Owner Surrender Information
Surrendering Your Pet
Surrendering a pet is a difficult decision for any pet owner. If you are considering surrendering your pet to Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), please consider re-homing your pet first if you are able to do so. CACC is an open-admission municipal animal control and sheltering facility. Because CACC houses strays, animals confiscated for abuse/neglect, dogs deemed dangerous under the law, as well as owner-surrendered pets, the shelter can fill up quickly, especially in the summer months. In partnership with animal rescue organizations and through CACC's adoption program, CACC attempts to find homes for animals that are not irremediably suffering or exhibiting behavior that could pose a danger to the public.
When you bring in your pet:
- Please bring a valid government issued photo ID.
- Please bring documentation of your pet's medical records and microchip, if applicable.
- All dogs must be leashed and cats must safely contained in carriers.
Please complete a behavior profile form of your pet prior to coming to CACC.
IF YOUR PET IS CONSIDERED A CANDIDATE FOR ADOPTION OR RESCUE, CACC WILL ATTEMPT TO RE-HOME YOUR PET. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, HOWEVER WE CANNOT GUARANTEE PLACEMENT, AND YOUR PET MAY BE HUMANELY EUTHANIZED.
NEVER.........
- Drop pets off on the street or in the woods, assuming that they can fend for themselves.
- Abandon pets in a house or apartment thinking someone will find them.
- Give your pet to a stranger. You don't know if they are a responsible person or what their intentions may be.