Animal Surrender

We understand that there are many reasons why pet owners may no longer be able to care for their animals – allergies, relocation, or just a change in the family situation that makes caring for a pet impossible. Whatever the reason you have decided to surrender your pet, please call (605) 394-4170 and speak to a member of our Customer Service Team for advice on bringing your animal to the shelter, or simply follow the steps below.

Schedule an Appointment!

7/1/25: Our shelter is currently incredibly full. Effective July 7, 2025, appointments for pet surrender are required – this helps our shelter prevent over-capacity and give your pet the most comfortable experience possible. Please, if you are in a position where you may need to surrender your pet, give our Customer Service team a call first at (605) 394-4170 to discuss available resources, additional options, and surrender scheduling.

Surrender appointments are available:
Mon. Tues. Thurs. Fri. – 11:00AM to 4:00PM
Sat. & Sun. – 11:00AM to 3:00PM

Considering surrendering your pet? Please call our team at (605) 394-4170 or stop in to make an appointment. We’re here to help!

Surrender Process

Pet owners must bring the animal to the shelter and provide proof of ownership at the time of their appointment. We will ask you to fill out a personality profile (below) which will be helpful in placing your pet in a new home. A member of our team may call you prior to your appointment to gather details.
Bring veterinary records. Medical records help with animal placement and helps us properly vaccinate your animal.
Come during shelter hours. Do not ever leave animals unattended outside – our staff are here to help you.
There is a $53.10 surrender fee for a cat/dog surrender and a $10.62 surrender fee for small mammals, reptiles, and birds. To help cover the cost of care, there is also a fee of $10.62 to turn in a trapped, stray cat. Fees are payable by check, cash, or debit/credit card.
Animals must pass a behavioral test and medical evaluation prior to being placed on the adoption floor. If the animal does not meet the criteria for adoption, he or she may be humanely euthanized if all other resources have been exhausted.

We are closed on Wednesdays and cannot intake surrendered animals on that day.

Dog Surrender Form

Please complete the Dog Surrender Form prior to bringing your pet to the Humane Society of the Black Hills. This will help our staff get to know your animal better and save you time during your visit.

Cat Surrender Form

Please complete the Cat Surrender Form prior to bringing your pet to the Humane Society of the Black Hills. This will help our staff get to know your animal better and save you time during your visit.

Please be advised that surrendering a trapped community cat has a $10.00 +tax fee.

Other Animal Surrender Form

Please complete this Surrender Form prior to bringing your rabbit, guinea pig, bird, etc. to the Humane Society of the Black Hills. This will help our staff get to know your pet better and save you time during your visit.

Additional Resources & Rehoming Alternatives

Considering surrendering your pet due to a reason below? Maybe something here can help first!

Petcademy
Are you considering surrendering your cat or dog due to behavioral issues? Text “WOOF” to (605) 646-7231 or email bailey@petcademy.org and receive 30 days of support from real trainers at Petcademy before surrendering. Your first 30-days are on us!

Stay tuned – more resources coming soon!

The Humane Society of the Black Hills
Can provide pet food assistance while supplies last.

My Pet Child
Lists national and local organizations that provide financial assistance for veterinary bills.

Pet Lifeline Financial Assistance Program
Provides financial aid to pet owners who are struggling to pay their vet bills.

Veterinary Partners
Organizations that provide financial assistance for veterinary bills.

Stay tuned – more resources coming soon!

R ed Rover
Provides pet-related resources and financial assistance for victims of domestic violence

Dogs on Deployment
A foster resource for active military

Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet
Assists and supports active duty service members, wounded soldiers, and veterans, and their companion animals or assistance service canines.

Brown Dog Foundation
For qualified applicants that require life-saving treatment/medication

CareCredit
Provides financing options for treatments and procedures that typically are not covered by insurance, but not all clinics accept CareCredit.

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program
Owner must be on Medicaid, Medicare, welfare or public assistance program, disability or unemployment

Frankie’s Friends
Works directly with veterinarians, does not accept funding requests directly from pet families

My Pet Child
Lists additional national and local organizations that provide financial assistance for veterinary bills.

Onyx and Breezy Foundation
Medical treatment for hardship

Paws 4 a Cure
Provides financial assistance to qualified families throughout the United States

Shakespeare Animal Fund
Assistance for qualified applicants (elderly, disabled, below poverty guidelines) with pet emergencies

The Dog & Cat Cancer Fund
Grants for pets diagnosed with malignant cancer for qualified individuals

The Pet Fund
Dedicated to funding veterinary care for pet owners who can’t afford it

The Magic Bullet
Cancer-specific assistance

The Mosby Foundation
Assists in the care of critically sick, injured, abused, and neglected dogs through financial support and public education

United Animal Nations LifeLine Grants
Personal disaster (flood, fire, domestic violence, etc.) and life-saving veterinary services

Humane Society of the Black Hills

1820 East St. Patrick Street,
Rapid City, SD 57703
Call: (605) 394-4170
Fax: (605) 355-3430

Shelter Operating Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: CLOSED (No Intake or Reclaim)
Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lost and Found Receiving Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

HSBH is closed on the following holidays:

New Years’ Day
Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Easter Day