Surrendering Your Cat

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Surrendering Your Cat

We understand that making the decision to surrender a pet is a difficult one. Please read through the following information prior to bringing your animal to the shelter.

The main focus of ASAP Cats is protecting and serving the cats in our community. Keeping these animals safe and getting them off of the streets protects public safety in our communities. As a result, our shelters are often at capacity. We ask all owners who can no longer keep their animal to explore other options prior to surrendering an animal to the shelter by taking a look at our list of solutions below!

  • Have you tried finding your pet a new home on your own?
  • Have you checked with family/friends/neighbors/co-workers to see if they can take your pet?
  • Have you tried re-homing your cat using the Adopt-A-Pet portal?
  • Have you listed your pet on NextDoor.com?
  • Have you tried short-term boarding as a temporary solution? Send an email to Intake@SBHumane.org with your request and they will respond with help!
  • Have you talked with your doctor about obtaining a prescription for an “Emotional Support Animal” that will allow you to keep a pet even if a landlord/property manager directs you otherwise?
  • Have you tried setting up a GoFundMe to raise funds for a vet procedure or pet deposit?
  • If you are looking at surrendering your pet due to medical concerns, please consult with a veterinarian. We understand the cost of medical care can be frightening but there are many programs aimed at keeping pets and their families together while ensuring the pet stays healthy. If veterinary care is the concern please contact C.A.R.E. 4 Paws, Santa Barbara Humane, ASAP Cats, or ask your veterinarian about Care Credit options. Many of these organizations may be able to assist you which we hope will allow your pet to stay in your home.
  • If you are looking at surrendering your pet due to landlord concerns or moving please remember that your pet is a part of your family and would be happiest with you. Oftentimes obtaining renters insurance will help property owners feel more at ease with allowing an animal. We suggest you contact an insurance company prior to giving up hope.
  • Moving into housing that doesn’t accept animals is stressful and a common occurrence. Please view pet-friendly housing in Santa Barbara County.
  • Santa Barbara Humane is an additional resource for surrendering your pet. They are an open-admission shelter that will assist you regardless of your pet’s age, health, behavior, or the reason for surrender. To balance their resources, animals are admitted by-appointment. Complete a Owner-Surrender Application here.
  • Once you’ve exhausted all options on this list of resources, fill out an application with ASAP Cats here and we will work with you to rehome your cat.