Murray Calloway County Animal Shelter
Calloway County Animal Control
Surrendering a Pet
Calloway County residents may surrender an owned dog or cat by scheduling an appointment with the shelter. Animals must come from within Calloway County, and a valid Calloway County ID is required when surrendering a pet or bringing in a stray. All surrender applications must be approved by the director.
The fee to surrender an owned pet is $25. Owners must also provide documentation from their veterinarian confirming that the pet has been spayed or neutered as well as a proof of rabies. Litters of puppies or kittens under four months old may be surrendered by appointment for a $45 fee. Surrender fees help cover the cost of vaccinations and veterinary care provided while the animals are in the shelter’s care.
Calloway County Animal Control reserves the right to decline owner surrenders, including animals with behavioral concerns such as aggression.
If you need to surrender a pet, please fill out the following form and turn in to Calloway County Animal Control before surrendering your pet. New Surrender Request Form (pdf)
Keeping Your Pet
Before making the decision to surrender a pet, we encourage you to take time to explore available resources that may help you keep your pet in your home. Many common challenges – such as behavior concerns, financial strain, or temporary life changes – can often be addressed with the right support.
There are a variety of resources available to assist pet owners, including behavior guidance, training support, and access to low-cost services. In some cases, small adjustments or additional information can make a big difference in improving your pet’s situation at home.
If you are experiencing difficulties, we recommend reviewing the resources below to see what options may be available to you. Our goal is to help pets remain with their families whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Rehoming & Pet Retention Resources
Before making the decision to surrender a pet, we encourage you to take time to explore available resources that may help you keep your pet in your home. Many common challenges – such as behavior concerns, financial strain, or temporary life changes – can often be addressed with the right support. If you are experiencing difficulties, we recommend reviewing the resources below to see what options may be available to you. Our goal is to help pets remain with their families whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
If you are dealing with too many cats or unwanted litters
Spaying and neutering is the most effective way to prevent additional litters. Assistance may be available through local Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs and low-cost spay/neuter services. These programs can help manage outdoor cat populations and reduce future challenges.
If you need to rehome your pet
If you are able to keep your pet temporarily, rehoming on your own can be a good option while waiting for shelter availability.
- Create a detailed profile for your pet with photos, personality traits, and any medical information on AdoptAPet.com.
- Share your pet through trusted platforms such as rehoming websites, local groups, and social media
- Carefully screen potential adopters and ask questions to ensure a good fit
- Consider reaching out to local rescue organizations, especially for specific breeds or needs
If your situation is temporary
If you only need short-term help, you may be able to arrange care with a friend, family member, or a temporary foster situation until you are able to take your pet back. Creating a simple written agreement can help ensure your pet’s safety and care during that time.
Taking the time to explore these options can often lead to better outcomes for both pets and their owners. If you still need assistance after reviewing these resources, please contact the shelter for guidance on next steps.
Helpful Documents
Cat Aggression (PDF)
Cat Destructive Scratching (PDF)
Cat Fearful Behavior (PDF)
Introduce A New Cat (PDF)
Litter Box Problems (PDF)
Litter Box Training (PDF)
Reduce Urine Marking (PDF)
Aggressive Behavior in Dogs (PDF)
Dog Toys (PDF)
Dogs Destructive Chewing (PDF)
Dominant Dog Behavior (PDF)
Introducing A New Dog (PDF)
Nothing In Life Is Free (PDF)
Stop Your Dog From Digging (PDF)
Understanding Puppy Behavior (PDF)
All PDF resources provided by the Humane Society of the United States.
Menu
Phone
Address
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 11:30am – 4:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Important Info
Animal Intake: By Appointment
Surrender a Pet: Click to See Details
While the shelter is open to the public, visitors are welcome to come in to search for a lost pet, reclaim a pet, make a donation, view animals available for adoption, adopt a pet, or drop off a previously scheduled Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) cat for surgery.
Please note that the shelter does not offer spay or neuter surgeries or other veterinary services for privately owned pets. These services are provided only for animals currently in the shelter’s care.