20 Places to Drop Off Unwanted Cats Near Me
Key Takeaways
- Municipal vs. Private: Municipal shelters accept all animals, private shelters are selective.
- Managed Intake: Most facilities require appointments, rarely allowing immediate surrender.
- Fees Matter: Surrender costs range from $10 to $250, often used to regulate demand and fund care.
- No-Kill ≠ Easy Access: High save rates come with long waitlists and behavioral/medical evaluations.
- Diversion First: Many organizations encourage self-rehoming or community programs before shelter intake.
1. North Shore Animal League America (Port Washington, NY)
Operational Model: Private, Limited Admission (No-Kill)
NSALA is a destination rescue, focusing on complex medical cases and high-adoptability animals. Local owners face gatekeeping via consultation and waitlists. Their “Rescue, Nurture, Adopt” philosophy prioritizes animals from high-kill regions over convenience surrenders.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | Consultation-based, case-by-case |
| Access | Appointment & intake evaluation |
| Special Notes | High veterinary capacity, rehabilitative focus |
2. Animal Care Centers of NYC (New York, NY)
Operational Model: Municipal, Open Admission
ACC operates as a true safety net, accepting all animals within jurisdiction. Strong diversion policies exist, encouraging foster or self-rehoming before surrender. Overcrowding is common, so euthanasia risk is transparent.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | Free for surrender |
| Access | Appointment mandatory; walk-ins rare |
| Special Notes | High intake; diversion programs encouraged |
3. MSPCA-Angell (Boston, MA)
Operational Model: Private, Open Admission (Managed)
Managed intake requires appointments and a $150 surrender donation, acting as both funding and behavioral filter. Euthanasia is determined by quality of life, not time or space.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $150 donation |
| Access | Appointment-only |
| Special Notes | Advanced medical care, ethical transparency |
4. ACCT Philly (Philadelphia, PA)
Operational Model: Municipal, Open Admission
ACCT Philly handles extreme intake volumes, charging $40 per cat. Transparency about euthanasia risk is a critical part of communication, nudging owners toward alternative solutions.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $40 per cat |
| Access | Appointment only |
| Special Notes | High euthanasia risk, diversion strongly suggested |
5. Pennsylvania SPCA (Philadelphia, PA)
Operational Model: Private, Limited Admission (No-Kill)
Selective intake ensures a 97% live release rate, but acceptance depends on space and adoptability. Owners may face long waits or rejection.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | Variable, case-dependent |
| Access | Appointment & space availability |
| Special Notes | Focus on adoptable cats only |
6. Atlanta Humane Society (Atlanta, GA)
Operational Model: Private, Limited Admission
A rigorous medical and behavioral evaluation determines acceptance. Non-refundable fees prevent frivolous surrender attempts.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | Assessment required; non-refundable |
| Access | Appointment-based |
| Special Notes | Strict evaluation, protects shelter population |
7. Miami-Dade Animal Services (Miami, FL)
Operational Model: Municipal, Managed Admission (Selective for Cats)
Strays are diverted to TNVR programs, emphasizing population control. Owned cats are accepted by appointment with a minimal $10 fee.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $10 per cat |
| Access | Appointment-only |
| Special Notes | Strays not impounded, TNVR prioritized |
8. SPCA Florida (Lakeland/Polk County, FL)
Operational Model: Private, Managed Intake (No-Kill)
Strict appointment system with deposits ensures high compliance and maintains no-kill status. Programs like “Mom’s Last Litter” tackle overpopulation at the source.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $25 deposit, $45 single/$75 litter |
| Access | Appointment-only, waiting list |
| Special Notes | Spay-first policy for kittens encouraged |
9. Houston SPCA (Houston, TX)
Operational Model: Private, Limited Admission
