The decision to rehome or surrender a pet isn’t easy.

Let’s make sure it’s the right one.

Pet Retention Programs

People make the decision to surrender a pet for a variety of reasons. HSSM’s Pet Resource Center and Community Pet Clinic are committed to keeping pets and their families together, if possible.
Can we help you keep your pet?

We offer support through a variety of programs and services:

Pet Food & Supply Assistance
Behavior Support for Dogs
Low-Cost Veterinary Services
Secure Fencing
Crisis Animal Housing
Pet Deposit Assistance

Is there something else that would help you keep your pet that you don’t see here?
Please call our Pet Resource Center and ask! 228-822-3824

Owner Surrender Services By Appointment Only

The Humane Society of South Mississippi accepts owner-surrendered pets by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please follow the steps below, and one of our Pet Resources Representatives will contact you at their earliest convenience. We ask that pets be up to date on vaccines prior to entering the shelter.

With record numbers of pets in our shelters, scheduling intakes by appointment ensures we’re able to best meet the needs of every animal and community member we serve. Thank you for your understanding.

Rehome Your Pet

We strongly encourage families to first consider using Home To Home to rehome your pet. Home To Home is a free website that allows you to list your pet and directly participate in the rehoming process – which is not possible after surrendering your pet to our shelter. Often this is the least stressful option for your family and your pet and it can help save precious shelter resources! If you are not successful rehoming your animal yourself, you can always reach out to us at the shelter to schedule an appointment. All approved surrender appointments must have completed a Home To Home profile.

Don't forget! Post your pet on Home To Home while you are awaiting your intake appointment.

Requesting a Surrender Appointment

Step 1. Create an Account & Pet Profile on Home To Home

Step 2. Complete a “Cat Surrender” or “Dog Surrender” Form by clicking the buttons below.

Step 3. A member of HSSM’s Pet Resources Center will contact you once both of these steps have been complete with any follow up questions and to schedule an appointment.

Here at the Humane Society of South Mississippi, we understand that parting ways with your pet can be especially difficult and we’re committed to working with you to ensure the best possible solution for you and your pet.

As an open admissions shelter, we will admit all domestic cats and dogs into care despite age, breed, or previous history in health or behavior. However, HSSM holds a great responsibility to members of the public and will not place an animal for adoption if they are deemed unsafe or have a history of biting.

We request that all animals surrendered to HSSM for adoption have all known health and/or behavioral concerns disclosed at the time of your surrender request. This allows our team to have an open dialogue with you and your family to evaluate the likelihood of your pet having a successful outcome through our shelter so that you can make the most informed decision before surrender.

***Please note that HSSM may limit the intake of owner-surrendered pets to Harrison County Residents only if the shelter has reached maximum capacity

Please fill out the form below to request your surrender appointment. We will call you to set up an appointment in the order that the requests were received.

PET SURRENDER FEES

Appointment Required

$80 for the first animal, $20 per additional animal.

Cat Surrender Form

Dog Surrender Form

How to rehome your pet without surrendering to the shelter

Step 1: Increase Their Adoptability

Increase your pet's adoptability by having them spayed/neutered, groomed and vaccinated.
Take several color photos of your pet enjoying your home that showcase their looks, size, temperament, etc. Write a short description about your pet. This should include the reason why your pet needs a new home, the kind of home he or she would do well in, and some funny or interesting information about them.
Step 2: Network

Tell your friends, family, coworkers and social networks that your pet is looking for a new home. The more people who know you need help, the better your chances of finding your pet a new family.
Create a listing for your pet on Home To Home, which specializes in connecting pets who need a good home with families looking to adopt!
Step 3: Interview Potential Adopters

No one knows your pet better than you do! While interviewing potential adopters, be sure to share your expectations for your pet's new home and be sure to ask questions to identify a home that will be a good fit for your pet.
Step 4: Transfer of Ownership

Complete a Transfer of Ownership form with their new adopter, and be sure to contact your pet’s registered microchip company with updated owner information.