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Admissions FAQ

Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for a Surrender Appointment

Surrender Questionnaire

Scheduling a Surrender Appointment

The Surrender Appointment

Surrender Appointment Completed

Rescue

Applying for a Surrender Appointment

What types of pets can I surrender to KHS?

KHS provides services, including surrender, to dogs, cats and horses.

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How do I surrender to KHS?

You may apply to surrender a cat or dog to KHS by filling out the appropriate surrender questionnaire. If you are looking to surrender a horse, please contact our Equine department at [email protected].

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I need to surrender a kitten or puppy, which questionnaire do I need to do?

If your pet is 16 weeks old or younger, you will need to fill out the Kitten or Puppy Questionnaire. If you have a litter of kittens/puppies a single questionnaire is needed. If your pet is older than 16 weeks, you will need to fill out the adult questionnaire.

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I need to surrender two adult pets, do I need to fill out separate questionnaires?

Yes. You will need to fill out a questionnaire individually for each adult animal you are surrendering. For example, if you have 3 cats to surrender, you will fill out the Cat Questionnaire 3 times.

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Are all cats/dogs accepted for surrender?

No, not all pets can be accepted into the shelter. KHS is committed to helping find homes for as many pets as possible, however, there are some circumstances where animals cannot safely be placed up for adoption. In those circumstances, we do our best to refer owners to alternative options.

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Applying for a Surrender Appointment

The questionnaire asks if I am interested in re-homing my pet instead of surrendering. Aren’t surrender and re-homing the same thing?

No. Surrender refers to relinquishing ownership of a pet to a rescue or shelter so they may find the pet a new home through their adoption program. Re-Homing refers to the process of finding your pet a new home by keeping your pet in your home while you find another family to adopt them. For more information on how to rehome your pet safely, CLICK HERE.

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How long does it take for a questionnaire to be reviewed?

Your questionnaire will be reviewed and you will receive an email with further instructions within 24 hours of submission.

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Should I schedule a clarification call for each pet?

No. If you have more than one pet that we need clarification on, you only need to schedule one call. The Pet Resource Counselor who speaks with you will be able to discuss all of your pets during the single clarification call time.

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Scheduling a Surrender Appointment

My questionnaire was approved for surrender, how soon will I be able to schedule a surrender appointment?

The Kentucky Humane Society is a non-profit private shelter that does not euthanize for time or space. We are only able to take in pets as we have the space for them within the shelter. We are not able to take walk-in surrenders. Below are the typical time frames once your questionnaire has been approved. We cannot guarantee an available appointment within these time frames.

  • Kitten – 1 week
  • Litter of Kittens – 2-3 weeks
  • Puppy/Small Dog – 1-2 weeks
  • Litter of Puppies – 2-3 weeks
  • Large Dog – 2 months
  • Adult Cat – 2 months

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What if I do not see any available dates for surrender appointments?

Appointments can be booked up to two months in advance. If you do not see any bolded dates, that means we are booked through the next 60 days. We recommend you check back daily to see the appointments as they become available.

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The only surrender appointments that can accommodate multiple pets are appointments for litters of puppies or kittens. Each adult animal will need their own individual surrender appointment. If you schedule an appointment without receiving an email approving an owner surrender questionnaire, we will have to cancel the appointment. If the animal you bring does not correspond with the animal the appointment was made for, the pet will not be accepted.

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I need to surrender my pet sooner, can I schedule a sooner appointment?

The surrender scheduling calendar shows all available appointment times. You may check the calendar link to see if any cancellations have opened up appointments prior to your scheduled time, otherwise, your current appointment time is the earliest we will be able to take your pet. You may check the surrender calendar by opening the surrender appointment confirmation email you received after scheduling. At the bottom there will be an orange button that says “Change/Cancel Appointment”. By clicking that button you will be directed to the scheduling site and there will be three orange buttons, “Cancel”, “Reschedule” and “Edit Intake Form”. Click the “Reschedule” button.

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The Surrender Appointment

I do not have transportation, can KHS provide transportation?

No. When surrendering to KHS, you must be able to bring the pet to KHS’ intake facility. KHS is unable to pick up animals or provide assistance with transportation.

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How do I reschedule my appointment?

