You can surrender your horse with confidence to an organization within the Horse Shelter Network, as these screened partners are committed to ensuring the best possible care and a bright future for your equine. Leadership Tier organizations are often able to assist with intake and frequently waive a surrender fee, while smaller organizations within the network may require a surrender fee to help cover the immediate costs of receiving and stabilizing the surrendered horse; regardless of the tier, the network's powerful transportation system ensures your horse can be safely moved to find its best possible long-term home.
You can confidently choose to surrender your horse to an organization within the Horse Shelter Network, trusting that they are committed to providing the highest level of care and securing a bright future for your equine. Our Leadership Tier organizations function as open admission shelters, often able to accept horses immediately without a waiting list or surrender fee. Recognizing the network's collective impact, there is a commitment to ensuring a Horse Shelter is accessible—often within a day's drive—of every horse across the United States. These shelters utilize a surrender fee to help offset the immediate costs of intake, comprehensive veterinary care, and rehabilitation.
For individuals facing financial hardship, the network is dedicated to finding a solution. We encourage you to be transparent about your situation: let the shelter know about any resources or donations you might be able to offer to help offset the costs, or inquire about their waiting list options for hardship cases. Smaller organizations within the network, while committed to the same philosophy, may rely on a waiting list to manage their capacity or will refer you to a Leadership Tier organization. Rest assured, by surrendering to any member of the network, your horse benefits from a united, best-practice safety net that utilizes a powerful transportation system to ensure placement in the best possible long-term home.
Assistance for Humane Euthanasia
We recognize that the ultimate decision in comprehensive care is preventing unnecessary suffering. While most horse rescues are unable to accept horses specifically for humane euthanasia, many organizations within the Horse Shelter Network are equipped to accept them or can assist you in finding a partner shelter that can provide this final act of kindness. The Horse Shelter Network, in line with its Full Circle of Life philosophy, also offers direct assistance to horse owners with equines needing humane euthanasia, and you can apply for financial assistance if needed to help cover the costs.