Rover Training Marketplace is the newest resource for behavior support in our area! You and your dog meet with a local trainer for personalized, in-person training sessions. Great for puppies, new furry family members, and old dogs looking to learn new tricks!
GoodPup is the nation’s leading 1-on-1 video chat training program to provide additional assistance to you and your dog(s). Their trainers are skilled in addressing canine behavior and can help create a plan for you and your pet(s). You’ll meet with your trainer once a weeks, and in between sessions, you can text/chat with their entire team whenever a question arises.
Additionally, the Lawrence Humane Society offers some limited pet behavior support. To inquire, please contact our Pet Resource Center team at help@lawrencehumane.org.
If you are in need of housing resources for you and your pit bull, check out My Pit Bull Is Family. My Pit Bull Is Family has great resources to help you keep your pet including housing options, renter’s insurance information, and much more. This non-profit organization is the nations largest all dog friendly housing database and is dedicated to ending housing and insurance discrimination for all dogs regardless of what they look like or their perceived breed.
Are you looking for a new home for your pet? If so, Rehome by Adopt a Pet may be the right place! Rehome is here to help you safely find a loving forever home for your pet. All you need to do is to set up your pet’s profile in less than 10 mins. Once complete, your pet’s profile will be posted on Adopt-a-Pet.com and be seen by millions of visitors each month! Click here to learn more or to get started.
Please note, charges and fees may apply for this service. Lawrence Humane Society is not affiliated with this program.
Search for free or low cost pet support services like veterinary care, pet food pantries, temporary pet care and more using this curated database of resources provided by Human Animal Support Services and it’s partners. This first-of-its-kind platform (Pets.Findhelp.com) helps pet owners find and access pet food banks, affordable veterinary care, and other support with their community.
In some instances, the Lawrence Humane Society may be able to offer resources to help you keep your pet through our Crisis Pet Retention Program, including supplies and financial assistance with services. To inquire about our CPR program, please email cpr@lawrencehumane.org or call 785-856-0223.
Lawrence Humane Society primarily serves pets and people in Douglas County, but we may accept animals from outside our jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis.
Only the legal owner of the pet may request a surrender.
You must live within Douglas County. Proof of residency (such as a utility bill or ID) may be required.
A valid photo ID is required.
You must complete one online surrender form for each pet.
All ownership transfer documents must be completed at the time of surrender.
A surrender fee is required at intake.
An appointment is required to surrender a pet.
Please note: We are typically unable to accommodate same-day appointments.
Appointments are scheduled 1–2 months in advance due to limited shelter space.
Pets with severe behavioral or medical issues that exceed our capacity for care may be recommended for humane euthanasia after evaluation.
At Lawrence Humane, we are proud to be considered a “no-kill” shelter—meaning we maintain a lifesaving rate of 90% or higher. This national benchmark reflects our commitment to saving as many lives as possible while also making responsible, humane decisions in the best interest of the animals in our care and the safety of our community.
However, it’s important to clarify that “no-kill” does not mean that no animals are ever euthanized. Euthanasia is sometimes a necessary part of responsible sheltering, used only in cases of severe medical issues, significant behavioral concerns that pose a public safety risk, or when an animal is suffering and has a poor quality of life. We never euthanize animals for space.
Any animal in our care may become at risk of euthanasia if they develop serious medical or behavioral conditions, pose a threat to public safety, or begin to experience unrelievable suffering. When possible, we may reach out to a previous owner to explore potential alternatives and help secure a positive outcome for the animal.
As an open-admission, nonprofit animal shelter, we accept animals regardless of age, health, or behavior. We may not evaluate pets for our adoption program until after the surrender process is complete. A veterinary exam, behavior assessment, and/or review of the animal’s history help determine their suitability for adoption.
Please contact our Pet Resource Center team at help@lawrencehumane.org to talk through your options before making a final decision. Our dedicated Community Caseworkers are here to guide you through the process. Together, we’ll explore the best solutions for your pet and family, ensuring your pet is set up for success—whether that means staying in your home or finding a new beginning through Lawrence Humane Society.
We’re here to help. We offer guidance and resources that may help you keep your pet, such as:
Surrendering your pet to our shelter means you are giving up all rights to that animal. We are not required to notify you of any development regarding health or status. Nor, will we give the animal you surrendered special treatment over another animal. Lawrence Humane Society is typically unable to accept same-day surrenders.
Please note that Lawrence Humane Society cannot guarantee placement of any animal. Animals that display unsafe behaviors, suffer from medical conditions we are unable to treat, and/or animals that are unable to thrive in a stressful shelter environment may be humanely euthanized.
