Our goal is always to keep pets out of shelters and in homes with the families who know and love them. Before surrendering your pet, please visit the links below for resources available in the area. Our team is happy to support you in whatever way we can.

The Ames Animal Shelter is not responsible for any interactions or outcomes when utilizing any of the resources or groups mentioned.

Rescues

Animal rescues are a great option for rehoming a pet that would not do well in a traditional animal shelter environment. The vast majority of animal rescues are foster-based, which means the animal lives in a foster home with a family while the rescue works to find them a forever home. They are also a great match for animals who have medical or behavioral issues common with their species or breed, as the rescue will be best equipped to deal with those, and the families who want to adopt those breeds may be better prepared for those issues than someone who has not had any experience with the breed before, or done research to understand the breed best. A search on a search engine such as google for a rescue in the Midwest for the animal's species or breed will produce a good list of rescues nearby. We always recommend doing research on a rescue before placing an animal with them.

Rehoming Resources

You are the best advocate for your pet. Here’s some ways you can rehome your pet on your own.

• Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com have created a simple, reliable free program to help you place your pet from your loving home directly to another. Here’s what you need to do to list your pets:

1. Visit https://rehome.adoptapet.com/r/89239 
2. Create a Pet Profile
3. Review applications – their dedicated team will give you all the help you need to select the best potential adopters.
4. Meet adopters. The Rehome team will guide you through the process of setting safe and pressure-free meetings with applicants.
5. Finalize the adoption. Rehome will provide you with an adoption contract to protect the transfer of our pet ownership. The new adopters must pay a small rehoming fee that will be donated to us or another rescue.

• Get the word out about your pet needing a new home in as many places as possible. Talk to friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, your veterinarian, your groomer – they may know someone who might be interested in adopting your pet. 
• You can also create a listing on general adoption websites like https://getyourpet.com/ or http://petbond.com or utilize appropriately moderated Facebook pages such as AHeinz57's Solutions to Surrender Facebook Page

Addressing Common Concerns

My pet has behavior issues (also for dog potty training issues)

My pet has medical issues

My cat has litter box issues

I cannot afford to feed my pet

I cannot find housing that allows me to keep my pet

I have a domestic/disaster situation

I have another type situation happening and would like assistance before deciding to surrender my pet

Ames Animal Shelter Surrender Process

1. Complete the surrender information forms using the buttons below.

2. Our staff will review the information and reach out to you to surrender an appointment to surrender your pet. You will be asked to bring in all of your pet's medical records, a 30 day supply of their food (if possible), and a comfort item such as a blanket, bed, toys, etc. that smells like home to help them with their adjustment. If your pet is on a medication, we ask you provide us with a 30 day supply (if possible) to avoid any interruptions in their medication. We do not have a veterinarian on staff to prescribe the medication, and appointments at local hospitals can sometimes book out several days. You may bring additional items for their new owner as well such as bowls, kennels, toys, etc.

RESOURCES 

Behavior Issues

Pet behaviorists receive specialized training to identify the root cause of behavior issues and the correct way to address it. Shelter staff are happy to speak with you to offer advice on basic behavior issues, but some issues may require consults with an animal behaviorist. A search on a search engine such as google for "pet behaviorist in Story County" will produce a good list of pet behaviorists nearby. It's important to do the research on a behaviorist and ask for a list of their references and education before hiring them to work with you and your pet.

It's important to know that the "one size fits all" group training classes are great for learning basic obedience and socializing, but are NOT an appropriate match for animals with more complex behavior issues.

Medical Issues

Unfortunately, the Ames Animal Shelter does not have an on-staff veterinarian to care for our sheltered furry friends, let alone animals in the public. Because of this, it is incredibly difficult for our team to take on special medical cases at our shelter.

Below is a list of foundations that may be able to provide financial assistance for medical care:

Bow Wow Buddies Foundation - Individuals and families may apply for a grant for one dog per calendar year.

The Magic Bullet Fund Tumor removal and certain types of chemotherapy for lymphoma. *dogs only*

Paws 4 a Cure Veterinary Care

Care Credit Financing for veterinary care. (800) 677-0718

The Pet Fund Non-basic, non-urgent care (cancer treatment, heart disease, etc.)

Red Rover Urgent veterinary care. (916) 429-2457

Brown Dog Foundation Veterinary emergencies, chronic conditions

Waggle.org

Frankie's Friends

Oscar's Cause Emergency and Non-Emergency Assistance

Diabetic Cats in Need

Scratchpay The world's simplest patient financing solution. Finding your plan won’t affect your credit score.

Litter Box Issues

Litter box issues is one of the most common reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. However, litter box use is INSTINCTUAL for cats. When cats don't use their litter box, it's usually for three common reasons: illness, stress, or dislike of the litter box.

The first step whenever any cat has litter box issues is to immediately get them to a veterinarian. The veterinarian will take a history, run a urinalysis, and determine if there are any conditions that may be causing the cat to have pain while using the litter box. If you cannot afford a visit to a veterinarian, see the MEDICAL ISSUES section for available resources.

Litter box issues is also one of the most common side effects of declawing. If your cat is declawed, your veterinarian can perform x-rays to look for signs of remaining bone fragments in the paws, as well as signs of early onset arthritis. The pet may need medication to control their pain while using the litter box, as well as a change in litter that is more comfortable for their paws. If you cannot afford a visit to a veterinarian, see the MEDICAL ISSUES section for available resources.

If a veterinarian has determined the cat does not have a urinary tract infection and the cat is not declawed, you may fill out the litter box issue questionnaire HERE (BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE DOCUMENT TO YOUR COMPUTER OR SMART DEVICE BEFORE FILLING IT OUT) and click the button at the bottom to email the document to our team. The questionnaire will help us work with you to identify the cause of your cat's litter box issues and how to correct them.

Pet Food Pantry

Bailing Out Benji is a local non-profit that hosts the Ames Pet Food Pantry. They provide monthly dispersal events, but may be able to provide a one-time special pick-up date to assist new patrons in getting by until the next dispersal event.

Pet Friendly Housing

LIST OF PET FRIENDLY APARTMENTS COMING SOON

You can visit the ADA National Network website to learn more about the differences between Emotional Support Animals and Services Animals.

Domestic/Disaster Situation

Our facility offers special, short-term housing for special situations. This program is limited to Ames residents. Please call us at 515-239-5530 for assistance. If you are NOT an Ames resident, please contact your local animal sheltering group for assistance.

Other Situations

No matter your situation, the Ames Animal Shelter wants to help. If your situation is not helped by the information provided here, please call us at 515-239-5530 for guidance.