Rehoming Center limits intake to healthy, adoptable cats. Appointment system is daily, with fees designed for affordability.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $20 single, $50 litter |
| Access | Appointment-only |
| Special Notes | Healthy & behaviorally sound animals only |
10. Houston Humane Society (Houston, TX)
Operational Model: Private, Managed Intake
Higher surrender fee ($75), waived if vaccination up-to-date. Owners of unadoptable cats must decide between taking the cat home or paying for humane euthanasia.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $75 (waived if vaccinated) |
| Access | Appointment required |
| Special Notes | Owner bears ethical responsibility for outcome |
11. Operation Kindness (Carrollton, TX)
Operational Model: Private, No-Kill
High surrender fee ($150/$200) ensures only invested owners access care, supporting advanced medical rehabilitation and limited capacity intake.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $150 single, $200 litter |
| Access | Appointment-only, capacity restricted |
| Special Notes | Financial and emotional investment required |
12. Animal Defense League of Texas (San Antonio, TX)
Operational Model: Private, No-Kill
Pre-intake vaccinations required, with $50 surrender fee. Even returns of previously adopted animals are charged, reflecting resource-based operational philosophy.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $50 per cat |
| Access | Pre-vaccination & appointment |
| Special Notes | Strict disease prevention measures |
13. Cleveland Animal Protective League (Cleveland, OH)
Operational Model: Private (County Humane Society), Unlimited Stay
Rejects “no-kill” label; does not euthanize for time or space but does for aggression or untreatable illness. Out-of-county fees discourage “shelter shopping.”
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | Standard for county, double for out-of-county |
| Access | Appointment-based |
| Special Notes | Unlimited stay philosophy, local priority |
14. Michigan Humane (Detroit Metro, MI)
Operational Model: Hybrid (Private/Municipal Contracts)
Jurisdiction-based intake with centralized appointments ensures load-balancing between multiple campuses.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $50 per cat |
| Access | Centralized appointment |
| Special Notes | Out-of-jurisdiction strays redirected |
15. Wisconsin Humane Society (Milwaukee/Green Bay, WI)
Operational Model: Private, Socially Conscious Shelter
Walk-in acceptance is encouraged, and fees are flexible. Access is prioritized over bureaucratic hurdles, aligning with humane philosophy.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $40 single, $75 group |
| Access | Walk-in allowed |
| Special Notes | Fees waived if necessary, no animal turned away |
16. Anti-Cruelty Society (Chicago, IL)
Operational Model: Private, Open Admission
Appointment-based intake with fees ($35/$60) but open to all cats. Integrated social services assist in surrender prevention.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $35 single, $60 litter |
| Access | Appointment recommended |
| Special Notes | Support for owners in crisis |
17. Dumb Friends League (Denver, CO)
Operational Model: Private, Socially Conscious Shelter
Appointment-only policy to prevent overcrowding; lifetime return contracts enforce long-term accountability.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | Case-by-case |
| Access | Appointment & space-dependent |
| Special Notes | Lifetime return policy, capacity-limited |
18. Arizona Humane Society (Phoenix, AZ)
Operational Model: Private, Limited Admission
Two-month appointment waitlist for cats; $90 surrender fee. Aggressively promotes Home-to-Home self-rehoming to reduce shelter stress.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $90 per cat |
| Access | 2+ month wait, appointment |
| Special Notes | Self-rehoming strongly encouraged |
19. Seattle Humane (Bellevue, WA)
Operational Model: Private, Limited Admission
Appointment-only intake with $30 fee. Self-rehoming is framed as ethically superior to surrendering to the shelter.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $30 per cat |
| Access | Appointment required |
| Special Notes | Self-rehoming emphasis, selective intake |
20. San Diego Humane Society (San Diego, CA)
