My dog is everything to me, so if I’m being honest, I often struggle to understand why anyone would get rid of their dog. Even so, I’ve learned that judging them for their decision does more harm than good.
In many cases, surrendering a dog is in the best interest of the dog and the owner, and hopefully, the dog will go on to find a better fit. However, that might not happen if the person isn’t careful with how they approach the situation.
Before you give your dog up, familiarize yourself with how to rehome a dog safely. Giving them to a random person without much thought could put your furry friend in danger. Even though you aren’t keeping your dog, they still deserve to find the best home possible. So, consider the following tips to keep your dog safe when rehoming them.
First, Consider All Other Options Before Rehoming
If you’re giving up your dog simply because you feel like you have no other choice, check to see if there are resources available for you. Dog parents struggling with money or housing can sometimes get help caring for their dog while they figure things out, which can prevent you from having to say goodbye permanently.
Pet Financial Assistance Resources
Best Friends has a detailed list of resources for pet parents needing financial assistance. This includes national programs and programs by state. These programs can offer necessary supplies, low-cost spay/neuter, and affordable (or sometimes free) vet care. These programs can help you save money on pet costs short-term while you work on your financial situation.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for on the Best Friends website, reach out to rescue organizations and veterinarians in your area to see if they know of any local resources. In many cases, there are animal lovers willing to help if you look for them.
These resources aren’t a guarantee that you’ll be able to keep your dog, but they can make a huge difference for many dog parents. It can’t hurt to at least see what resources are available before rehoming your dog.
Fostering/Temporary Rehoming
Oftentimes, people surrender dogs because they don’t have pet-friendly housing. I’ve heard of some organizations offering temporary foster situations for dogs while their humans find appropriate housing.
Reach out to local rescues, shelters, and boarding facilities to find out if they can offer a temporary home for your dog or if they know of a place that can. You should also reach out to any friends or family members that might be able to take your dog temporarily.
Finding a place for your dog to stay while you find a new place to live can relieve some stress. That way, you know your dog will return to you once you find a pet-friendly living situation.
How to Rehome a Dog Safely
If you know you have to give up your dog even after considering resources, it’s important to do it in a way where you dog will be set up for success. The following methods are safe ways to rehome a dog.
Reach Out to Friends and Family First
First, contact people you know and trust. If you have friends and family who adore your dog, they might be more than happy to take them. By giving your dog to someone you know, you’ll still be able to see your dog, and you’ll know they’re being properly cared for. Plus, it can ensure that your dog never has to sit at a shelter.
I understand that not everyone has someone in their life that is willing and able to take their dog, so it’s okay if you don’t. I just always recommend it as a first step. Think about if you know anyone who would take your dog before exploring other options.
Ask Your Vet
If you don’t have anyone close to you to give your dog to, get help from a trusted source like a vet, groomer, or dog trainer. Ask them if they know of anyone willing to take your dog. They might have someone in mind or be willing to post rehoming information at their facility. Since they specialize in dog care, they may be able to help you locate a good home.
However, it’s important to remember that vets aren’t shelters. They likely won’t be able to house your dog while they find a forever home. It’s okay to ask them for advice and suggestions for new homes, but you can’t expect them to take your dog for you.
Rehome Them Through a Reputable Site
If you can’t find someone through people you know, your dog will likely have to go to a stranger. Many people assume that means taking the dog to a shelter, but that’s not the only solution. There are some sites that allow you to create a profile for your pet to find potential adopters. I’ve heard good things about Rehome by Adopt a Pet and Home to Home.
These sites operate like your dog is at a shelter or rescue, but they’ll be staying with you and you’ll get to choose who adopts them. It’s up to you to review applications and find the best fit for your dog. It’s the perfect way to find a home for your dog without taking up any shelter space.
Don’t Give Your Dog to a Stranger for Free
I always advise against posting your dog as “free to a good home.” While it might seem silly to ask for money when you’re giving your dog away, it’s actually much safer for them. I’ve heard too many horror stories of people scooping up free dogs for dog fighting and puppy mills (although getting them spayed or neutered can reduce that risk).
Thus, charging a fee like a shelter or rescue would can reduce the number of sketchy sources trying to get your dog. You might not be able to rehome a dog quickly that way, but at least you’ll know they’re not falling into the wrong hands.
Craigslist is a popular source that I recommend avoiding for pets. They only allow “rehoming” instead of selling, which sounds good in theory, but I’ve heard that it has led to a lot of bad people searching for dogs on there.
Surrender to a Rescue
If you’re wondering how to rehome a dog fast, surrendering them to an animal organization is the best way to go. Specifically, stick with rescues since open-intake shelters are often forced to put dogs down if they get overcrowded.
Rescues can definitely fill up too, but it’s a better option than abandoning your dog or giving them to a stranger who might not treat them well. At a rescue, there's an application process in place to help ensure your dog goes to a good home. Many rescues operate through foster homes, allowing your dog to live in a comfortable environment while waiting for a new home.
I only recommend surrendering your dog if no other options seem ideal. Shelters and rescues across the United States are extremely full, and not all have resources to take in more dogs. So, if you have another humane means of finding a home for your dog, such as giving them to a friend, please take that route instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do People Rehome Dogs?
There are lots of reasons people rehome dogs, such as not having enough money, not finding a pet-friendly home, or not having a suitable lifestyle for the dog. While you should always be very prepared before adopting a dog, drastic life changes can occur unexpectedly, leaving some people with no choice but to rehome their furry friend.
How Can You Rehome a Dog Quickly?
The best way to rehome a dog quickly is to surrender them to a reputable rescue or shelter. However, avoid surrendering to open-intake organizations if possible because they may put your dog down if they become overcrowded and have no other choice.
Giving your dog away to a stranger may seem like another fast way to rehome a dog, but it’s best to avoid giving dogs away for free to ensure they don’t end up in the wrong hands.
How Do You Rehome a Reactive Dog?
You can rehome a reactive dog the same way you would with any other dog. However, make sure the person adopting the dog or the organization you’re surrendering to is aware of the dog’s behaviors. Not disclosing that information could lead to the dog being rehomed again in the future if the adopter wasn’t prepared to care for a reactive dog.
Can You Rehome a Dog That Bites?
Yes, you can rehome a dog that bites. Just make sure you disclose that information to the person adopting the dog or the organization you’re surrendering to. Dogs with bite records can be trained, but they require a dedicated adopter to care for them.
Rehoming a Dog is a Big Decision
Dogs are part of the family, so rehoming them is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Always see what resources are available before choosing to give up your dog for good.
If you have to part ways with your pup, make sure you know how to rehome a dog safely. Give them to someone you know, use a reputable rehoming site, or surrender them to a rescue. Avoid listing them for free or handing them to a random person without asking lots of questions.
Your dog still deserves a happy and safe home, even if it’s not with you. Therefore, it’s important to proceed with caution when rehoming them.