Surrender or Rehome a Pet

How to surrender or rehome your pet in Richland County

Animal Care does not pick up pets that the owner can no longer care for or wants.

Citizens wishing to surrender their pet must contact the City of Columbia Animal Services 803-776-PETS (7387), or email rehoming@columbiasc.gov to start the rehoming process.

It is the citizen’s responsibility to transport their pet to the City of Columbia Animal Shelter on the day of their appointment. Please visit the City of Columbia Animal Services website for available resources in surrendering or rehoming your pet.

Do your homework first.

Most people who want a new pet start by doing their research online. Help them find you by listing your pet for adoption on one of these rehoming websites:

They are free, easy to use, and will get your pet’s profile in front of thousands of potential adopters in just a few minutes.

Share photos on social media.

You may also try sharing some cute photos of your pet on your social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Nextdoor, etc) and asking your friends and followers to share them with their friends and followers.

Post signs at veterinarian offices.

Ask your veterinarian if you can post signs in their office.

More tips for rehoming: