Owner Network/Surrender

We are a small volunteer based rescue in Central Iowa.  Please do not apply unless you are able to bring your animal to us, if applicable.  By filling out this form does not automatically mean we will take your animal.  It's a starting point.
 
Surrendering your dog

DITR is a non profit organization that assists displaced animals and helps find them new homes. Our goal is to keep as manyanimals as possible out of rescue and shelters, and in the loving arms of their families.

Most people who contact us mistakenly think they would be doing their animal a huge favor by finding him a home that “has more time for him or can give him the home he deserves.” In actuality, most animals are better off remaining in the home they know and love, even if it means they will get less attention from you. Of course this applies to animals that are being properly cared for and whose basic needs are consistently met.

DITR does not have a shelter, we are foster based,  we cannot consider any surrenders unless we have a volunteer home for them. 

DITR Owner/Network Surrender Policy

If you can answer “YES” to any of the questions below, please take the time to explore those options before surrendering your animal.

Did you acquire him as a pup/kitten from a breeder?
If so, have you contacted that person? If he or she is at all reputable, you would have signed a contract at the time you purchased your animal, stipulating that the animal should be returned if you decide to no longer keep him. If you do not want to keep your animal, contact your breeder first.

Did you acquire your animal from a Rescue Organization?
If so, have you contacted that rescue organization? If they are reputable, you would have signed a contract at the time you adopted your animal, stipulating that the animal must be returned to them if you decide to no longer keep him or her for any reason.

Does your animal need spaying/neutering? Required by the dept of ag for animals we help be spayed or neutered.

New baby in the family?
How lucky for you that most animals are fantastic family pets! If you can take care of your new little human baby, you can take care of a dog.

Moving?
The Humane Society lists Moving as the number one reason people surrender their pets to shelters. There are plenty of apartments, townhouses, condos and hotels that accept animals. Many places will even allow you to spread payment of your pet deposit over multiple months as part of your rent. Please check with your real estate agent, or company relocation services when possible.

Think you don’t have enough time for your animal?

Experts in the animal field agree that a dog requires a mere 15 minutes of one-on-one time with his master per day, to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted! That could be simply spent laying in bed at night watching t.v. together, playing ball in the backyard for 15 minutes while dinner is cooking, or going for a walk or jog! Surely you can spare 15 minutes per day. Pets reduce personal stress and can add years to your life – make the time for you AND your dog.  Cats, that's easy, they like their space!

Are there behavioral issues?
Is your dog having trouble getting along with other animals in the household or are there other behavioral issues that have led to the decision to give up your dog? If so, let us help you. Send us an email – we can most likely recommend a trainer in your area. If you didn’t socialize your dog as a puppy, it’s never too late to enroll him in obedience school. It’s fun and can count as your 15 minutes of bonding time!

Experiencing financial issues?
The following groups exist to assist people who truly want to keep their pets, but are experiencing financial difficulties. They may be able to help you.

Humane Society
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html

A credit card company for health care:Care Credit

http://www.carecredit.com

Help owners that need urgent veterinary care, emergency vet visits or expensive surgery:
The pet fund
http://thepetfund.com/

Assistance for caretakers of disabled pets:
HandicappedPets.com
http://www.handicappedpets.com/Articles/help/

If you haven’t found any solutions after carefully considering the information above, fill out the form below. DITR is an all-volunteer based organization. We may not be able to take your animal but we review all applications.It may take up to a week to hear from us.


Surrender FAQs

1. I'm considering giving my animal up for adoption, but I'm not sure.... Can you help me?
A. YES! DITR is very willing to help you find a way to keep your animal. We have a large knowledge base of many breeds and may be able to help you with your unique situation. Please send us an email!

2. What do I have to do to give up my animal?
A. If there is room available, will need to fill out an  Surrender Info so we can become knowledgable about your animal. It is very important to be honest when filling out this form or talking to us about the animal. The more honest you are about your animal the easier it will be to find a new home for him/her. (click onlink below)

3. Will you pick up the animal from me?
A. DITR is an all-volunteer organization without the means to provide transportation. It will be your responsibility to bring your animal to an agreed location, if we can take it.

4. How long will it be until you can take my animal?
A. We try to evaluate every situation and meet the needs of the animal and owner. The timing is very much affected by how many openings we have for foster care and the availability of our volunteers. This is where networking your own dog is a great option.

5. What if I changed my mind? Can I contact the new owners?
A. Once adopted, we WILL NOT get your animal back for you. Once you have signed the animal over to us and you change your mind, you will have to go through the same process as all other adopters and will be expected to pay the full adoption fee.

6. My dog is aggressive and I can't trust it anymore. Can you find it a new home?
A. DITR cannot take-in an animal who has a history of biting. You should consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems causing the behavior change. But, just as importantly, you need to get in touch with a professional behaviorist to try and work through the problem with your animal.

7. My animal is sick and I can't afford to help it...
A. We are on very limited funds and do not have money to spend on sick animals.  If you have an animal that has serious health problem or untreatable health problem please do not try to surrender him/her to a rescue. You need to consult your veterinarian and choose a plan of action that will best fit your animal's quality of life.  It's not fair to the animal and it's not fair to the rescue to be burdened with large medical expenses that will not cure your animal.   When you adopt/purchase an animal, it's for life. YOU have to be responsible for that animal and "do right" by him/her.