Operational Model: Private (Municipal Contract), Managed Admission
Jurisdictional fees vary: $30 for residents, $250 for non-residents. Appointments are conditional on space availability, reflecting both capacity management and local tax protection.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | $30 residents, $250 non-residents |
| Access | Appointment-based, space-dependent |
| Special Notes | Discourages shelter shopping, prioritizes local animals |
20 Shelters + contact info + access/fee/notes
| # | Shelter / Rescue | Location (City, State) | Contact / Surrender Info | Key Notes (Access, Fees, Intake Policy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Shore Animal League America (NSALA) | Port Washington, NY | Phone: (516) 883‑7575; Address: 25 Davis Ave, Port Washington, NY 11050 (petsnmore.org) | Private limited‑admission (no‑kill); intake by appointment/consultation; case‑by‑case evaluation |
| 2 | Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) | New York, NY | Phone: 212‑788‑4000; Admin office: 11 Park Place, Ste 1212, New York, NY 10007 (nycacc.org) | Municipal open‑admission; accepts all local surrenders; diversion & foster/self‑rehoming strongly encouraged |
| 3 | MSPCA‑Angell | Boston / Massachusetts (also multiple centers) | Main phone: (617) 522‑7400; main address: 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 (MSPCA-Angell) | Private, managed‑intake; surrender requires appointment; surrender donation/fee applies |
| 4 | ACCT Philly | Philadelphia, PA | Contact via their website or admin email (per public documents) (ACCT Philly) | Municipal open‑admission; appointment required; surrender fee involved; transparent about high euthanasia risk during peak intake |
| 5 | Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) | Philadelphia, PA | Public website contact (as per listing) (ABC News) | Private, limited‑admission (no‑kill); acceptance dependent on space and adoptability; no guarantee of surrender acceptance |
| 6 | Houston SPCA | Houston, TX | Phone: 713‑869‑7722; Adoption center: 7007 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024; Rehoming center address behind adoption center (Houston SPCA) | Private limited‑admission; rehoming by appointment only; fees apply ($20 first animal, $50 per litter) |
| 7 | Houston Humane Society | Houston, TX | Contact via their public site / rehoming program (see Houston SPCA for similar contacts) (Houston SPCA) | Private, managed‑intake; surrender fee standard ($75 / waived if vaccinated); adoption/relinquishment contingent on evaluation |
| 8 | SPCA Florida (Polk County) | Lakeland / Polk County, FL | General public listing (as per national shelter directories) (ABC News) | Private, no‑kill, managed intake; requires deposit/fee and appointment; waiting list sometimes needed |
| 9 | Atlanta Humane Society | Atlanta, GA | Public listing contact info via rescue networks (see directories) (Good Morning America) | Private, limited‑admission; surrender subject to medical & behavioral evaluation; non‑refundable assessment fees apply |
| 10 | Miami‑Dade Animal Services | Miami, FL | Public surrender center contact (Pet Adoption & Protection Center) — low surrender fee noted in listings (ABC News) | Municipal/managed intake; owned‑cat surrender by appointment; stray cats generally diverted to TNVR, not impounded |
| 11 | Cleveland Animal Protective League (Cuyahoga County APL) | Cleveland, OH | County humane society listing; local contact via public directory (per general shelter listings) (saveapetil.org) | Private (county‑affiliated), “unlimited stay” policy; accepts surrenders but doubles fee for out‑of‑county residents |
| 12 | Michigan Humane | Detroit Metro, MI (multiple campuses) | Centralized appointment line / contact via public directory (see Michigan Humane info) (ABC News) | Hybrid private/municipal contracts; owner surrenders by centralized appointment; stray intake jurisdiction-dependent |
| 13 | Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) | Milwaukee / Green Bay, WI | Community‑wide shelter directory contact (per general listings) (saveapetil.org) | Private, socially conscious; accepts walk-ins, flexible fee waiver policy if needed — prioritizes access over barriers |
