Stray Cat Surrender

Found a Stray Cat?

Thank you for caring about a cat in need. Pet Haven works hard to help stray cats in our community, but because space, staffing, and funding are limited, all stray intake requests must go through our application and assessment process.

Pet Haven does not accept walk-in or same-day surrenders.

Before You Apply

Pet Haven may be able to help with stray cats who are:

  • At least 6 weeks old

  • Under 10 years old

  • Friendly or able to be safely handled

  • In generally good health

Pet Haven is not able to accept:

  • Kittens under 6 weeks old

  • Some cats over 10 years old (depending on health and temperament)

  • Feral or semi-feral cats/ cats who cannot be safely handled

  • Cats needing immediate or ongoing veterinary care

If the cat is seriously sick, injured, or in distress, please seek veterinary care or contact local animal control for guidance.

Current Wait Time

During kitten season and other high-intake periods, wait times may exceed 12 weeks. All wait times are estimates and depend on available space, shelter health, staffing, and foster availability.

How to Surrender a Stray

Step 1: Complete a Surrender Application

Please complete our Surrender Application using the form linked below.

Once we receive your application, a member of our team will contact you within two business days to schedule an intake assessment appointment.

Surrender Application

Step 2: Attend Your Intake Assessment

At your appointment, a staff member will perform a basic assessment of your cat, which may include:

  • Health and behavior screening

  • Determining shelter eligibility

  • Weighing your cat

  • Administering vaccinations if needed

  • Deworming if needed

Please bring any veterinary records, vaccination records, or other information you have about your cat.

Appointments typically take 30–45 minutes.

Step 3: Wait for Shelter Placement

Following the assessment, your cat will be placed on our waiting list until space becomes available.

Estimated wait time for shelter placement varies by shelter capacity.

There is a minimum 2 week waiting period for shelter intake. During peak kitten season and other busy times of year, wait times may extend to 12 weeks or longer.

Please note that all wait time estimates are approximate and depend on available space, staffing, and the overall health of the shelter population.

Important Information

  • Completing an assessment does not guarantee immediate admission to the shelter.

  • Cats are admitted based on available space and shelter capacity.

  • Wait times may change due to medical needs, incoming emergencies, and seasonal intake volume.

  • If needed, we encourage owners to continue seeking alternative placement options while waiting for shelter space to become available.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to provide the highest level of care for the cats already in our shelter while helping as many cats as possible in our community.

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 provide current proof of vaccine within the last year.

Unvaccinated surrender: $30

Multiple kitten surrender: After the initial surrender fee of $30 will be due, additional kittens in a litter may be added for $10 with the approval of staff. This does not apply to adult cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pet Haven accepts friendly, socialized cats that are comfortable around people and able to thrive in a shelter environment.

    In general, cats accepted into our program:

    • Are at least 6 weeks old

    • Are 10 years old or younger

    • Are socialized and comfortable around people

    • Do not require intensive or ongoing medical treatment beyond the scope of shelter care

    Cats over the age of 10 may be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their overall health, behavior, and ability to adapt to a shelter setting.

    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

  • Pet Haven cannot accept kittens younger than 6 weeks old.

    Because we do not have staff onsite overnight, we are unable to provide the around-the-clock bottle feeding and care that young kittens require.

    We may be able to connect you with foster resources if available.

    Interested in helping kittens? We are always looking for foster volunteers.

  • Pet Haven is not a veterinary clinic and does not have a veterinarian onsite.

    Cats requiring immediate medical attention, advanced diagnostics, or ongoing treatment may not be eligible for intake.

    If a cat is seriously ill or injured, we recommend seeking veterinary care as soon as possible.

  • 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.

  • Pet Haven relies entirely on donations and volunteers.

    If you're able, consider paying it forward by:

    • Making a donation

    • Becoming a foster

    • Volunteering at the shelter

    • Donating supplies

    • Helping socialize cats while you visit

    Every act of kindness helps create a brighter future for cats in our community.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to help as many cats as possible.

  • Cats over the age of 10 may be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account their overall health, behavior, and ability to adapt to a shelter setting.

    Many senior cats struggle with the stress of entering a shelter environment and may experience decreased appetite, weight loss, or difficulty adjusting. Because Pet Haven does not have an on-site veterinarian or overnight medical staff, we are not able to provide the level of monitoring required for cats with serious or complex medical conditions.

    Admission decisions are based on the individual needs of the cat, available space, shelter health considerations, and staffing resources.

    If you have questions about whether a cat may be eligible for intake, please contact our team at (208) 466-1298. We're happy to discuss your cat's individual situation and explore available options.