Loving your pet and struggling with your mental health at the same time can feel overwhelming. If you’re a Philadelphian facing the possibility of surrendering a pet, you are not a bad person, and you are not alone.

It’s okay to talk about surrendering a pet. Many people reach a point where illness, housing, finances, or caregiving demands make it hard to give a pet the care they deserve. Choosing to rehome or surrender a pet is a heartbreaking, but sometimes deeply responsible, decision. Wanting your animal to be safe and cared for is an act of love, even if that means you are not the one providing that care.

If thoughts like “I have failed my pet” or “everyone will judge me” are keeping you silent, know that local animal welfare groups see situations like this every day and are there to support you, not shame you.

If this feels like a crisis and you need support right now, call 988.

Sometimes the decision to surrender a pet is tied to a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, intense hopelessness, or feeling like your pet would be “better off without you.” In those moments, you deserve care just as much as your animal does. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline any time, day or night. Trained counselors can listen, help you stay safe, and talk through options, including how your love for your pet fits into your recovery.

You are not alone in this. Reaching out, for yourself and for your pet, is a strong and compassionate step.

Places that can help in Philadelphia

Before heading straight to a shelter, you may have options:

• PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) offers “Pet Owner Support” to help keep families together when possible, helping with vet care, food, supplies, and more, and may take in pets when surrender is the only option.
• ACCT Philly (the city’s open-intake shelter) has a Pet Help Desk and an online “Request for Assistance” form to talk through resources and, if needed, schedule an appointment for surrender.
• Citizens for a No-Kill Philadelphia runs “Connect With a Rescue,” which shares your pet’s info with local rescues to try to find a new home without entering the shelter system.
• PSPCA and other area shelters may also work with you to accept a pet or redirect you to the best place for your situation.

If you are able, gather vet records, vaccination history, and information about your pet’s personality before reaching out. This helps organizations match them with the right new home.