Help with your pet

Surrendering your family pet to a shelter should be the last option for any family to have to make. We can help families who can not care for their pets and find them new homes but we are also here to help those families who are struggling with any behaviour problems. The DSPCA Dog Training team can help you with training which could help you having to make that very tough decision in giving up your beloved family pet so please just ask us for that help!

Make sure that you have really thought long and hard about giving up your pet to the DSPCA before starting this process. As a rescue we do have a waiting list for Owner Surrenders so please be patient with us. Once your completed Owner Surrender form has been submitted a staff member will contact you when we have space to take in your pet.

Please see Owner Surrenders Forms below.

Make sure that you have really thought long and hard about giving up your pet to the DSPCA before starting this process. As a rescue we do have a waiting list for Owner Surrenders so please be patient with us. Once your completed Owner Surrender form has been submitted a staff member will contact you when we have space to take in your pet.

Dog Surrender Form

Cat Surrender Form

Small Animal (Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Ferret, etc.) Surrender

We will ALWAYS take back a pet that was adopted from the DSPCA. Please do not attempt to sell him/her online. To return a dog please email HERE. To return a cat email HERE with all the details and we will arrange an appointment directly with you for your DSPCA adopted pet to be returned to the shelter.

Please don’t just arrive to the shelter with your pet, we will arrange for your pet to be returned to the shelter by appointment. We need to make sure that we have space to take your pet back.

We have a wonderful dog training team here at the DSPCA who can offer training classes for dogs of all ages and breeds. Please visit the DSPCA Dog training website HERE

The DSPCA run a mobile veterinary clinic 2 evenings a week offering affordable veterinary services for people in receipt of Social Welfare Payments. Read more HERE.

Many people like the idea of owning a pet and can’t resist a cute puppy or kitten. Having a pet is huge responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. It must be a family decision and everyone must be on board and in agreement to share the responsibilities.

Never bring a dog into the home on the assumption that he/she is for the kids to take care of and to learn responsibility. Older children can share the responsibility of daily tasks such as feeding, poop scooping etc., but adopting any dog must be a family decision and a family responsibility.

Remember, ultimately the parent is responsible for the dog. Consider the life span of the dog you choose as well. Are you willing to be responsible for the dog once your children leave home? Is there a baby on the way?

If you are planning to move, change jobs or are not home frequently, this may not be a good time to adopt a dog. Dogs need stability and routine to feel secure and to be happy. Consider your future plans and evaluate if a dog will fit in with those plans.

All members of the household should be in agreement of the dog you choose. If you are renting you will need permission in writing from your landlord.

Do you have enough space for the dog you are considering? Most dogs don’t need a lot of room but some will require more than others. Some large breed dogs don’t need as much space as people think while many medium breeds need lots of space. It is the outdoor exercise outside the family home that is the most important. Is your back garden securely enclosed?

The cost of pet care varies but expect the average dog to cost about 580 – 875 per year. This does not include the initial costs that include the adoption fee and basics such as leashes, toys, collars and training classes.

All dogs require an annual check-up with the vet and there may be additional visits due to illness or accidents. Don’t forget that unsupervised puppies and even adult dogs can destroy items such as shoes, TV remote controls, books, couches and other people’s items. These aren’t figured into our totals but we don’t know anyone who hasn’t had an unexpected replacement expense of some sort. Ask our staff for examples of some funny things their dogs have chewed on!

Training is a fantastic way for you to bond with your new dog and it should always be fun for both of you. We recommend that everyone should attend a dog training course whether you adopt a puppy or an adult dog. Training classes are to help you, the owner, so that you can help and train your dog.

Positive reinforcement training is the kindest training method and it is scientifically proven to achieve the best results. If a dog has any issues, a responsible owner needs to be prepared to work with their dog and not give up on them; they rely on you and are doing their best to fit in with your routine.