Rehoming Your Pet

We know that sometimes it’s just not possible to keep a pet. Before making the decision to surrender, you may want to consider other rehoming options.

The following are some tips to try to re-home your pet before bringing it to a shelter:

  • Give yourself time to re-home your pet. It can often take weeks to months to find it the best home.
  • Increase your pet's adoptability by having it spayed or neutered and groomed. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations.
  • Spread the word to increase your chances of finding the right home for your pet. Ask your friends, family and co-workers to help. Social media can be a great place to share this information, in addition to neighborhood apps.
  • Use cautionwhen considering unknown individuals or families as your pet’s new owners. Hold the initial meeting in a public place and ask questions to screen potential adopters. Some questions to ask:
    •  Are there other pets in the house? 
    • Have you established a relationship with a veterinarian? 
    • Do you have a fenced in yard? 
    • How many hours a day will the animal be left alone?

Contact breed-specific or foster-based rescue groups

Rescue groups that focus on caring for and helping family's rehome a specific breed are available for almost any type of dog. Organized by people who have extensive knowledge of a specific breed, these groups provide a variety of opportunities for your pet, including the possibility of your pet staying in foster care until a new home is found.