At the bottom of the surrender appointment confirmation email you receive after scheduling, there will be an orange button that says “Change/Cancel Appointment”. By clicking that button you will be directed to the scheduling site and there will be three orange buttons, “Cancel”, “Reschedule” and “Edit Intake Form”. By clicking Reschedule, you will be shown the scheduling calendar so you may choose another day/time.

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How do I cancel my appointment?

At the bottom of the surrender appointment confirmation email you receive after scheduling, there will be an orange button that says “Change/Cancel Appointment”. By clicking that button you will be directed to the scheduling site and there will be three orange buttons, “Cancel”, “Reschedule” and “Edit Intake Form”. Click the “Cancel” button.

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Other than my pet, what do I need to bring to the surrender appointment?

If you have vet records for your pet, please bring a copy. Without proof of up-to-date vaccinations (vaccinations should be done every year), we will have to assume your pet is not up-to-date on vaccinations. You may also bring any pet supplies you wish to donate, however, we cannot guarantee that the items you donate will be kept with your pet.

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How long will the surrender appointment take?

Your appointment will last around 15-30 minutes. KHS staff will assess your pet and have you sign the necessary paperwork during this time.

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Is there a fee to surrender?

There is a $40 fee per adult animal. This fee goes towards the cost of caring for your pet while they are in the shelter. We do not charge a surrender fee for kittens/puppies, however, their care costs as much as adult animals. Giving $10 per kitten/puppy helps offset the cost of their care, but a donation in any amount is appreciated!

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Why can the Admissions staff cancel my surrender appointment if I am more than 10 minutes late?

Our admissions appointments are booked back-to-back and staff need 30 – 60 minutes to complete an intake. If you are more than 10 minutes late, staff may direct you to reschedule.

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I have a scheduled surrender appointment, does this guarantee that my pet will be accepted for surrender?

No. If at the time of your surrender appointment staff is not able to safely interact with or bring your pet into the shelter, we will not be able to move forward with intake and we will provide you with a list of other options to find placement for your pet.

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Where do I go once I arrive at KHS for my surrender appointment?

You will turn into the entrance for our facility by the sign that reads “Kentucky Humane Society Sam Swope Pet TLC.” Continue to drive through the parking lot and park in one of the parking spots with numbered signs located in front of the doors with the Admissions sign over top. Once you have parked, call the phone number indicated on the numbered parking space signs to let staff know you have arrived for your appointment. Staff will then come outside to do your appointment curbside.

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Surrender Appointment Completed

What happens to stray animals?

As all other Jefferson County animal shelters, KHS is mandated by law to hold all stray dogs for five days. Stray cats with identifiable signs of ownership, such as a microchip or collar or those who are declawed, are held for five days as well. After that time frame, our trained staff perform health and behavior evaluations to determine if the stray pet can be placed up for adoption. If you have lost a pet, you can CLICK HERE for resources and to see any animals currently on stray hold at KHS.

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Can I call to receive updates about my pet?

No, KHS does not provide updates on pets surrendered to us.

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Can you pass my contact information onto whoever adopts my pet?

To maintain the privacy of both those surrendering and those adopting, we are unable to exchange any information about previous or current owners.

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When will my pet go up for adoption and how long does it take for pets to be adopted?

How quickly an animal goes up for adoption and how fast they get adopted depends on many variables, including: the pet’s medical needs, size of the pet, age of the pet and how full the shelter is. The goal for every animal is to have them spend the least amount of time possible in the shelter.

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KHS is a no-kill shelter, does that mean my pet is guaranteed not to be euthanized?

“No-Kill” refers to a rescue/shelter where 90% of the animals have a live outcome (adopted or transferred to another rescue/shelter). KHS’ live release rate is 98%! KHS never euthanizes for time or space. Humane euthanasia is limited to those pets who are deemed unadoptable. For more information on our Euthanaisa Policy CLICK HERE.

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Rescue

How do I report animal abuse?

KHS does not have the legal jurisdiction to handle animal cruelty/neglect investigations or ordinance enforcement within Metro Louisville. Please contact the city government’s Metro Animal Services at (502) 363-6609 to report animal cruelty or neglect within Jefferson County, as they are mandated by law to handle such cases.

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Who should I call if I see a stray animal?

In Metro Louisville, please call Metro Animal Services at (502) 363-6609. They are responsible for stray pick-ups and animal neglect investigations in the Metro Louisville area.

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