Lawrence Humane Society primarily serves pets and people in Douglas County, but we may accept animals from outside our jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. Consideration is given to factors such as current shelter capacity, the animal’s health and behavior, urgency of the situation, and available resources to provide appropriate care. Priority may be given to animals previously adopted from Lawrence Humane that are being returned.
If you’re seeking assistance from outside our service area, please reach out with more information so we can determine how best to help.
Yes, appointments are required if you need to surrender your owned pet to the shelter. Lawrence Humane Society is typically unable to accept same-day surrenders.
To request to surrender a pet to Lawrence Humane Society, owners must submit an online pet surrender questionnaire for each pet.
Appointments are scheduled based on appointment availability, available space within the shelter, and in consideration for Lawrence Humane Society’s capacity to care for the pet. Due to space restrictions, surrender appointments may be booked out as far as 1 or 2 months, if not longer. Pet owners are encouraged to plan accordingly and explore alternative options.
Yes, Lawrence Humane Society requires a surrender fee for all animals relinquished to our shelter. Fees vary by number of animal(s) and the pet owner’s place of residence. Fees are higher for pet owners outside of our jurisdiction of Douglas County.
These fees help offset a small portion of the costs associated with each pet’s care, but they do not cover the full investment we make in every animal’s journey with us. As a nonprofit organization, we also welcome and deeply appreciate additional monetary or in-kind donations to support our mission.
While we provide daily enrichment and basic training support for animals in our care, we are limited by time, staffing, and resources. Pets with complex behavioral needs (such as aggression, severe anxiety, or a bite history) may require long-term or specialized behavior plans that Lawrence Humane Society may not be able to provide in a shelter environment.
Pet owners are encouraged to explore training or rehoming options before surrendering, especially in cases where behavior is the primary concern. There are behavior resources available to pet owners on our website.
To give every pet the best chance at success in our care, it’s essential that we gather as much information as possible about their background. Details about their living environment, behavior, medical history, and socialization help our team understand each pet’s unique needs. This information is our most valuable tool in providing appropriate care, exploring placement options, and finding the best possible match for adoption. The more we know, the better we can help your pet thrive.
Any animal in our care may become at risk of euthanasia if they develop serious medical or behavioral conditions, pose a threat to public safety, or begin to experience unrelievable suffering. When possible, we may reach out to a previous owner to explore potential alternatives and help secure a positive outcome for the animal.
The Lawrence Humane Society strives to find positive outcomes for each animal that enters the shelter, however there are some instances where we may elect to euthanize an animal. Reasons include but are not limited to severe medical conditions that cannot be effectively treated or managed, or unsafe behavior.
Lawrence Humane Society cannot and does not guarantee to provide notification prior to euthanasia, even if the previous owner states that they would like to be contacted.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Please make sure all dogs are on leash and ensure any flexi-leads or retractable leashes are locked when you enter the building. All cats must be secured in a sturdy carrier with the bottom of the animal carrier supported while you enter the building. This is required for your safety and your pet’s safety
You should be prepared to spend at least thirty (30) minutes while at the shelter to answer additional questions about your pet and complete the required paperwork for owner/guardian pet relinquishment.
The intake interview, including verification of all information, as well as the completion of paperwork is required.
The transfer of ownership to the shelter requires an owner’s signature by law. The owner must be 18 years of age or older, or accompanied by a legal guardian who is 18 years of age or older.
Parking is available directly in front of the Pet Resource Center. When you arrive, you will report to the Pet Resource Center entrance, located on the east side of the building, and ring the doorbell. The Pet Resource Center is located on the
Dogs at Lawrence Humane Society are fed once per day and spend most of their time at the shelter in their kennel. Many dogs only receive one walk per day.
This can be especially difficult as dogs living in a kennel environment are exposed to many sounds, smells, and strangers (to them) throughout the day which can cause a high level of stress and affect their overall behavior and quality of life.
Cats at Lawrence Humane Society are fed once per day and spend most of their time at the shelter in their kennel. Many cats receive enrichment once per day.
A shelter environment can be especially difficult for cats who tend to react strongly to changes in environment and the sounds and smells of other cats. Due to the high level of stress they experience at the shelter, some cats may experience distress, making it challenging for adoption.
Why a Completed Questionnaire Matters
To give every pet the best chance at success in our care, it’s essential that we gather as much information as possible about their background. Details about their living environment, behavior, medical history, and socialization help our team understand each pet’s unique needs. This information is our most valuable tool in providing appropriate care, exploring placement options, and finding the best possible match for adoption. The more we know, the better we can help support your pet and identify the best outcome.
Learn more about the Crisis Pet Retention (“CPR”) Fund and the supportive services available to community pet families.
Pet Resource Center: 9am-6pm, every day
1805 E. 19th Street
Lawrence, KS 66046
(785) 843-6835
© 2024-2025 | a 501c3 organization