WE ARE EXPERIENCING HIGH INTAKE NUMBERS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE AND ARE ASKING THE PUBLIC TO KEEP HEALTHY ANIMALS INTENDED FOR SURRENDER FOR AN ADDITIONAL 4 WEEKS TO AVOID EUTHANIZING FOR SPACE AT THE SHELTER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

Surrendering a Pet / Bringing in a Stray

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We understand that a wide variety of reasons might lead someone to consider surrendering a pet. We hold no judgement toward those facing this choice, however our highest priorities are to keep pets with their families, if possible, and to keep animals out of the shelter. For this reason we've collected a number of resources to help you keep your pet at home. Most are focused on meeting needs - financial, medical, and behavioral. The rest are focused on rehoming your pet yourself, keeping them out of the shelter while you find them a new home. Click through to view the resources, and feel free to contact the shelter with any questions.

ALTERNATIVES TO SURRENDER: RESOURCES


PVAS accepts owner surrenders (or citizen-caught strays) by appointment only at our Trenton Center location Mon - Fri, 9-11AM for cats and 3-6PM for dogs. Call (956) 329-0128 to make an appointment. PVAS provides intake services for: Edinburg, Hidalgo, Hidalgo County, La Joya, McAllen, Palmhurst, and Palmview.

  • PVAS cannot guarantee the outcome for any animal surrendered or brought in as a stray.

  • PVAS cannot provide updates or holds for citizens who have surrendered owned or stray pets.

  • Surrendered animals do not have a hold period and are considered to be in PVAS custody upon intake. Owners interested in reclaiming a surrendered pet must follow the standard adoption process.

  • Strays brought to PVAS will be held for 72 hours to give the owner a chance to reclaim their pet. PVAS has custody of strays until the reclaiming process is complete. 

Surrender Fees

There is no fee for surrendering a pet or bringing in a stray, though we do ask for a donation to help offset the cost of care.

Deferred Intake

Deferred Intake is a humane alternative to surrendering animals to PVAS. Through the deferred intake, or “vaccinate and release” program our staff vaccinates a stray animal about to be surrendered to PVAC, and the person surrendering that animal then holds that animal for 3 days in their own home before ultimately surrendering the stray to PVAS on the 4th day. This option is available to residents of the municipalities PVAS serves.

This program frees up much needed space in our facility and helps mitigate the spread of disease by ensuring animals arrive with bolstered immune systems.

Intake Requirements:
– Must provide a valid government issued ID
– Proof of ownership (for owner surrendered pets)
– Copies of any and all medical records for fee reduction requests

Please note that we do not accept surrenders or citizen strays at PVAS Andrews Center.