Surrenders

We approach every situation with compassion. Life changes happen, and we’re here to help — but surrendering an LGD should always be the last resort. Working breeds, especially Great Pyrenees, experience significant stress when rehomed.

Financial Hardship?
Many states offer veterinary and pet-care assistance, and nonprofit groups can help with food, medical costs, and supplies. Contact us — we’ll connect you with resources that may allow you to keep your dog.

Limited Time?
LGDs don’t need hours of daily attention. Just 15 minutes of calm, focused interaction builds trust and stability. Routine matters more than intensity.

Behavior Issues?
Most challenges can be improved with structure, environment changes, or guidance. Email us with details, and we’ll offer advice or connect you with an experienced LGD trainer.

Moving or Housing Issues?
More rentals now accept large breeds. Many landlords offer flexible pet-deposit payment plans — it’s always worth asking.

New Family Member?
With slow introductions and supervision, LGDs typically bond deeply and adjust well to children and new household dynamics.

Our goal is to keep families and their dogs together whenever possible. Let us help explore every option before surrendering.

Before requesting to surrender please review how your dog was originally obtained:

  • From a Breeder: Most reputable breeders require that dogs be returned to them. Review your contract and contact them first.

  • From a Rescue: Reputable rescues include a clause to return the dog if you can no longer keep them. Contact the original rescue before reaching out to us.

Important Notice: Golden State Great Pyrenees Rescue & Sanctuary does not guarantee acceptance of any dog. We cannot accept dogs that have shown any aggression toward humans or animals, or that have bitten. Our facility is almost always at capacity, and we must prioritize safety and temperament.

Due to high volume, we only reply to accepted applications, and it may take up to 2–4 weeks for review.

Surrender Fees: We had to add surrender fees to help cover the cost of intake, care, and veterinary assessment. Financial hardship exceptions may be considered — please contact us first to discuss options.

  • Altered, friendly LGD: $600+

  • Altered, friendly, no livestock experience: $800+

  • Unaltered / medical / behavioral: $1,000+

  • Emergency (within 48 hrs or aggressive/resource intakes) $1,000+

How to Begin

  1. Review all the information above carefully.

  2. Complete the surrender form be sure to include as much information and details possible.

  3. Contact us at adoptapyrenees@gmail.com to discuss your situation and confirm eligibility.

Please note: Completing the form does not guarantee acceptance. Intake decisions are based on space, temperament, and current rescue capacity.

Our Promise: We know this is a difficult choice. If surrender is unavoidable, your dog will receive professional care, evaluation, and placement suited to their temperament and abilities. By contributing the surrender fee, you help us ensure every dog gets the medical attention, safety, and dignity they deserve.

Before You Surrender Your Livestock Guardian Dog