| 14 | Anti‑Cruelty Society (Chicago, IL) | Chicago, IL | Public shelter listing contact via city / shelter directories (see general shelter listings) (saveapetil.org) | Private, open‑admission; appointments recommended; moderate surrender fees; integrated social support for owners in crisis |
| 15 | Dumb Friends League (Colorado / Denver, CO) | Denver, CO (Rocky Mountain region) | Publicly listed in national shelter directories as major rescue group (ABC News) | Private, socially conscious shelter; appointment-only surrenders when space available; lifetime return policy for adopted animals |
| 16 | Arizona Humane Society | Phoenix / AZ (metro area) | Public shelter listings show contact info — surrender by appointment only (ABC News) | Private, limited admission; long waitlist (often 2+ months) for surrender, with moderate surrender fee (~$90) |
| 17 | Seattle Humane | Bellevue / Seattle area, WA | Appointment-based intake as per public shelter directories (Good Morning America) | Private, limited admission; modest surrender fee (~$30); emphasizes self‑rehoming as preferred first option |
| 18 | San Diego Humane Society | San Diego County, CA | Jurisdiction-based admission — contact via their official site (see public directories) (ABC News) | Managed intake; resident surrender fee ~$30; non-resident fees up to $250; intake conditional on space availability |
| 19 | (Various smaller rescues / shelters listed nationally) | Multiple US regions | Contact info varies — check local humane society directories/lists for phone & address (saveapetil.org) | Policies vary: some walk-in, some appointment, many require fees or vetting |
| 20 | (Local independent rescues/organizations) | As per region | Refer to community‑wide shelter listings / public directories (saveapetil.org) | Access, fees, and intake procedures are highly variable — contact directly before surrender |
⚠️ Notes & Tips for Using This Table
- Always call or email first. Most shelters now operate under managed intake — meaning no walk‑ins. Confirm availability and surrender policies.
- Fees vary significantly. Some shelters may waive or reduce fees if owners are low-income or surrendering for hardship; always ask.
- Acceptance ≠ guaranteed. Private / no‑kill shelters maintain selectivity (health, behavior, space). Prepare to wait or be redirected.
- Strays vs. owned pets: Some agencies (especially in cities) no longer accept stray/feral cats — stray animals may need TNVR or community resources instead of shelter surrender.
- Documentation matters: Have vaccination records, ID/residency info, and any medical history — many shelters require these.
FAQs
Comment 1: How do I know which shelter will actually accept my cat immediately?
The reality is that immediate acceptance is increasingly rare. Most shelters, particularly private “no-kill” facilities, operate under managed intake, meaning they schedule surrenders according to staff availability, kennel space, and medical capacity. Municipal shelters often maintain open-admission, but even here, peak seasons (e.g., kitten season in spring and summer) can create temporary intake bottlenecks.
Key considerations:
- Call ahead and ask for current capacity.
- Ask if your cat meets adoptability criteria: age, health, temperament.
- Explore self-rehoming programs first; many shelters like Seattle Humane and Arizona Humane Society actively promote this to reduce stress on both cats and staff.
Table: Shelter Acceptance Likelihood
| Shelter Type | Immediate Acceptance | Waitlist Common | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Open-Admission 🏢 | High | Occasionally | Risk of euthanasia if overcrowded |
| Private Limited-Admission 🐾 | Low | High | Intake based on health/behavior/space |
| Socially Conscious / Managed Intake 🌱 | Medium | Medium | Focuses on diversion & home retention |
Comment 2: Are surrender fees really necessary, or is it just money-grabbing?
Fees are not arbitrary; they are calculated to offset the costs of sheltering, veterinary care, and medical interventions that average $500–$600 per cat. They also act as a psychological filter to ensure the surrender is a deliberate decision, not impulsive.
- Private shelters like Operation Kindness or MSPCA-Angell use fees to fund extensive medical rehabilitation.
- Municipal shelters often set lower fees but still cover basic intake and vaccinations.
