Trouble Off Your Hands K9 Corrections logo, dark hand silhouette with mountain landscape and dog on cream background

Surrender a Dog

We know this decision isn't easy. Whether you're a family facing a difficult transition or an AKC breeder needing to rehome dogs, we're here to help with compassion and professionalism.

Before You Surrender

Surrendering a dog is a serious decision. We encourage you to explore all options first, reach out to family, friends, breed specific rescues, or trainers who may help you work through challenges so your dog can stay with you. If surrender is the only option, we'll treat you and your dog with dignity and respect throughout the process.

How Our Intake Process Works

We review every intake carefully to ensure we can provide the right care and find the best outcome for each dog.

Submit the Form

Fill out our detailed intake form below. The more information you provide, the better we can evaluate the situation.

1

Review & Assessment

Our team reviews your submission within 48-72 hours and evaluates whether we have the capacity and resources to help.

2

Intake Conversation

If we can accept your dog, we'll schedule a call to discuss next steps, timing, and what to bring for the transition.

3

Safe Placement

Your dog transitions into our care program where they receive training, rehabilitation if needed, and work toward finding their forever home.

4

Who We Accept

Family / Individual Owners

We accept owner surrenders from families and individuals who can no longer care for their dog. Common situations include:

  • Moving to housing that doesn't allow dogs
  • Financial hardship or job loss
  • Health issues or family medical crisis
  • Behavioral challenges beyond the owner's ability
  • Owner passed away or entered assisted living
  • Lifestyle changes, new baby, divorce, or career change
No judgment, we're here to help

AKC Breeders

We partner with AKC breeders who need to responsibly rehome dogs. This may include:

  • Retired breeding dogs ready for a companion home
  • Show prospects that didn't meet expectations
  • Dogs returned to the breeder per contract
  • Dogs that need placement outside of the breeding program
  • Breeder downsizing or closing their program
  • Puppies or adults from unexpected or excess litters
Registration papers honored & transferred

Veterinary Records Authorization & Release

We require access to your dog's complete medical history before accepting any surrender.

Client represents that they are the legal owner or authorized agent of the dog and hereby authorizes Trouble Off Your Hands K9, its employees, agents, and representatives to contact any current or previous licensed veterinarian, veterinary clinic, emergency hospital, or other animal care provider for the purpose of obtaining the dog's complete medical records, including vaccination history, diagnoses, treatments, medications, laboratory results, surgical history, and any other records relevant to the dog's health, safety, or training.

Client further authorizes all veterinary providers to release such records to Trouble Off Your Hands K9 without further notice or consent and waives any requirement for additional authorization related to the release of these records. Client agrees to provide accurate veterinary contact information upon request.

Failure to provide accurate information or to authorize the release of veterinary records may result in the refusal, delay, suspension, or termination of services at the sole discretion of Trouble Off Your Hands K9 and may be considered a material breach of this Agreement. This authorization shall remain in effect for the duration of the services provided under this Agreement unless otherwise required by law.

Client Signature

Signature

Date

Date

Printed Name

Printed Name

Surrender Policies & Fees

Please read and understand our policies before proceeding with a surrender.

Surrender Fee — Non-Refundable

A surrender fee is required at the time of intake for every dog surrendered to Trouble Off Your Hands K9. This fee helps cover the initial costs of evaluation, any necessary veterinary care, food, and housing during the assessment period.

The surrender fee is strictly non-refundable.

Once a dog has been surrendered and the fee has been paid, no refund will be issued under any circumstances — including but not limited to: change of heart, the dog being adopted, the dog being transferred to another rescue or foster, or any other outcome. The fee compensates Trouble Off Your Hands K9 for the time, resources, and care already provided from the moment of intake.

Veterinary Care Policy

All dogs surrendered to Trouble Off Your Hands K9 must be up-to-date on core vaccinations (Rabies, DHPP/DAPP), and we strongly recommend Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Canine Influenza as appropriate for the region.

Dogs Not Up-to-Date on Veterinary Care

If a dog is surrendered without being current on vaccinations or without proof of veterinary care, Trouble Off Your Hands K9 reserves the right to bring the dog up-to-date at our discretion — including administering vaccines, deworming, flea/tick prevention, and any other medically necessary treatment. The cost of this care is covered by the non-refundable surrender fee.

Summary of Surrender Terms

  • A non-refundable surrender fee is required at the time of intake.
  • Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations. If not, we will bring them current at our discretion using the surrender fee.
  • Veterinary records must be authorized for release. Failure to do so may result in refusal of surrender.
  • Once surrendered, the dog becomes the property of Trouble Off Your Hands K9 and will not be returned.

What We'll Need From You

To make the intake as smooth as possible, please gather the following before we connect:

1

Veterinary records (vaccination history, medical conditions, medications)

2

AKC registration papers (for breeder surrenders)

3

Honest behavioral history, triggers, fears, bite history, resource guarding

4

Daily routine and feeding schedule

5

List of known commands and training history

6

Your dog's favorite toys, bed, or comfort items

7

Any medications or supplements currently being given

8

A recent photo of the dog (if available)

Surrender Intake Form

Please be as thorough and honest as possible. This information helps us determine whether we can accept your dog and, if so, what kind of care and placement they'll need. All information is kept confidential.

Owner Information

About the Dog

Photo of Dog

Upload up to 10 photos. Max 10 MB per file. Please include clear photos showing the dog's face, body, and any distinguishing markings.

Medical Information

Does the dog have any known medical conditions, injuries, disabilities, allergies, or ongoing health concerns?

Medical Records

Upload veterinary records, vaccination history, test results. Max 10 MB per file.

Is the dog currently taking medications or supplements?

Food brand, amount fed daily, and any allergies or sensitivities.

Bite History / Aggression

Mark all that apply. Honest answers save lives, withholding bite history puts people and other animals at risk.

Behavior & Temperament

Socialization

Please be specific, this is critical for finding the right placement.

Rehoming Information

Items Included

Please check all items that will be surrendered with the dog:

Owner Release & Agreement

I certify that the information provided in this form is truthful and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that by surrendering this dog to Trouble Off Your Hands K9 Training, I voluntarily release ownership and authorize evaluation, training, foster placement, medical treatment if needed, and rehoming decisions at the discretion of Trouble Off Your Hands K9 Training.

I understand surrendered animals may not be returned.

I certify that I am the legal owner of this dog and have the authority to surrender it.

By signing, you agree to the Owner Release & Agreement above.

Policy Acknowledgments — All Required

You must acknowledge each of the following policies before submitting this form. The form will not submit until all boxes are checked.

Legal Acknowledgment & Dispute Agreement

Please read carefully and sign below.

I agree that if I initiate any legal action, claim, lawsuit, complaint, or proceeding against Trouble Off Your Hands K9, Jessa Thomas, Alexa Givens, its owners, employees, agents, or representatives, I shall be solely responsible for all costs associated with such action, including my own attorney fees, court costs, filing fees, expert witness fees, and any attorney fees, court costs, travel expenses, and other legal expenses incurred by Trouble Off Your Hands K9, Jessa Thomas, and/or Alexa Givens in responding to or defending against such action, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I understand that Trouble Off Your Hands K9, Jessa Thomas, and Alexa Givens are not responsible for covering or reimbursing any costs related to legal action initiated by me.

By signing, I understand and agree to this Legal Acknowledgment.

Submission does not guarantee acceptance, we review each case individually and will contact you within 48-72 hours to discuss next steps. All information is kept confidential.