Surrendering an Animal to DHA 

DHA does its best to accommodate the dozens of daily requests to admit stray, abandoned, or owned animals. However, since we do not euthanize to make room for more animals, we are constantly balancing the needs of our current residents with the welfare of animals seeking admission. In an effort to help the most animals in the fairest way possible, DHA follows intake procedures based on a behavioral and health assessment of candidates for admission.

To protect the current residents of the shelter, animals that are spayed/neutered and free of major health problems will have a better chance of being admitted to DHA. If possible, please make sure that all vaccinations and screening tests are up to date, and provide written documentation of all medical history procedures, including proof of spay/neuter.

Animal Surrender Fees

Every animal that DHA intakes is provided with a basic standard of care to prepare them for adoption.The costs can add up to a significant amount for DHA, and our adoption fees help us recover only a portion of these expenses. For more information read our Adoption Fee Fact Sheet.

If DHA determines that tests and/or vaccinations are needed, our staff will administer these treatments for the following fees:

Animals requiring vaccinations will need to be assessed by our staff veterinarian. If you are unable to pay for vaccinations and/or testing, please consider a smaller monetary donation or items such as laundry detergent, bleach, blankets, towels, paper towels, etc.

Scheduling an Assessment

To have one or more animals admitted to DHA, please call the shelter at (302) 571-0111 to schedule an assessment. Assessments are performed Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 am to 3:30 pm. We cannot guarantee in advance that we will be able to accept any animal.

Please be advised that we are NOT able to take walk-in animal surrenders, whether owned or found stray. Please contact Delaware SPCA if you have found a stray animal within the City of Wilmington limits, or Kent County SPCA for animals found anywhere else in Delaware. If you have had the animal for more than five days and made reasonable effort to find the owner, you can contact us at that time to schedule an assessment.