We’ll admit it, few things are cuter than a box full of kittens or puppies. While a new animal at our doorsteps may look like a cute surprise, abandoned animals , even on our property, can pose serious risks to both the animal and our team.

Every year, we can expect to see a few cases of animals left behind. Maybe left in boxes, set free on our property, or sometimes even “disguised” as something else entirely (we recently had a surprise “lettuce delivery” that turned out to have more fur than expected!). Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, these cases have been happening more often.

We completely understand that life happens. Circumstances change. Sometimes people face tough moments where they truly don’t know what else to do. While we might occasionally be full or need to charge a fee to support our resources, we want everyone to know one thing: we are here to help without judgment and we want to work with you.

Why Abandoning Animals Is Dangerous

When an animal is left without information, it makes it much harder for us to help them safely. We don’t know their name, age, medical history, or even whether they’re friendly with other animals or children. This means their care and placement can be delayed and sometimes even put them, and other animals, at risk. Even if an animal wasn’t previously owned or was found as a stray, any little bit of information we can get from the finder can make a big difference in their time at the shelter.

Knowing where an animal came from, their condition, and their background helps us make the best decisions to protect everyone including them.

It’s also important to remember: animal abandonment is illegal and can result in criminal charges. More importantly, though, it’s distressing and dangerous for the pet who’s suddenly left without being properly secured in an unfamiliar location.

After Hours

As much as we’d love to be available for every animal in need, our team can only guarantee assistance during our operating hours. If you find an animal outside of those hours and it’s an emergency, please contact your local emergency vet hospital or police department for assistance. Learn more

Reach Out First — We Have Resources Available

If you’re struggling to care for your pet, please reach out before it gets to the point of abandonment. We can often offer resources like food, veterinary assistance, or other temporary solutions that may help you keep your pet at home. We never want to separate families if there’s another way, but we can only help if you ask. Learn more

How You Can Help

Abandonment cases put an enormous emotional and financial strain on shelters that are already near capacity. You can make a difference by helping spread the word, advocating for responsible pet surrender, and supporting your local shelters and rescues however you can. whether through donations, volunteering, fostering, or simply sharing information.

At the end of the day, we know most people who leave animals behind don’t do it with cruel intent. They’re often scared, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. We just want to remind our community: there are always better, safer options, and we’re here to help you find them.