GMHS is an open admission shelter, meaning animals are welcome regardless of age, health or behavior. However, surrendering a pet to the shelter should be a last resort and citizens are required to make an appointment to surrender an animal.
Please contact GMHS at 804-693-5520 ext. 102 to make an appointment before bringing your pet to the shelter.
GMHS receives between 1,500-2,000 animals every year. We value the life of every animal, but rely on private donations to fund 95% of our operating costs. With dozens of homeless, injured and ill animals in need of help every week, our space and resources are often limited. We work hand-in-hand with rescue groups in the region to help place many pets in addition to the thousands of pets we adopt out from the Shelter. Through the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, GMHS saves thousands of lives every year.
When someone surrenders a pet to GMHS, it becomes the property of the shelter and the owner relinquishes all rights. Every animal that is surrendered to GMHS will have a medical and behavioral assessment. Since the decision to surrender an animal is final – we urge anyone who is considering surrendering their pet to consider all possible alternatives.
What To Expect When Surrendering A Pet
At GMHS, we understand that it is sometimes necessary to give up a pet. We take the well-being of all surrendered pets very seriously and our team of dedicated staff provide compassionate care when animals come into GMHS.
All pet surrenders are by appointment only. Please call 804-693-5520 ext. 102 to schedule an appointment. There may be a wait if space is unavailable. When you surrender your pet, you will be interviewed by a staff person regarding the health and behavior history of your pet. A staff person will perform a behavioral assessment on your pet. This will help us gather information necessary to determine if your pet will be a candidate for adoption at GMHS. We will not adopt out dangerous animals as public safety is one of our top priorities.
You will be required to sign a release form giving legal ownership to GMHS and you will be asked to fill out a personality profile about your pet. Please bring your pet’s medical records at the time of surrender and any other relevant documents or records.
Keeping Your Pet In Your Home
GMHS and the Middle Peninsula have many resources available to help families keep their pet in the home, such as our Pet Pantry. Staying in the home is the best possible outcome for pets and the families that love them.
Taking Advantage of our Pet Pantry
GMHS works with local businesses to provide assistance to families and individuals facing financial hardship who cannot afford to buy food for their pet(s). If you would like to request food assistance, visit GMHS during open business hours to register in our Pet Pantry program. You will need a valid ID, and all pets must be altered to remain eligible for the service.
Behavioral Modification Assistance
If you are experiencing behavior problems with your pet, please contact GMHS at [email protected] or 804-693-5520 to speak with our knowledgeable staff who will connect you with helpful information and resources.
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter
GMHS offers a low cost spay/neuter program through the Fixin’ to Save Spay & Neuter Clinic in White Marsh, so you can have your pet altered at a reduced price. Many health and behavior problems can be resolved simply by spaying or neutering your pet. Getting your animals altered will also prevent unwanted litters. Please contact Fixin’ to Save Spay & Neuter Clinic at 804-694-0349 to schedule an appointment.
Veterinary Cost Help
GMHS can offer advice on low-cost veterinary outlets to investigate. Please call 804-693-5520 ext. 102 to learn more.
Help with Moving/Rental Issues
Many websites exist to help renters find pet-friendly housing. Simply search for, ‘pet-friendly housing’ and your town or area.
Unwanted Pets
Please try the following resources for re-homing pets:
Ask friends, family, and neighbors: A friend or family member may be willing to help. Please contact trusted family members or friends who may be able to, or know someone who will, care for your pet on a temporary or long-term basis.
Post Fliers: Many veterinary offices and feed stores will allow the public to post fliers on community bulletin boards. It is a good idea to require a home visit, check veterinary history, and prepare a list of questions for potential adopters to ensure the animal is going to a good home.
Use social media: Many people use social media to find good homes for their pets. Like with posting fliers, require a home visit, check veterinary records, and prepare a list of questions for potential adopters to ensure the animal is going to a good home.
Contact a local rescue: Local rescue groups are wonderful resource when re-homing your pet. Most are guaranteed adoption groups (or “no-kill”) and will find a good new home for your pet. Rescues may be limited by space or fosters available and may have health and behavior restrictions.
DO NOT:
- Set your pet free in a park, neighborhood, the woods etc.
- Leave a pet in your home when you move away, or
- Give your pet to a stranger.
To inquire about pure-breed rescues, email [email protected] with photographs and information.
Found Pets
If you have found a stray animal, please reference the tips below to reunite the animal with their owner.
Check for Tags
If the pet has a tag with the owners information, contact the owner and facilitate a reunion!
Contact your local animal control shelter
If you find a stray animal, you should immediately contact your counties’ local animal control agency. Regardless of whether or not the dog has a collar, or whether or not you want to keep it, you must report the dog to animal control. The pet may have a microchip that a vet’s office or Animal Control can use to easily find the pet’s owner.
- Gloucester Animal Control (Gloucester Residents)
804-693-5290 - Mathews Animal Control (Mathews Residents)
804-725-7177 - Middlesex Animal Control (Middlesex Residents)
804-815-1268
File a Found Report
Contact GMHS to see if a lost report has been filed for the pet. GMHS also posts lost animals on our “Pets Reported Lost” list.
Scan for a Microchip
Most veterinarians will scan a found pet for a microchip, free of charge.
Take to the Internet!
The following Facebook groups post found/lost pets: