Need to Rehome Your Cat?

We know this isn't easy.

Making the decision to surrender a beloved cat can be one of the hardest choices a pet owner ever faces. Whether you're experiencing a move, financial hardship, health concerns, housing challenges, or another life change, our goal is to treat both you and your cat with compassion and respect.

Pet Haven is here to help guide you through the process and ensure every cat receives the best possible chance at finding a new home.

Current Wait Time: 2–4 weeks (may be longer during kitten season)

Owner Surrender Application

Before You Apply

Cats We Can Typically Accept

✔ Friendly, socialized cats
✔ Cats between 6 weeks and 10+ years old (I would strongly consider removing the 7-year limit for owner surrenders if possible since many beloved pets are seniors)
✔ Cats that can safely live in a shelter environment

Cats We May Not Be Able to Accept

✘ Feral or semi-feral cats
✘ Cats requiring extensive or ongoing medical treatment
✘ Cats whose needs exceed our current resources

All applications are reviewed individually.

The Owner Surrender Process

Step 1: Complete an Application

Tell us about your cat, their personality, medical history, and the circumstances leading to the surrender request. The more information you provide, the better we can assess how to help.

Owner Surrender Application

Step 3: Assessment Appointment

We'll meet your cat and evaluate:

  • Health

  • Behavior

  • Shelter suitability

  • Adoption potential

Please bring:

  • Veterinary records

  • Vaccine history

  • Medications

  • Any information about the cat's routines and preferences

Step 2: Staff Review

A staff member will review your application and contact you within 2 business days.

We may:

  • Schedule an assessment

  • Request additional information

  • Offer rehoming resources

  • Place your cat on our waiting list

Step 4: Wait for Space

Because shelter space is limited, most cats will be placed on a waiting list before entering the shelter.

Current wait time: 2–3 weeks minimum.

Step 5: Final Intake

Once space becomes available, we will schedule your cat's admission.

At this appointment we'll:

  • Finalize paperwork

  • Review medical history

  • Collect surrender fees

  • Gather information to help match your cat with the right adopter

Surrender Fees

All cats brought into the shelter with the intent to leave them in our care permanently constitutes a surrender.

Vaccinated surrender: $20
IMPORTANT! You must furnish current proof of vaccine within the last year.

Unvaccinated surrender: $30

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pet Haven accepts friendly, healthy cats that:

    • Are at least 6 weeks old

    • Are under 7 years old

    • Are socialized and comfortable around people

    • Do not require extensive or ongoing medical treatment

    Acceptance is based on available space, shelter health, and staffing resources.

    If you have specific questions about if the cat you have may be eligible for intake, please give us a call: (208) 466-1298

  • Because ownership transfers to Pet Haven, we cannot guarantee ongoing updates. However, many former owners enjoy following our social media and adoption stories.

  • Pet Haven works hard to keep surrender fees as affordable as possible.

    As a nonprofit organization, we rely on donations and community support to provide food, shelter, medical care, and adoption services for thousands of cats each year.

    Surrender fees help us continue serving cats and families in our community while keeping costs low for everyone.

  • No.

    Pet Haven does not accept same-day surrenders under any circumstances.

    Every cat must first complete the assessment process and wait for available shelter space.

    This policy helps protect the health and safety of the cats already in our care.

  • ait times vary depending on:

    • Shelter capacity

    • Seasonal intake volume

    • Health concerns within the shelter

    • Staffing and foster availability

    Current wait times are approximately 2–3 weeks, but may exceed 12 weeks during kitten season.

    All wait times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.

  • Please let us know. We may be able to remove your cat from the waiting list or discuss alternative options.