you as soon as possible. The profile helps us to better understand your pet(s) and their unique situation and individual needs. Please be as thorough and honest as possible. Thank you!

**PLEASE NOTE: These are very challenging times for animal shelters across the nation. We, like many other shelters, are receiving an unprecedented number of pet surrender requests each and every day. Future surrender appointments may be booked for several weeks in advance, and we are currently using a Wait List for all new inquires. The estimated wait time for pet surrender intake is several weeks to several months. If you need to surrender your pet, please begin planning for this process with as much advance notice as possible and inquire with all other organizations and rescue groups in your area. We also encourage utilizing [Rehome, the pet rehoming service from Adopt-A-Pet](https://rehome.adoptapet.com/r/74878). We sincerely thank you for your understanding!** 

**Small Animal Surrenders are paused as of July 2026 due to space restraints. We hope to have this back up and running soon.** 

| [![Dog Surrender Profile](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/103039/c9ee87f4-8d47-4fb7-bfa1-92cb1b96572f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/103039/c9ee87f4-8d47-4fb7-bfa1-92cb1b96572f) | [![Cat Surrender Profile](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/103039/fd6c9860-dbdf-40e8-80f1-8d77c5dc1201.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/103039/fd6c9860-dbdf-40e8-80f1-8d77c5dc1201) |
| --- | --- |

# Resources to Consider Before Surrender\*

We understand how difficult it is to make the decision to surrender your pet. In most cases, surrendering your beloved animal companion is a last resort and is a difficult and emotional experience for you and your pet. Before making a final decision, please follow the links below relating to your particular situation. We sincerely strive to keep pets with their families and hope these resources are helpful.

| **MY CAT/DOG HAS BEHAVIOR ISSUES** - [Advice for Common Cat Behavior Issues (ASPCA)](http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues) - [Cat Behavior Tips (Jackson Galaxy)](http://jacksongalaxy.com/catmojo301/) - [Cat Care Tips (HSUS)](http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/) - [ASPCA's Advice for Common Dog Behavior Issues (ASPCA)](http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues) - [Find a Pet Professional (PPG)](http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Zip-Code-Search) - [Learn More About Our Good Pup Training Partnership](https://www.parl.org/hubfs/Providence%20Animal%20Rescue%20League-handout.pdf?hsLang=en) **I HAVE ALLERGIES** - [What to do When You're Allergic to Your Pet (ASPCA)](http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/are-you-allergic-your-pet) - [Tips for Living with Pet Allergies (HSUS)](http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/allergies_pets.html) **MY DOG/CAT HAD AN UNEXPECTED LITTER** - [PARL's Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic](https://www.parl.org/spay-neuter?hsLang=en) - [Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics in Rhode Island](https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/state-local/rhode-island-spay-neuter-programs/) - [PARL's  Once Is Enough Program](https://www.parl.org/animal-surrender?hsLang=en) **I NEED TEMPORARY CARE FOR MY PET**  - [Dogs on Deployment - Pet Housing and Boarding for Individuals in the Military](https://www.dogsondeployment.org/) - Networking site for emergency foster placement | **I CAN'T AFFORD VET EXPENSES/GENERAL CARE FOR MY PET ANYMORE** - [Cutting Pet Care Costs (ASPCA)](http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cutting-pet-care-costs) - [Finding Resources for Pet Care Costs (HSUS)](http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html) - [PARL's Pet Food Pantry](https://www.parl.org/pet-food-pantry-providence?hsLang=en) - [Friends of Animals Rhode Island (Vet Expense Assistance)](https://www.animalsinneedri.com/home.html) - [Pets In Need Clinic (Full-service affordable vet care in Rhode Island)](https://potterleague.org/veterinary/pets-in-need-clinic/pets-in-need/) **I AM HAVING TROUBLE FINDING PET-FRIENDLY HOUSING** - [Animal Friendly Pet Housing Search Tips (HSUS)](http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets-housing-renter-tips.html?credit=web_id617152745) - [Pet Friendly Housing Resources (Best Friends)](https://resources.bestfriends.org/general-pet/pet-friendly-housing) - [Search for Pet Friendly Housing in Rhode Island](https://www.zillow.com/ri/pet-friendly/) - [Know Your Rights - Landlord/Tenant Laws in Rhode Island](https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/Landlord%20Tenant.aspx) - [Pet-Friendly Apartments for Rent (RentCafe)](https://www.rentcafe.com/pet-friendly-apartments-for-rent/us/ri/) - [Guide to Renting with Pets (RentCafe)](https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/apartmentliving/renting-with-pets/guide-renting-with-pets/) **I'M PREGNANT/HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN** - [Resources for Families with Dogs (FamilyPaws)](http://familypaws.com/) - [Resources for Families with Cats (ASPCA)](http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cats-and-babies) **I FOUND A FERAL CAT** - [Learn more about feral cats and resources in Rhode Island](https://pawswatch.org/) ##### *\*Providence Animal Rescue League is not responsible content on these websites.* |
| --- | --- |

## goodpup  dog training offer

![goodpup](https://www.parl.org/hs-fs/hubfs/goodpup.png?width=710&name=goodpup.png)

We are excited to announce that our shelter has partnered with [GoodPup](http://goodpup.com/) to provide our adopters, fosters, and community members access to convenient and affordable positive reinforcement dog training. 

