No matter what, do not abandon your pet.  They rely on you.  You’re responsible for them.

Abandonment is a criminal act, Cruelty to Animals, under Kansas state law (KSA 21-4310).  In addition to feeling horrible, you will also be subject to fine and/or jail time.

Do your best to find a great home for your family friend.  Make a flyer (color with photo is best), and share it with everyone you know who might provide a good home – friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, people at your church, in the clubs you belong to, etc.  People like to help, and this way, YOU get to choose the home where your family friend goes.  You know your pet best — and can best choose someone who’s capable of meeting your pet’s physical, exercise, training, emotional and veterinary needs.  Even better if they already have a relationship with the person you choose!

Contact area rescues and no-kill shelters to see if they have space, or if you can get your pet on their waiting list.  The easiest way to identify all the rescues and shelters near you is to go to www.petfinder.com , enter your zip code, and search for the rescues and shelters nearest you.  Here’s a partial list of no-kill shelters/rescues we work with in the KC area (NoKill KC).

Leavenworth and Lansing residents may normally relinquish a pet at Leavenworth Animal Control shelter, with a relinquishment fee and veterinary records.  The staff there works very hard to find new homes or rescue for the pets there, but they do euthanize animals that are not readily adoptable or when the shelter needs space.  Contact the shelter directly to see if they can intake your pet – 913-682-0268.

Basehor and Tonganoxie residents may normally relinquish a pet through Animal Control for those cities.  Call 913-208-3899.

Fort Leavenworth residents may relinquish pets at the Veterinary Treatment Facility on post.  There is a relinquishment fee, and the pet must be made current on vaccinations and post pet requirements.  Phone is 913-684-6510.

Email LCHS with a digital photo and description of your pet.   We have limited foster homes, and can only take in pets when we have a foster home available, but we are more than happy to help you advertise for a new home for your family pet on our Facebook page.

We prefer to work with owners to help them retain the pets they already love, so if we can help you do that with training, veterinary assistance, or some other resource, please contact us and we’ll see what we can do!