rehoming services

There are other options!

Before surrendering your pet, let us help.

Pets are a lifetime commitment, and your pet depends on you to ensure that they are happy, healthy and loved. Before making a decision to give up your pet, we ask that you explore every other alternative first. The shelter should be used as a last resort when trying to find your pet a new home. The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA can ONLY accept pets who live in Charlottesville or Albemarle County. If after pursuing alternative re-homing methods you still do not have placement for your animal, you may complete the surrender profile at the bottom of this page. There is a waitlist to surrender animals to the SPCA and surrender is not an immediate solution.

Pet Retention Resources:

  • Pet Food Assistance

    Pet Food on a shelf in the pantry

    The SPCA Pet Food Pantry Pantry provides cat and dog food to pet owners in need. We do not require any proof of public assistance to utilize this program - if you are struggling to feed your pets for any reason, please come to the shelter any time from 12:00 pm-6:00 pm to receive assistance. The Pet Food Pantry is made possible by the generous donations of community members and local businesses.

  • Spay/Neuter Assistance

    Spaying or neutering your pet has health and behavioral benefits, and prevents unwanted and homeless animals in our community. Clickherefor more information about low-cost spaying and neutering.

  • Wellness Care Assistance

    The SPCA's Compassionate Care Clinics help provide low-cost veterinary wellness care to residents of the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County who currently receive public assistance. Clickhereto learn more.

  • Pet-Friendly Housing

    Clickhereto find pet-friendly rentals. Contactintake@caspca.orgfor help navigating housing pet policies.

  • Behavior Concerns

    If you are having difficulties with your pet’s behavior, clickherefor helpful information.

    If you are experiencing behavior problems with your pet, we may be able to help. Staff and volunteers are able to discuss a variety of issues. Please emailintake@caspca.organd include a detailed description of your pet’s behavioral history. Many behavior problems require direct observation by a professional. We are happy to recommend the appropriate animal behavior professional best suited to your needs.

Private Rehoming

If you need to rehome your pet, you are your pet’s best chance of finding a new loving home. The shelter is a stressful environment for animals, so helping them transition directly into a new home is always the best option. Here are some tips to guide you through the private rehoming process:

a young white dog on a leash chews on a toy in the SPCA lobby
  • Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered, and up to date on their vaccines.
  • Take photos and videos of your pet that show their best angles and their personality. Write an adoption biography that highlights your pet and describes their ideal home.
  • Start networking your pet! Post your pet as available for adoption on your social media, Facebook rehoming groups, and Nextdoor. Ask your friends and family to share your posts
  • Post on adoption platforms. Several great online adoption platforms exist, including  Adopt-A-Pet.com, Petfinder.com, and RescueMe.org

Surrendering Your Pet to the SPCA

Surrendering your pet to the SPCA may be traumatic for your pet, is not a quick process, and should be a last resort. We understand that this is never an easy decision to come to. To ensure that you are given the time and attention you deserve, and that we have the space and accommodations your pet deserves, please submit the appropriate online surrender profile for your pet’s species below. A staff member will contact you as soon as possible - animals are accepted by appointment only, and appointments last approximately 30 minutes. Filling out a surrender form does not guarantee your pet’s admission into our program. Please note that the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA can ONLY accept pets who live in Charlottesville or Albemarle County.


Urgent cases are still required to submit the online surrender request and are advised to follow up with Admissions staff once it has been completed. Admissions can be reached at (434) 973-5959 ext. 212. Our staff is committed to helping you and your pet through this difficult time; however, we cannot guarantee your pet’s admission into our program.


Please bring the following with you to your surrender appointment:


  • Your driver’s license/photo ID
  • All veterinary records
  • Any medications that your pet is taking
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