Animal Admissions
Surrendering Your Pet
Animal Admissions Philosophy
The Humane Society of Greater Miami is a limited-admission, adoption-guarantee shelter. When an animal is admitted into our care, we commit to that animal until adoption. Because we never euthanize due to time, space, or treatable medical conditions, we carefully evaluate each animal to ensure they are a good fit for our adoption program and shelter environment. We are a nonprofit organization that does not receive government funding, and our ability to accept animals depends on available space and resources.
Hours of Operation
Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Eligibility and Requirements for Surrender
- We can only accept dogs and cats.
- Evaluation: Every animal must pass a health and behavioral evaluation. Animals with bite history or behavioral concerns are not candidates for our adoption program. Medical cases are accepted on a case by case basis.
- Owned Animals:
- Proof of ownership is required (e.g., veterinary records, Miami-Dade tag registration, adoption contract, or microchip registration).
- You may not surrender an animal on behalf of someone else without written consent from the legal owner.
- Stray Animals:
- The Humane Society of Greater Miami does not typically accept stray animals.
- All stray animals are subject to the same health and temperament evaluations as owned pets and can only be admitted if approved by our Admissions Team.
- We recommend that stray pets—especially those who appear lost or may have an owner—be taken directly to Miami-Dade Animal Services, where they have the best chance of being reunited with their families.
- Ill or injured strays should be taken immediately to Miami-Dade Animal Services or a private veterinarian for medical care.
Admissions Process
Admissions Process
Admissions are handled on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis and may close early without notice once capacity is reached. We do not have the capacity to respond to inquiries by phone or email; all admissions are handled in person on a walk-in basis only.
Check In: Upon arrival, you will complete an Admissions Questionnaire providing details about the animal’s health, behavior, and history.
Evaluation: Each animal is given a health and behavioral assessment by our trained staff to determine eligibility for our adoption program.
Decision: Admission is based on space availability, health, and behavioral suitability.
- If the animal qualifies and space allows, it will be admitted into our care the same day.
- If we are at capacity or the animal is not a candidate for our adoption program, we will provide alternative resource information.
Duration: The process can take an hour or more, depending on your place in line and the number of evaluations being completed. Being in line does not guarantee you will be seen.
Admission Donation:
- Miami Dade County Resident: $30
- Non-Miami Dade County Residents: $60
- Each additional pet from the same household: $10 per pet (limit 5 adult pets over 6 months of age per week, per household)
- Litter fees: $45 per litter (A litter is considered siblings of the same age, less than 6 months of age. Age will be determined by HSGM staff)
We encourage requestors to continue to reach out to find alternative housing options. A member of our team will contact you with next steps should we have the availability to schedule your animal(s) for an admissions evaluation.
If you require immediate assistance, please contact Miami-Dade Animal Services by dialing 311 or visiting 3599 NW 79 Avenue, Doral, FL 33122.
Alternatives to Surrendering Your Pet
While we do our best to care for our shelter animals, shelter life can be very stressful for them. Rehoming your pet with family or friends should always be your first option. Admitting your pet to a shelter should be your last resort.
“We’re moving.”
It is absolutely possible to move across town or to another state while keeping your pet as part of your family. Click here for tips on moving with your pet. Click here for assistance in finding pet-friendly housing.
“Family Emergency”
If the reason why you are giving up your pet is because you have a family emergency or you must go out of town suddenly, ask a friend or family member if they can care for your pet until you are able to return. Also, there are lots of reasonably-priced boarding kennels that can be found online.
“Behavioral Issues”
The Humane Society of Greater Miami works closely with professional trainers specializing in behavior modification. These trainers can help dog owners solve many of the basic obedience issues mentioned above.
"I’m allergic to my pet.”
Contact your physician to learn about some of the many effective pet allergy medications on the market. Click here for tips on pets and allergies.
