North Country Animal League takes surrendered animals when we have space. Strays remain our first priority because they have no one to care for them, but when we have room, we are happy to help those wishing to surrender an animal.

Surrendering an animal is a traumatic experience for the animal and person and should be done with much careful thought.  We ask the pet owner to call NCAL first to make an appointment to bring the dog or cat in for an evaluation.

Cats are examined and tested for feline leukemia before being accepted. Dogs are tested for aggression before acceptance.
The person surrendering the animal must be the owner and must sign a document turning the animal over to NCAL. Because it costs $725 for an average stay of three weeks, a donation is requested.

If NCAL does not have room to take the dog or cat immediately, the animal will be placed on a waiting list.

HAPPI Program

Another option for persons wishing to surrender their dog or cat is to join the HAPPI Program. The dog or cat is still tested and must meet the requirements for entrance, but the animal is kept at home until an appropriate new home is found. NCAL advertises the dog or cat, and people interested deal directly with the owner.