 

With GoodPup, you get private, one-on-one dog training over live video calls. Their trainers use science-based, positive reinforcement methods to teach cues, address unwanted behaviors, and socialize dogs. And, between training sessions, you have access to the GoodPup chat room where you can get additional training, behavior and medical support. Over 50,000 dogs have trained with GoodPup, making it one of the largest training platforms in the country.

 

Through this partnership, eligible participants will receive one free week of training plus and a discount for life! To learn more and for information on how to sign up, [check out the flyer](https://www.parl.org/hubfs/Providence%20Animal%20Rescue%20League-handout.pdf?hsLang=en) or visit [https://links.goodpup.com/shelter/PARL](https://links.goodpup.com/shelter/PARL) 

GoodPup will also donate to Providence Animal Rescue League for each person who signs up for GoodPup Training. These donations help us continue our lifesaving work!

 

## rehome by adopt-a-pet.com

| [![Rehome Link to Learn More](https://www.parl.org/hs-fs/hubfs/RehomeBadge200x200.png?width=200&name=RehomeBadge200x200.png)](https://rehome.adoptapet.com/r/74878) | Despite our best efforts and loving care, the shelter environment can be very stressful for animals. If you're able to keep your pet in your home while searching for placement, or awaiting a surrender appointment at PARL, please consider using a rehoming services like [Rehome](https://rehome.adoptapet.com/r/74878). You can create a profile for your pet, screen applications, and complete the rehoming process with guidance from Adopt-a-Pet.com. Adopt-a-Pet will charge the adopter a fee, which will benefit a shelter of your choice.  PARL does not recommend posting your pet on websites and community pages such as Craigslist. Many 'Free to a Good Home' cases have resulted in animal cruelty or scams. |
| --- | --- |

 

 

## Preparing For the Appointment

- Please bring any small items that may make your pet's transition easier (favorite toy, treats, food or other supplies). We make our best effort to keep these items with your pet throughout their stay and passed on to their future adopter.
- Owners must be present to sign over ownership, and to provide full behavioral and medical history to staff. If the owner is unable to attend the appointment, written consent must be provided to whomever is signing over the pet on their behalf.
- Dogs must arrive on leash and cats/small animals must be confined in a carrier.
- A photo ID is required with all surrenders.
- Medical Records - Please plan ahead and contact your veterinarian prior to your appointment to receive copies of all medical records. At minimum, if you do not have records available, please bring contact information for your veterinarian.

## AFTER THE Appointment

- Previous owners are welcome to call or e-mail to check on how their pet is settling-in and to find out where they are in the process.
- Each animal is different; some will be ready to be adopted within a week of arriving, others require several weeks of care before they are ready for a new home.

## Surrender Fee: $60.00

We request a surrender fee of $60 at time of surrender to help support the care of your pet while in our custody.

**Please speak with us if you are unable to pay this surrender fee as we may be able to waive or reduce it on a case by case basis.**

 

---

## ![IMG\_6104](https://www.parl.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6104.jpeg?width=165&height=220&name=IMG_6104.jpeg)

## Once Is Enough Program

If your pet is pregnant or has recently given birth, contact us for more information about our Once Is Enough Program. We'll spay the mother for free and return her to your family while the litter is surrendered to PARL for spay/neuter and eventual adoption. Please call (401) 421-1399 for more information.

 

- ## Follow us on social:
- <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Providence-Animal-Rescue-League/255845814378>
- <http://www.instagram.com/parlri>
- <http://www.tiktok.com/@providencearl>

[![Donate](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/103039/9567dce5-ef55-4d26-a250-b5cd27cdac16.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/103039/9567dce5-ef55-4d26-a250-b5cd27cdac16)

Providence Animal Rescue League • 34 Elbow St. Providence, RI 02903 • (401) 421-1399

© Copyright 2025 Providence Animal Rescue League • All rights reserved.  • [Privacy Policy](https://www.parl.org/privacy-policy?hsLang=en)

Homepage designed in part by Cassidy Methot in partnership with Roger Williams University Citizens Design Course

![dog\_and\_mouse\_transparent](https://www.parl.org/hubfs/2020/dog_and_mouse_transparent.png "dog_and_mouse_transparent")

![cat\_and\_bun\_transparent](https://www.parl.org/hubfs/2020/cat_and_bun_transparent.png "cat_and_bun_transparent")