At the Erie Humane Society, we operate as a managed admissions shelter, meaning we can only accept new animals when we have available space and resources to provide them with the care they deserve. This thoughtful approach allows us to responsibly manage our population, ensure every pet receives proper attention and support, and stay true to our no-kill mission—giving every animal their best chance at a happy, healthy future.
Owner Surrenders
Surrendering your pet to an animal shelter can be a difficult decision to make. We understand how hard it can be to relinquish a beloved pet and appreciate your choice to surrender your animal responsibly so that he or she will be safe and humanely cared for. As a private, nonprofit organization dependent on community contributions, we request a donation of $35 when an animal is admitted to us.
The Erie Humane Society accepts owned pets by appointment only. To schedule an intake appointment, please call our adoptions team at 814-835-8331. EHS requires a valid and current photo ID to surrender a pet.
Please note: When our shelter has reached capacity, we’re happy to place you on our waitlist. If your situation is urgent or involves extenuating circumstances, please speak with a member of our team — we’ll do our best to offer any assistance or guidance we can.
To sign over a pet:
- The pet's owner must be present. If they cannot be, the person present must have written or verbal authorization to relinquish the pet on their behalf.
- A valid Driver's License or ID is required.
- Provide detailed information about the pet's history and behavior.
- Bring copies of any veterinary records, vaccines, etc.
- Please leash dogs and ensure cats are secure in a box or carrier, with access to air when bringing them into the shelter.
Stray Services
It’s very important that stray animals are brought to a shelter where their owners have the best chance of finding them. The shelters listed below provide the greatest opportunity for a lost pet to be safely reunited with their family.
If you’re bringing a stray dog or cat to the Humane Society, please remember to bring a valid driver's license or photo ID, as required by state law. Stray pets are held for a minimum of 48 hours to allow time for their owners to come forward. If they are not reclaimed, they will enter our regular adoption process to help them find a loving new home.
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP
The Erie Humane Society maintains a contract with Millcreek Township to accept and shelter stray dogs and cats found within the township’s boundaries. If you find a stray dog or cat in Millcreek, call the Millcreek Police Department at 814-833-7777 and they should arrange for the Animal Control Officer to pick up the animal from you and transport it to the Erie Humane Society for sheltering.
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP
The Erie Humane Society also maintains an agreement with Summit Township to accept and shelter stray dogs and cats found within the township’s boundaries. Please contact the Erie Humane Society at 814-835-8331 to bring in a stray dog or cat from Summit Township.
CITY OF ERIE
The ANNA Shelter is contracted to take in city strays. The finder must call Erie Animal Enforcement through the police department: 814-870-1125. The Animal Enforcement Officer or an Erie Police Officer will pick up the animal and take it to the ANNA Shelter where it will be held for 48 hours.
As always, the Erie Humane Society will gladly accept stray pets, to the best of our ability, if help is needed. A donation at intake, to assist with the pet's cost of care, is appreciated.
ERIE COUNTY DOGS
Dogs found in elsewhere Erie County should be reported to the State Dog Warden, at 814-934-2983. The ANNA Shelter is contracted with the Commonwealth of PA to take in Erie County Stray dogs. Stray dogs will be picked up by the State Dog Warden or State Police and then transported to the ANNA Shelter: 814-451-0230.
ERIE COUNTY CATS
The finder of the cat should call around to the aforementioned shelters and report the animal as found in an attempt to find the owner. If the finder is willing to pay our intake fee of $20.00, they are welcome to schedule an intake appointment to bring the cat into the Humane Society and surrender it as their own. Please call to schedule at 814-835-8331.
