Need Help With A Cat?

Pet Haven helps cats in our community through a limited intake process. To make sure your request gets to the right place, please choose the option that best describes your situation.

Please note: Pet Haven does not accept walk-in or same-day surrenders. All cats must go through an application and assessment process before intake.

Current Wait Time

Current wait time for shelter placement is approximately 2–3 weeks and may exceed 12 weeks during kitten season or other high-intake periods.

Which Application Should I Complete?

I Need to Surrender My Own Cat

Choose this option if the cat is your pet or has been living in your care as your own cat.

This may include situations involving:

  • Housing or landlord issues

  • Financial hardship

  • Moving

  • Allergies

  • Owner health concerns

  • Behavior concerns

  • Changes in family or household circumstances

  • Incompatibility with children or other pets

We know surrendering a pet can be an emotional and difficult decision. Our owner surrender process is designed to gather helpful information about your cat’s personality, routines, medical history, and ideal future home so we can give them the best possible chance at a successful adoption.

Choose this option if the cat is your pet or has been living in your care as your own cat.

Owner Surrender Process
Owner Surrender Form

I Found a Stray Cat

Choose this option if you found a cat outdoors, the cat does not belong to you, or you have been temporarily caring for a found cat while looking for help.

This may include:

  • A friendly stray cat

  • A cat that has been hanging around your home or workplace

  • A found cat with no known owner

  • A litter of kittens found outside

  • A cat you are feeding but have not formally owned

Stray intake requests help us understand where the cat was found, whether they may belong to someone, whether they can be safely handled, and whether they meet our intake criteria.

Surrender Stray Process
Stray Surrender Form

Not Sure Which Application to Use?

If the cat has been living as your pet or part of your household, please complete the Owner Surrender Application.

If the cat was found outside and does not belong to you, please complete the Stray Cat Intake Application.

If you are still unsure, choose the option that feels closest to your situation. Our staff will review your application and follow up if we need more information.

Thank You for Helping Cats in Our Community

Whether you are facing a difficult decision with your own cat or trying to help a stray, thank you for caring. Your patience and cooperation help Pet Haven support as many cats as possible while keeping the cats in our shelter safe and healthy.

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

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

    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.