Pet Help and Resources

At Midland Animal Services, we understand that pet ownership can sometimes be challenging. If you're considering surrendering your pet, we encourage you to explore the many resources available to help you find solutions that may allow you to keep your beloved companion or find them a suitable new home.

Local Rescue Partners

Midland is home to several dedicated rescue organizations that may be able to provide assistance or take in your pet directly. Some of our trusted partners include:

• A Paw in Need Rescue
• Belinda’s House of Cats’ Furever Meow
• Dog Rescue R Us
• Fix West Texas
• Grand Companions (Based out of Fort Davis)
• Humane Society of Odessa
• Lone Star Sanctuary for Animals
• MASA Rescue (Midland Animal Shelter Adoptables)
• Midland Cat Wranglers
• Midland Humane Coalition
• Permian Basin Animal Advocates
• Sassy’s Dog Rescue

Behavior and Training Resources

Many behavior issues can be resolved with professional guidance or training. Here are some resources to help:

• Local trainers and behaviorists can assist with common problems like barking, aggression, or anxiety.
• Reach out to Fix West Texas or Don’t Litter Affordable Spay & Neuter Clinic for spay/neuter options, which can often help reduce certain behaviors.
• City of Midland residents are eligible for a voucher to help cover part of the cost of their pet’s spay/neuter procedure; proof of residency and a current rabies vaccination record are required to qualify.
• Check out online resources for basic training tips and techniques.

Financial Assistance

If you’re struggling to afford pet care, our Pet Pantry Program can provide food and basic supplies to help lighten the burden. If your pet needs veterinary care, here are some suggestions to help you ensure your pet receives the care they need:

Apply for CareCredit:

• CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that can be used for veterinary expenses. It offers flexible payment plans to make the cost of care more manageable. You can apply online at www.carecredit.com or ask your veterinarian if they accept CareCredit as a payment option.

Ask About Payment Plans:

• Some local veterinary clinics may be willing to work with you by setting up a payment plan. Contact your clinic directly to see if this option is available.

Check for Donation Funds:

• Some clinics accept donations or have charitable funds available to help cover the costs of veterinary care for pets in need. Reach out to local clinics to inquire about assistance programs.

Temporary Solutions

Sometimes, life circumstances require a temporary separation from your pet. Consider these options before surrendering:

• Foster Care: Ask friends or family to foster your pet while you resolve housing or financial challenges. Please inform the staff if you are experiencing homelessness or leaving a domestic violence situation.
• Boarding Facilities: Explore short-term boarding options for your pet.

Spay/Neuter and Vaccination Clinics

If cost is a concern, spay/neuter services and low-cost vaccination clinics can help reduce the long-term cost of pet care and prevent unwanted behaviors.

When Surrendering Is the Only Option

At Midland Animal Services, we understand that surrendering a pet is a difficult decision. We encourage you to exhaust all other options before bringing your pet to us, as shelters can be very stressful environments. However, we are here to help if surrendering is your only choice.

Eligibility to Surrender

• You must reside in Midland County and provide a valid ID that proves domicile here.
• Only the legal owner of the pet can surrender it. Friends or family members cannot surrender on behalf of the owner, and the legal owner must sign a consent form.

Preparatory Process

To ensure the best outcomes for your pet, we’ve implemented a two-week process before final relinquishment:

1. Initial Appointment:

• At your first appointment, your pet will receive vaccinations a microchip, and necessary fees will be collected.
  • $25 per pet
  • $100 for pregnant females or litters
• This waiting period allows the pet’s immune system to respond to the vaccines, enhancing their health while in our care.

2. Listing on Home To Home:

• Your pet must be listed on Home To Home for at least 14 days before final surrender. This platform connects owners with potential adopters, allowing your pet to find a new home without the stress of entering a shelter.
  • Please inform us if your pet is rehomed during this process so we can assist another animal in need.

3. Reevaluation Period:

• During this time, you have the opportunity to reassess your decision or explore alternative rehoming options, such as:
  • Asking friends or family members to take your pet.
  • Contacting a rescue group.
  • Consulting a veterinarian to address potential medical conditions.
  • Seeking advice from a dog trainer or researching behavior modifications.

4. Schedule a Surrender Appointment:

• After your pet has been listed for the required 14 days, contact us to schedule a surrender appointment. This ensures we have the time and resources to assess your pet’s needs and provide them with the best possible care.

Shelter Admission

We are an open admissions facility and will accept any Midland County pet. However, please do not abandon your pet or set them free in the neighborhood, woods, or other areas. Domestic pets are not equipped to find food, water, and shelter on their own.

In addition, in Texas, abandoning a dog is a criminal offense that can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a state jail felony.

What Happens After Surrender?

• Adoption Consideration: Your pet will be evaluated for adoption and receive necessary medical care.
• If an animal displays aggression toward people or other animals, it is unlikely that we can safely adopt your pet out. In such cases, humane euthanasia may be the only option to ensure the safety of the community and other animals in our care.

Thank you for considering all options and working with us to ensure the best outcome for your pet. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance during this process.