Can I Drop My Pit Bull Off at an Animal Shelter?

If you have a pit bull you can no longer care for, you may wonder, “Can I drop my Pit Bull off at an animal shelter?” More often than not, the answer is no. Many municipal facilities do not take owner surrenders at all, and the ones that do usually require an appointment, so you can’t just walk in and drop off your dog. Instead, you’ll work with an intake specialist who will guide you through the process of surrendering your Pit Bull (or American Pit Bull Terrier).

Will My Pit Bull Be Put Down If I Surrender Him to a Shelter?

Depending on where you live and which shelter you choose, the answer is either no, maybe, or almost certainly yes. That answer isn’t the most beneficial, but the truth is, some shelters must euthanize pets the same day they get them. Often it’s because of limited space to house incoming animals. No-kill shelters, on the other hand, only euthanize animals with severe medical conditions or aggression, but they may turn away pets due to limited capacity.

That’s why it’s important to research the specific shelter you’re considering so you are aware of what might happen to your pit bull. There are many wonderful shelters throughout the country, if you’re lucky, you’ll find one near you. If you cannot find one that satisfies your needs, consider another option.

Rehoming your pit bull yourself allows your pet to remain in a stress-free environment while you find them the right home, and gives you peace of mind knowing where your pet ends up.

While it will take some time and effort to find the perfect home, a host of resources are available to guide you. One great example is Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet. The peer-to-peer adoption service allows you to create a profile for your Pit Bull and share their story with millions of potential adopters. You’ll find information and easy-to-use tools that will help you find and screen applicants.

Giving up your pet isn’t a decision to take lightly. Surrendering your Pit Bull to the animal shelter is only one of many options. If you feel more comfortable being in control of where your pet goes, Rehome is the perfect tool to help you ensure your pet lands in a loving new home.