Animal Surrender

Did you know there are many alternatives to surrendering your pet to a shelter even though it may feel like it is your only option? Let an Admissions Counselor at Wayside Waifs talk with you about all of the resources available to help you maintain the special bond you have with your pet companion.   

Call us at 816-986-4404 to discuss the best future plan for your pet.

Did you know?

Often undesireable behaviors can be corrected through training.  We have an entire library of information to help you with the common training issues you might encounter including litterbox problems, chewing, jumping and digging.  Visit our full library of downloadable material.

Wayside Waifs also has experienced animal professionals who can assist you with a behavior modification plan for your pet, just Ask A Trainer.  More importantly, we offer dog and puppy training classes to help you develop a positive relationship with your pet. 

We do understand that situations may arrise that prevent you from being able to continue to care for your pet.  Making the decision to surrender your pet can be very difficult and we want to help.  At Wayside Waifs, there is no time limit for the animals in our care.  Only animals suffering from significant medical issues or those that pose a danger are humanely euthanized.  All other animals remain in our adoption program until a new loving family is found. 

Because Wayside Waifs does not euthanize current residents in our shelter to make space for incoming animals, an appointment is required to surrender your pet to Wayside Waifs.
Please contact our Admissions Department at 816-986-4404 to discuss scheduling an appointment. 

When you call we will:

     1. Gather information about you and the pet you wish to surrender.
         Please note, animals who are current on vaccinations and are already spay/neutered
         may be given priority.

     2. Animals who are unable to be accepted immediately will be placed on a waiting list for
         up to 30 days.  We will retain this information for one month.

     3. Appointments for the upcoming week are made on Sundays.  We will call you when space
         is available for your pet. 

     4. If you have not been contacted for an appointment within 30 days, it is because space 
         has not been available.  If you wish to have your pet added to the waiting list again,
         you must contact our Admissions Department at 816-986-4404.


Surrendering Your Animal:

    1. Fill out a canine or feline owner surrender form that has been emailed to you.

    2. The person releasing the pet must be 18 years of age and provide a valid photo ID.

    3. Please bring all medical records for your pet.

    4. We encourage you to bring your pet's favorite items/toys to help him/her
        transition more quickly to the new environment.  Donations of kennels, carriers,
        and other pet supplies are also greatly appreciated and are tax deductible.

Upon arrival to the shelter, your pet will receive a behavioral and medical assessment.  Pets who pass the assessment will be placed into our adoption program immediately.  If your pet does not pass the behavioral assessment, you may:

    1. Take the animal back home with you.

    2. Receive guidance from an Admissions Counselor on how to work through
        the behavior issue at home.  We can then schedule a follow-up 
        apppointment to re-evaluate your pet.

    3. We can suggest other humane alternatives.

Allow at least 45 minutes for the intake process.  It is very important for you to honor your scheduled appointment time. Should you be late for your appointment, a wait time should be expected as we will move ahead to assist the next customer. 

Intake Fees

As a private, not-for-profit agency, which receives no government funding, we are reliant on our intake fees and donations to support our life-saving mission to help homeless animals.  Our average cost to prepare each animal for adoption is over $500. 

    1. Donations above the intake fees are greatly appreciated and help us to continue to 
        provide the best possible care to animals in our facility.

    2. Donations of kennels and other pet supplies are greatly appreciated and are 
        tax deductible.


Please note that in a new environment with new people, your pet may display behaviors that you have not witnessed in a home setting.  There are circumstances that disqualify animals from our adoption program.  These include:

    1. Animals with a history of aggression.

    2. Animals who display aggression during the behavior assessment.

    3. Animals with significant medical conditions (parvo, feline leukemia or FIV, canine or 
       feline distemper, organ failure, etc.)

In these situations, we will provide you with additional referral information or assistance to make the most humane decision.