Surrendering an Animal

Stray Animals:

If you find a stray, check to see if the animal is wearing a tag. If the dog is wearing a NYS license tag it can be traced by calling the town clerk or the dog control officer in the town where the animal was found. **If the dog has no tags, you must notify the Dog Control Officer in the town where the dog was found, because it is against the law to harbor a stray dog without reporting it. The Massena Humane Society cannot take stray dogs or cats found outside Massena or Louisville because these animals must be taken to the shelter that contracts with the township where the animal was found.

Surrendering Owned Animals:

The Massena Humane Society accepts owned animals only as space permits. Please contact our facility at 315-764-1330 to see if there is room available. You may be placed on a waiting list, so for the well being of your pet, please contact us as soon as possible. We suggest that you try all other means first, before calling, such as asking friends and family, or placing ads, and passing out flyers.

Wildlife:

We are not permitted by law to take in wildlife. We will need to contact the Wildlife Control Officer for your town, or if the animal is injured, you can contact a NYS Wildlife Rehabilitator. You can contact the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation or your local town clerk's office for more information.

Abandonment of an animal is illegal (Article 26 Sec.355):

Any individual leaving an animal at our facility without formally admitting it, will be charged with abandonment. This crime is a misdemeanor and is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and/or by a fine up to $1,000.00.