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Need Help Rehoming a Pet?

SPCA Cincinnati operates as a Managed Admissions shelter and receives approximately 3,000 animals each year.

While kennel space does not determine an animal's outcome, it can impact the quality of life for animals while they are in our care. Shelters can be stressful environments for pets and may lead to illness or changes in behavior.

For this reason, we encourage pet owners to explore available resources and rehoming options whenever possible.

Our goal is always the same: to support both pets and the people who care about them.

SPCA Cincinnati implemented a Managed Admissions model in September 2019. This nationally recognized best practice allows SPCA to ensure that every animal receives the time, care, and attention needed for the best possible outcome.

Owner surrenders are handled by appointment so our team can review each pet's needs and prepare appropriate resources.

SPCA Cincinnati accepts owned companion animals from Hamilton County residents only.

Before surrendering a pet, owners complete a Surrender Questionnaire. A Managed Admissions Specialist reviews the information and provides guidance on the best next steps for the pet.

In many cases, we can also provide or connect pet owners with free or low-cost resources that may help pets remain safely in their homes.

Managed Admissions Process

Before beginning the surrender process, please review the following policies. be aware of some of our admissions policies:

SPCA Cincinnati accepts pets from Hamilton County residents only. If you live outside Hamilton County, please contact your local animal shelter.
Animals must be surrendered by the legal owner or an authorized representative with permission from the owner.
Animals adopted from other local shelters should be returned to they shelter they were adopted from.
For the safety of our staff, volunteers, and future adopters, we are unable to accept animals that have a history of sever aggression or extreme fear.

To Get Started:

Fill out the digital Surrender Questionnaire with as much information as possible, then click Submit.
A Managed Admissions specialist will review your submission and determine the best path forward for you and your pet.
You will receive a return email within 24-48 hours about next steps.
If surrender is determined to be th best option, we will schedule a surrender appointment.

At Your Appointment:

Please bring the following:

Your pet on a leash or in a carrier.
Bring veterinary records including vaccines, rabies, and spay/neuter documentation.
A valid ID.
Surrender fees:
1. $25 for previously altered animals
2. $50 for non-altered animals

When you surrender a pet to the SPCA Cincinnati, you are asking us to take on the responsibility of caring for that animal until a new home is found. This includes food, housing, enrichment, and veterinary care. As a nonprofit funded entirely by private donations, surrender fees help offset ht cost of this care.

You may also bring a short bio describing your pet's personality, likes, dislikes, and experience with children or other animals. This helps us place your pet in the most appropriate home.

The intake process typically takes 30-40 minutes.

We request that children are not present during your surrender appointment, as the process can be emotionally difficult for both children and animals. If childcare is not possible, please inform the Managed Admissions Specialist ahead of time so we can prepare accordingly.