Refuge Madawaska Shelter Inc. will accept surrenders of cats, dogs, or any other domestic animal by appointment only. Acceptance of a surrender will depend on space availability at the shelter. You will be recognized as the owner of a pet if it has been in your care for at least two weeks. Honest and complete answers to the questionnaire will help us determine the best type of family for your pet. Please attach your veterinarian’s health record and a recent photo of your pet to the form. Please note that all photos must be sent by email or mail. Please do not send by fax. Once the information is received, we will contact you to inform you if a behavioral or medical evaluation will be scheduled. An appointment for an evaluation does not guarantee that Refuge Madawaska Shelter Inc. will accept your pet.
Cats
Unfortunately, Refuge Madawaska Shelter Inc. cannot accept cats with serious behavioral problems, including but not limited to: litter box issues, aggression toward humans and/or other animals. Cats in declining health or suffering from contagious or chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, feline distemper, feline leukemia, or FIV may also be refused. In these cases, we will provide you with additional information and references to help you make a decision in the best interest of your pet.
Dogs
Unfortunately, Refuge Madawaska Shelter Inc. cannot accept dogs with serious behavioral problems, including but not limited to: aggression toward humans and/or other animals. Dogs in declining health or suffering from contagious or chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, parvovirus, and canine distemper may also be refused. In these cases, we will provide you with additional information and references to help you make a decision in the best interest of your pet.
What happens when your pet is accepted at the shelter?
One of our representatives will conduct a behavioral assessment of your pet. We will schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s health. If not already done, vaccinations will be updated and the pet will undergo surgery before adoption. For everyone’s safety, cats must be in a pet carrier. Dogs must be kept on a leash, in a pet carrier, or in a crate. A surrender fee will be charged if your pet is accepted into the shelter’s adoption program. Once the assessment has been completed and Refuge Madawaska Shelter Inc. has accepted your pet, the surrender fee will be payable. Accepted payment methods are cash or check.
The surrender fees are as follows:
Dog: $50
Cat: $25
Cat and kittens: $50
Don’t forget to bring:
- Your pet’s medication (if applicable)
- Treats or special food your pet needs
- Toys, leash, bed, and other items you have at home for your pet
- Your pet’s carrier or crate
- Your pet’s health record
Any other items you deem important to help your pet with this transition.
Please complete a form for each animal surrendered. Refuge Madawaska Shelter Inc. makes every effort to find a safe and loving home for the animals surrendered to it. If the animal is admitted to the shelter, the precise and detailed information that you provide will greatly help us find a place.