We understand that circumstances can change, and making the decision to surrender a dog is never easy. Our goal is to support both dogs and their families while ensuring the best possible outcome for every animal in our care.

Dogs adopted from Dog Star Rescue
- Dogs originally adopted from Dog Star Rescue are our priority when a surrender is needed. Our adoption agreement asks adopters to contact us if they are no longer able to care for their dog, and we are committed to helping whenever possible.
- All dogs, including Dog Star alumni, are evaluated using the same criteria to ensure we can meet their needs safely and responsibly.
- Please be aware that the surrender process typically takes at least two weeks. This time allows us to carefully review your request, assess the dog, and work to secure a suitable foster home.

How to get started
- If you need to discuss surrendering your dog, please email [email protected]. In your message, include as much information as you can about your dog and the reason for surrender. Our team will respond as soon as possible, though replies may take several days.
- If your dog was not adopted through Dog Star Rescue, we encourage you to also reach out to other local organizations for assistance.

Health requirements
To protect the health of all dogs in our program, we require that surrendered dogs:
- Have a negative Heartworm and Tick-borne disease (4DX) test.
- Have complete medical records available, including vaccination history.
- Are current on core vaccinations, including Rabies and Distemper.
Behavioral Assessments
Every surrender is subject to a behavioral evaluation conducted by our Surrender Team. In some cases, we may also request an evaluation by a certified trainer to ensure we fully understand the dog’s needs and can place them appropriately.


