Surrender Request
Please note: OBG is based in the mid-Atlantic, primarily serving the DC, MD and VA area. If you are far away, consider checking our list of other cocker rescues to find one closer to your area which might be able to help you.
We ask you to consider the following before asking to surrender a dog to us:
- Our foster homes are always full, and we have a waiting list. Even if we can take your dog, we might not be able to do so immediately.
- We are non-profit and all volunteer. Our volunteers spend evenings and weekends contributing to OBG, and have jobs and families. We get 10-20 inquiries per week from owners wanting to give up their dog, and we simply can't respond to every inquiry immediately.
- We are not an animal sanctuary. For example, if you have a 13 + year old dog that is in poor health, it will be very very difficult for us to find a new loving home for your dog. Those are the cold hard facts. With advanced seniors and medical issues we ask that you reconsider - can't you spend a little more time and help your friend through it's final years?
- While we have volunteers who perform transport, please do not expect us to drive long distances to pick up your dog.
- We have limited funds and resources. If you have the financial means to provide a donation, it would go a long way in helping offset our costs.
- Please be honest with us on the medical condition and temperament of your dog. If your dog is up to date on shots, please bring medical records or a certificate from your vet.
If you have no choice but to give up your cocker, please do the following:
- Fill out and submit our on-line surrender request form. We will contact you as soon as we can, no later than a week from submission.
- As a first step, we prefer to post your dog's picture and bio as a courtesy listing, where interested adopters can contact you directly. Many dogs get placed this way. A good picture and an informative, honest bio are important.
- If OBG accepts your dog into our program, a volunteer will be in touch to arrange for the transfer. Please try to be flexible; we are all volunteers and many work full time.
- When it is time to turn over your dog, please bring medical records. ***Also, you must print out the legal surrender form and bring it with you. We are not able to take him/her without it.***