My dog doesn't come when called.  He's always jumping up on people.   She goes potty in the house.  He has destroyed the yard.

My cat won't stay off the counter.  I can't keep my feline inside; he/she is always roaming.  My cat sharpens his claws on the furniture.


These are just some of the reasons people give when surrendering their family pet to a shelter. However, many of these behavior problems can be avoided and corrected if the animal is properly socialized, spay/neutered and has undergone some type of formal training and/or behavior modification.

*With dogs especially FORMAL TRAINING cannot be EMPHASIZED ENOUGH!! That doesn't mean the occasional swat, or scream or sit.
*SOCIALIZATION is another area that is extremely important. Puppies should be taught immediately to walk on a leash and should be exposed to new people and new experiences. They should learn that jumping up and mouthing people is unacceptable.
*SPAY/NEUTER as soon as your veterinarian will perform the surgery. This will inhibit dominating traits, aggression and the urge for your pet to stray.

Okay, okay, so you say your training techniques don't bring the results you want. Look into enrolling into a basic obedience class with your dog. Pet stores offer them, 4-H clubs offer them, Humane Organizations offer them. Training is about communication. More times than not, us humans need to learn to communicate with our dogs.

Okay, okay, so you say you don't have time. There are facilities that will not only train your dog, but board and groom him also. Or you could work out a day care program where you drop him off for "school" and pick him back up later.
There are also trainers who will come to your home for private lessons, there are lots and lots of books and the internet has a wealth of information including online training classes.
Subscribe to Dog Fancy or Cat Fancy magazines for all kinds of information.

If you still think you NEED to surrender your family companion pet. Read the following carefully. It is the Owner Surrender Policies of the Christ-Yoder Animal Shelter/Adoption Center.

**There is a $55 surrender fee for each adult dog or cat. **There is a $10 surrender fee for each puppy or kitten under 6 months old in a litter. **You must fill out a surrender form, and animal personality profile. **We do NOT have to hold your pet for any length of time. **We CANNOT guarantee your pet will be adopted. **We are a euthanizing facility -- there are more animals than homes. **We will not inform you of the final disposition of your pet, e.g. adopted or euthanized. ** You cannot reclaim your pet without going through the adoption process and paying the current adoption fee. **If you find someone who wants your pet, that individual must go through the adoption process and pay the adoption fee.

Please make all efforts to keep your pet or find it a new home. Use an animal shelter as a last resort.