Table: Surrender Fee Overview
| Shelter | Fee | Fee Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSPCA-Angell | $150+ | Covers veterinary care, spay/neuter | Donation-style flexibility |
| Houston SPCA | $20–$50 | Low-cost access, operational costs | Appointment required |
| San Diego Humane (Non-Resident) | $250 | Discourages shelter shopping | High barrier for non-local surrenders |
| Miami-Dade Animal Services | $10 | Minimal cost, public service | Stray cats usually TNVR |
Comment 3: What if my cat is feral or aggressive?
Many private shelters have strict behavioral assessments and will decline feral or aggressive cats to maintain adoptability. Municipal open-admission facilities may still accept these cats, but the outcome may involve specialized housing or, in worst cases, euthanasia if aggressive behavior poses a safety risk.
- Consider trap-neuter-return (TNVR) programs as an alternative for feral cats.
- Some shelters, like SPCA Florida and Atlanta Humane Society, provide temporary rehoming or medical intervention programs.
Table: Feral / Aggressive Cat Options
| Cat Type | Municipal Shelter | Private No-Kill | Community Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feral / Aggressive | Accepted, high-risk | Often declined | TNVR, feral colonies, foster-to-adopt programs |
| Friendly but timid | Accepted | Usually accepted | Can benefit from behavior enrichment programs |
| Medically fragile | Accepted | Case-by-case | May require treatment funding before intake |
Comment 4: How can I avoid long waitlists?
- Plan surrender early: Many facilities like Arizona Humane Society or Seattle Humane schedule appointments weeks to months in advance.
- Explore self-rehoming platforms: Programs like Home-to-Home™ or Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet allow cats to remain at home while connecting with vetted adopters.
- Check multiple shelters: Sometimes smaller regional shelters (Midwest / South) have shorter waitlists and flexible policies.
Table: Strategies to Bypass Waitlists
| Strategy | Shelter Type Most Useful | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Early appointment booking | Private / Limited | Reduces wait but may still require assessment |
| Self-rehoming platforms | All types | Keeps cat safe at home, avoids shelter stress |
| Regional alternatives | Municipal or smaller rescues | Often faster intake, lower fees |
Comment 5: Are there hidden risks after surrender?
Yes, surrendering a cat is legally and emotionally significant. Once ownership is transferred:
- The shelter may decide euthanasia if the cat is unadoptable (legal clause in most contracts).
- Information sharing is often restricted to protect adopters’ privacy, meaning owners may never know the final outcome.
- Financial investment in surrender fees does not guarantee acceptance, especially in selective intake facilities.
Table: Post-Surrender Risks
| Risk | Municipal Shelter | Private Shelter | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euthanasia for space/behavior | Higher | Low | Ask about live-release policies beforehand |
| Loss of updates | Moderate | High | Some shelters provide limited check-ins; confirm policy |
| Fee non-refundable | Low | Moderate-High | Confirm refund policy before surrender |
Comment 6: How do surrender policies vary regionally, and why does it matter?
Regional differences dramatically shape your surrender experience. Population density, local legislation, climate, and economic factors all influence intake protocols and fees. For instance:
- Northeast: High population and living costs → higher surrender fees, strict managed intake, extensive diversion programs. Examples: MSPCA-Angell ($150 donation) and North Shore Animal League America (case-by-case intake).
- South: Longer breeding season, higher disease prevalence → selective intake for medical and behavioral health. Example: Atlanta Humane Society requires non-refundable assessment fees.
- Midwest: Hybrid approach → combination of municipal open-admission and private limited-admission shelters. Example: Cleveland APL enforces county-resident fees to control resources.
- West: High cost of care + strong no-kill movement → lengthy waitlists and appointment-only policies. Example: Arizona Humane Society schedules surrenders two months out.
Table: Regional Policy Snapshot
| Region | Intake Type | Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast 🗽 | Open & Limited | $40–$150+ | High diversion, medical support, appointment required |
| South 🌴 | Limited / Managed | $10–$150 | Behavioral and health screenings, seasonal capacity challenges |
| Midwest 🌾 | Hybrid | $40–$50 | Municipal shelters open-admission, private selective options |
| West 🌄 | Managed / No-Kill | $30–$250 | Appointment-only, long waitlists, high resident/non-resident fee gap |
Comment 7: What are the hidden benefits of managed intake shelters?
