We understand that there are sometimes circumstances that require you to rehome your pet. Kendall County Animal Control is an open access shelter. This means that we take in any stray animals from the community, along with owner surrenders as needed. For all the animals’ health and safety, we do take owner surrenders by appointment only. Each appointment time will depend on the reason for surrender, and type of animal. Typically, we can take owner surrenders within 2 weeks from the date of request.

We ALWAYS recommend Animal Control as a last resort. The kennel environment is inherently stressful, despite the staff and volunteers’ best efforts at keeping the animals content and comfortable while they await a new family. Our recommendations are to first attempt to rehome the pet yourself, by asking trusted family and friends, or using other rehoming services. If your breeder or rescue group has a return contract, it is best to contact them first before reaching out to us.

If you would like to proceed with making an owner surrender appointment, please call 630-553-9256 or email animalcontrol@Kendallcountyil.gov to start the process (or stop by our facility for information and paperwork)

FAQ For Owner Surrenders

Q: Is Kendall County Animal Control “No-Kill”?

A: Kendall County Animal Control has historically maintained live release rates consistent with a “No-Kill” definition. “No-Kill” is defined by a live release rate of over 90%, meaning 90% of the animals entering the shelter leave alive, by adoption, rescue, or owner reclaim. Generally, Kendall County Animal Control only euthanizes for reasons of aggression that cannot be managed or rehabilitated, or severe medical causing quality of life concerns for the animal. We are thankful for our donors, adopters, pet owners and rescue groups for helping us maintain this “No-Kill” status.

Q: Can I get updates on my animal once it is surrendered? Will I know where it goes?

A: After surrendering, animals become property of Kendall County Animal Control. Therefore, we generally cannot give updates once the animal is in our care. Any information would need to be acquired by FOIA request. Our animals are often posted on our social media pages, and occasionally updates can be seen through that venue.

Q: Why do I have to pay an owner surrender fee? Why can’t I just walk in with my pet to surrender?

A: Owner surrender fees apply towards the care and housing of the animals brought to us. Our adoption fees NEVER cover our expenses for each pet, and giving an owner surrender fee ensures that we can continue to help the animals in our community, as it helps offset the cost of care for that pet while they await their next chapter. We schedule owner surrenders for the safety and health of the animals. Appointment based surrenders ensure that we have open cages for emergencies and stray animals in the community and ensure that we can provide the best care for your pet. Sometimes appointments can be made on the same day, others could be 1-2 weeks out from the date of request. This all depends on our shelter’s population, health status, staffing, etc.

Q: Why do I have to fill out the background information forms?

A: Our animal background forms are required so we can better place each animal. Information on this form assists us with knowing if certain adopters or rescue partners will be compatible with your pet. Not everything can be assessed accurately in the shelter environment, so this helps bridge the gap.

Q: What types of animals can I surrender?

A: Kendall County Animal Control has the capacity to house most domestic/companion animals. If we cannot help with a specific species we can refer to someone who can.

Q: Do you take animals with aggression or a bite history?

A: We do take animals with aggression or bite history. Outcome for each pet is based on the circumstances, severity, number of incidents, or location of the prior bite. We behaviorally evaluate all animals and consider the animal’s history before making decisions regarding safe placement. Safety is the #1 priority. Being honest about your pets’ behaviors, aggression or bite history is imperative for the safety of all involved (including the pet).