Animal Control
SPCA of Texas Ellis County Animal Care Center Adopt A Pet Owner Surrender FAQs
General Information
Staff Directory
Email
healthdept@ennistx.gov
Phone Numbers
(972) 875-6444
Fax: (972) 875-8540
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
105 S. Preston Street
Ennis,
TX
75119
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Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm

Owner Surrender

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Owner Surrender

 

Owner Surrender 

Do you need to surrender a dog to us? 

Dogs may be *surrendered to Animal Services in person at the Department of Health Services located at 105 S. Preston St. Ennis, Tx 75119; by contacting the Department of Health Services by phone at 972-875-6444 or at the  Ellis County SPCA. *SUBJECT TO SHELTER AVAILABILITY

Any animals brought in for surrender must be accompanied by a resident of City of Ennis with a valid driver's license or other proof of local residency.

If you do not live in the City  of Ennis, will not be able to intake your animal due to the rules governed by the City of Ennis and the SPCA of Texas.

Any animals directly brought into the SPCA of Texas, Ellis County Animal Care Center for owner surrender must be accompanied by a resident of the City of Ennis.  If you do not live in the City of Ennis the SPCA of Texas, Ellis County Animal Care Center will not be able to intake your animal due to the rules established by the City of Ennis and SPCA of Texas, Ellis County Animal Care Center .

Deciding to surrender your pet can be very emotional and difficult for both you and your pet. The City of Ennis Department of Health Services in corroboration with the SPCA of Texas, Ellis County Animal Care Center  would like to make this decision and the surrender process as easy as possible. If we can help you find a way for your pet to remain a member of your family that will be our first priority.  However if that's not possible, we want you to know that we will be happy to receive your animal.

Alternate Options 

Behavioral Issues 

If the reason for your possible surrender is a behavior issue we recommend that you consider the following information:

Spaying or neutering can have a dramatic impact on a pet's behavior.  Check with your veterinarian to see if this is an option that you may want to try before surrendering your animal.

There are many helpful hints on line.  The internet can be a convenient source of information in a wide range of animal behavior subject matter.  Look at several sites before deciding which method of training will fit your life and concerns.  Not every method works the first time so give it a chance.

Discuss the problem with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may be able to suggest a training method or even a medication to eliminate the problem.

If you have to give up your pet, please do the right thing: 

Don’ts  

DON’T  drop your pet off in the woods or countryside, assuming that it can take care of itself.  Pets lack the skills to survive on their own and may die of starvation or injury.

DON’T  abandon your pet in a house or apartment you are moving out of, thinking that someone will eventually find it. This doesn’t always happen.

DON’T  give your pet away to a stranger. You don’t know if that person is a responsible owner or even honest. Pets that end up in the wrong hands may be abused or sold to research laboratories.

Relocating 

If the reason for your possible surrender of your pet is that you are relocating or moving, we recommend that you consider the following information:

Finding housing that allows pets can sometimes be frustrating and costly.  Try searching in local papers, online, or check with a local realtor.  Asking for suggestions from a realtor does not mean you have to sign a contract.  Most of these people live in the community and can be wonderful helpful neighbors.

Plan ahead and begin looking for housing that accepts pets as soon as you know you will be moving.
Taking your time allows you more of a chance to consider your options.

Surrendering Your Animal 

When all else has been considered and you believe that surrendering your animal is the best option for you and your pet, again we will happily accept your animal.  For Ennis residents, there is no fee associated with owner surrenders of animals. 

Every reasonable effort will be made to find a suitable home or placement for each animal.  Animals with medical or behavioral problems that are treatable with reasonable effort and resources will receive necessary care to improve their adoptability and place them in appropriate homes.  Animals deemed unadoptable are humanely euthanized.

Because of the problems associated with re-homing certain types of animals, the Department in corroboration with the SPCA of Texas, Ellis County Animal Care Center deems the following animals to be unadoptable: feral cats, wolf hybrids, puppies under four weeks of age.

When you surrender your animal, we ask that you fill out a form releasing your animal to us and providing us with as much information as possible to assist us in re-homing your pet. We also ask that you provide any medical records that you may have regarding the animal.  Please have this form completed or be able to provide the following information upon surrendering your animal to us.

The Department is located at 105 S. Preston St. Ennis, Texas 75119. This service is a free, available at no cost to  ENNIS RESIDENTS ONLY  and you will be required to complete the proper owner surrender form as well as show proof of residency.  Office hours M-F 8a.m. – 5p.m. You may contact Animal Control by dialing 972-875-6444.