Managed intake is often misunderstood as restrictive, but it offers enhanced outcomes for animals and owners:
- Better medical and behavioral care: Scheduling allows staff to evaluate and treat animals properly.
- Reduced stress and disease transmission: Prevents overcrowding and ensures safe socialization.
- Higher live-release rates: Controlled intake avoids crisis euthanasia and ensures cats are placed in suitable homes.
Table: Managed Intake Advantages
| Feature | Impact | Example Shelters |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled surrender | Allows preparation and assessment | Seattle Humane, Cleveland APL |
| Medical pre-screening | Early intervention, disease control | SPCA Florida, MSPCA-Angell |
| Behavioral evaluation | Improves adoptability | Atlanta Humane, Houston Humane Society |
| Resource alignment | Prevents overcrowding | San Diego Humane, North Shore Animal League |
Comment 8: How should I prepare my cat before surrender to increase acceptance?
Proper preparation increases acceptance and reduces stress:
- Health check: Vaccinations (core vaccines), parasite control, and medical records.
- Behavior prep: Gentle handling, familiar bedding, and stress-reducing pheromones (e.g., Feliway).
- Documentation: Bring proof of ownership, vet records, and any microchip info.
- Timing: Schedule the surrender during non-peak hours if possible to avoid rushed evaluations.
Table: Preparation Checklist
| Step | Purpose | Shelter Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccinations up-to-date | Reduce medical rejection | ADL Texas, Houston Humane |
| Calm carrier & bedding | Minimize stress | All shelters |
| Vet records | Speed intake, ensures medical care | MSPCA-Angell, SPCA Florida |
| Appointment scheduling | Guarantees evaluation slot | Arizona Humane, Seattle Humane |
Comment 9: Are there alternatives to surrendering at a shelter?
Yes. Surrender should always be the last resort. Alternative approaches include:
- Self-rehoming platforms: Maintain the cat at home while finding a vetted adopter. Examples: Home-to-Home™, Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.
- Temporary foster or crisis boarding: Programs for owners in short-term crises (e.g., domestic violence, illness). Examples: PAWS Philadelphia, Columbus Humane Safe Haven.
- Community assistance programs: Food pantries, low-cost medical care, behavioral training. Examples: Operation Kindness, North Shore Animal League.
Table: Shelter Alternatives
| Option | Purpose | Example Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Self-rehoming | Keep cat at home while rehoming | Home-to-Home™, Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet |
| Temporary foster | Short-term care during crisis | Columbus Humane Safe Haven |
| Medical & behavioral support | Reduce need for surrender | Operation Kindness, North Shore Animal League |
| Community networking | Connect with vetted adopters | Local rescue groups, Facebook adoption pages |
Comment 10: How do surrender fees relate to live-release rates?
Higher surrender fees do not signify greed; they correlate with quality of care and survival probability:
- Private no-kill shelters with high fees, like Operation Kindness ($150), fund medical rehabilitation, enrichment, and behavioral evaluation, boosting live-release outcomes.
- Municipal shelters with modest fees accept every animal but face higher euthanasia rates for space and health reasons.
Table: Fee vs. Live-Release Correlation
| Shelter Type | Fee | Live-Release Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private No-Kill 🐾 | $150+ | 90–98% | Investment supports rehab and adoptability |
| Managed Intake 🌱 | $30–$90 | 85–95% | Balances resources with adoption flow |
| Municipal Open Admission 🏢 | $10–$50 | 60–80% | Accepts all, including high-risk cats |
i was wondering if you could take a female cat and 5 kittens. they were droped off in front of my house and i’ve taken care of them as much ass i can, i am disabled and cant provide them the care they need. they are living in my garage and i would like to find some where for them before the weather changes.