SURRENDERING A PET

Before you surrender your pet to R.A.C.E., please take the time to look over

these Frequently Asked Questions.

What types of animals does R.A.C.E. take in?

R.A.C.E. takes only dogs at this time. We do not have a physical shelter and all dogs are fostered in a volunteer's home.  If we do not have an available foster, you and your dog can be put on a wait list.  We take most types of dogs, but our fosters tend to specialize in smaller (30 lbs and under) and older dogs.  That doesn't mean we wouldn't accept your dog, however we have a limited number of fosters that are willing to foster bigger dogs.

How many pets does R.A.C.E. take in each year?

R.A.C.E. takes in about 160 each year. Nearly 60 percent of those pets are surrendered by their owners.

Is there a surrender fee?

R.A.C.E. asks anyone surrendering a pet for a surrender donation.  This donation helps cover some of the cost to care for  the pet. It costs, on average, several hundred dollars to care for each pet that comes through our doors. We ask for a donation to offset the cost of caring for the pets.

What does“surrendering” a pet mean?

When you surrender your pet to R.A.C.E., you relinquish ownership and responsibility for that pet. Once you have surrendered your pet, R.A.C.E. will make the decisions that we believe are best for the pet.

Can I have a guarantee my pet will be adopted into a new home?

If your pet is placed for adoption, R.A.C.E. will do all it can to ensure the pet finds a loving, committed home. There is no time limit on pets in our care; they will be given as much time as necessary to find a home. However, while our goal is to find a loving home for each and every pet, we recognize that some pets, whether for health or temperament reasons, must be humanely euthanized. This is a decision that is always made with care and a great sense of responsibility.  This is not a decision that is made lightly or in haste.  In some cases, our fosters do what's called “hospice foster”, which means they care for that pet until it is ready to cross the bridge.

Can I get updates on my pet’s situation at R.A.C.E.?

Though we understand your concern about your pet, we do not give out information once a pet is surrendered to R.A.C.E.

How long do pets usually stay at R.A.C.E.?

The average length of stay for a pet at R.A.C.E. is about 25-30 days. Our fosters are committed to caring for the dog until it is adopted.

How do I know my pet will end up in a good home?

Our adoption process makes every effort to match pets and people to ensure a home is the right fit. All potential adopters must fill out an application form outlining the type of pet they are looking for, and a chat with a counselor helps us make the best decision.  Our return rate is around 1% because of the care we take in finding homes for all the dogs in our care.

Are you considering surrendering your pet?

If you are considering surrendering your dog due to behavioral or medical reasons, please consider carefully.  There are people and organizations that can help you keep your beloved dog and help work through those behavioral or medical challenges.  For young dogs, sometimes behavioral issues are caused by boredom, so providing lots of exercise and mental stimulation is important, especially for dogs in adolescence.   Think of a teenage child – when they get bored, they can often times get snippy and into trouble.  Dogs can react the same way during their adolescence, so training and continuity is very important at this age.  There are also doggy day cares that can help you with providing exercise, socialization and mental stimulation for your dog.  

When looking for trainers, look for ones that use positive methods to train your dog.  Dogs do best when learning what you want them to do, not just what not to do.  Think of it as if you were in a class or learning a new job and all your teacher or boss did was tell you no.  Would you learn what you were supposed to do?  Would you stay in that class or in that job?  How would you know what to do if all your teacher or boss said was no.  Remember that with your dog.  Teach them what you want them to do.  For instance, if you don't want them jumping on you, teach them to sit and only then give them the attention they desire.