Owner Turn-in

If you haven't already, please read about surrendering your dog.

Do not fill out this form unless you have read through the information in the above link and you have pre-approval to fill this out by an SCGSR volunteer. SCGSR gives priority to dogs in shelters who are in immient danger of losing their lives. We encourage you to work through problems with training, and make time for dog. Many bad habits can be eliminated with exercise and mental stimulation.

Top 10 Reasons for Surrender:

1. We are moving into a place that doesn't allow dogs. Solution: Find a dog friendly rental!

2. We had a new baby and now we don't have time for the dog. Solution: Dogs aren't practice babies, you have a commitment to your dog just as you do any family member. Put the baby in a stroller, the dog on a leash and off you go.

3. He/she grew bigger than we thought he would. We never know what to say to this one, there's just no excuse for being so thoughtless.

4. He is barking and we've had a visit from animal control. Solution: Let your dog in the house! Crate your dog while you're gone if necessary. Outdoor only homes are the biggest source of nuscience barking due to loneliness and boredom.

5. He ate the sofa, but we think crating him 8 hours is so cruel, we could never do that. Solution: If your dog loses his home, there's a 70 percent or greater chance that he'll lose his life in a shelter. Learn to use a crate.

6. He snapped at the baby/mailman/my sister/the plumber! Solution: Consult a trainer. A dog who sees humans as in charge of the household doesn't try to boss family members or visitors around. You need training.

7. He needs an expensive surgery and we just don't have the money. Solution: Please, ALWAYS get a second opinion from a second vet unless your dog's life is in imminent danger. And call as many vets as you can and get estimates. There are a lot of good vets out there who will understand the situation. If you are in San Diego, email us for a recommendation. Even if your vet was best man at your wedding, he should be happy you're getting a second opinion.

8. We will euthanize him if you don't take him, we can't afford dog food. Please don't send us these, especially with your 52 inch plasma television and expensive furniture in the background of the photos.

9. I told my daughter Fido will be much happer living on a farm. Solution: This isn't 1950, nobody lives on farms. Give your dog enough exercise and you'll have a calm, well behaved dog.

10. We got a new puppy and our other dog doesn't like it, so the first dog has to go. Solution: Again, trainer, you need training.

If you have consulted with an SCGSR volunteer and have been asked to fill out this form, please do so as completely as possible. The information you provide will help us match your dog with an appropriate new home. Please take the time to fill out the application as completely as possible and be honest in your answers to ensure your dog's best chance for a successful placement. SCGSR accepts dogs based on space available and temperament assessment. Limited available space may delay response to this application for 2 to 3 weeks. Surrender assessments are done by appointment. Although we can not guarantee SCGSR will accept your dog, please come to a surrender appointment prepared to surrender your dog at that time. Bring any available records of the dog, including veterinary and vaccinations, to your surrender appointment.