No. Stray animals brought in through the proper intake process do not have surrender fees. However, donations are always appreciated and help support veterinary care, food, and sheltering.

Not always. Intake is by appointment only due to our consistently high number of animals in care and our Capacity for Care limits. Appointments help ensure every animal receives proper medical care, safe housing, and behavioral support. Call during business hours to be added to the waitlist or to speak with our Intake Coordinator about the next steps.

Yes. Every incoming animal is scanned for a microchip as part of the intake process. If an owner is located, we will attempt to contact them immediately.

If the animal is injured, sick, or in crisis, contact Animal Control immediately so they can respond appropriately.

• During business hours: 662-205-4221 Ext. 1000

• Outside business hours: 662-869-2911 (Lee County dispatch will route the call to the proper municipal or county ACO)

We often operate over Capacity for Care, meaning there are more animals than our facility can safely and humanely house at one time. To protect animal welfare and maintain safe staffing ratios, we use a waitlist to schedule intakes based on space availability, urgency, and daily medical capacity. Using a waitlist prevents overcrowding, disease spread, and unsafe conditions for both animals and people.

Wait times vary depending on shelter space, current animal population, and the type of animal you need to bring in (adult dog, puppy, kitten, cat, etc.). Our intake team will provide an estimated timeframe when you call. Emergency medical cases may be prioritized.

Because we remain at or above Capacity for Care, immediate intake without an appointment could cause overcrowding, animal stress, and disease. Our commitment is to keep animals healthy and safe, and the waitlist helps us do that.

You may be asked to continue safely holding the animal until your appointment date. We can provide guidance on temporary care, reuniting pets with owners, and posting lost/found notices. If you cannot safely keep the pet, please let us know so we can discuss alternative options.

Please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to work with you on alternative options, but space limitations may still require wait times. If the animal is unsafe, dangerous, or medically compromised, you may be referred to Animal Control.

Yes! In many situations, a found pet can remain with the finder through our Finder Foster Program. This option helps reduce stress on the animal, keeps kennels available for urgent cases, and supports our overall Capacity for Care.

If you choose to participate, TLHS will provide the veterinary care, vaccinations, treatments, food, and basic supplies needed while the animal is in your home. Our team will stay in communication with you and guide you through the process.

All Finder Fosters must sign our Finder Foster Agreement, which outlines that the animal remains under the legal custody of TLHS during the entire foster period. Finder Fosters may not rehome, give away, or transfer the animal to anyone else. All reunification efforts and adoption decisions must go through TLHS.

If an owner is located, we will coordinate the reunification. If no owner comes forward after the stray-hold period, the animal will move forward through our standard adoption process.

No. Stray intake is for found animals only. TLHS no longer accepts general owner surrenders due to the overwhelming need to prioritize homeless, injured, and sick animals in our community. Our resources, staffing, and shelter space must remain focused on animals with no safe alternatives.

We understand that rehoming a pet can be difficult, and we are always happy to provide guidance, resources, and safe rehoming options to help owners find appropriate placement on their own. It is the owner’s responsibility to secure a new home for their pet.

In limited and special circumstances — such as the death of an owner, terminal illness, or other serious and verified situations — TLHS may consider accepting an owned pet on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss if your situation qualifies.