Owner Surrender

If you can’t keep your dog

Resources, safer alternatives, and how to reach us if your situation is truly exceptional.

Current Status

We are not currently accepting owner surrenders or stray dogs. When we’re at capacity, taking in a dog we can’t responsibly care for hurts every dog already in our care. Puppies under 12 weeks may be considered case-by-case based on foster availability — please reach out through our contact form.

Before You Decide

Before considering surrender

Avoid risky “free to good home” ads

Craigslist and similar listings draw people looking for free or cheap dogs for bad purposes. Screen carefully and never give a dog away sight-unseen.

Keep vaccinations current

A vaccinated dog is far easier to place — for you, for any rescue, and for the dog’s next home. It also keeps everyone safer in the meantime.

Consider a donation if a rescue helps

Intake, vetting, and care are expensive. If a rescue does take your dog, even a modest contribution helps cover the real cost of their second chance.

Other Resources

Where else to turn

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control

The county shelter and animal-services agency for the Phoenix metro area.

Visit site →

Arizona Humane Society

Statewide intake, rehoming support, and pet-retention resources.

Visit site →

Breed-specific Arizona rescues

If your dog is a specific breed, a breed rescue may be the best fit. Search “[your breed] rescue Arizona.”

Search rescues →

PACC911 coalition directory

A coalition of Arizona rescues and shelters with a shared resource directory.

Visit site →

Exceptional Cases

If your situation is exceptional

If you’ve reviewed the resources above and your situation is genuinely exceptional, you may submit the form below. We’ll review and respond, but we cannot guarantee placement.

Saving Paws — Owner Surrender Request

Important: Saving Paws Rescue Arizona is not currently accepting owner surrenders or stray dogs. This form is for genuinely exceptional circumstances — we'll review and respond, but we cannot guarantee placement. If your situation is not urgent, please review the alternative resources above before submitting.



A photo helps enormously. Please email a clear, recent photo of your dog to savingpawsrescue@gmail.com. Dogs with a photo are far more likely to find placement.




More ways to help.

Adopt

Browse available dogs and start an application — we’ll be in touch within a few days.

Meet the dogs →

Foster

Open your home temporarily and help a dog wait for their forever family — we cover the costs.

Become a foster →

Donate

Every dollar helps cover vet care, food, and shelter for dogs waiting on a second chance.

Make a gift →