What is the Best Way to Rehome a Dog?

The best way to rehome a dog is to try to find him a new home yourself. This way, you will have full control over who your dog’s new family is and can ensure it will be a good fit. You’ll find many resources are available to help you along the way and to make it easier to match your dog with a family that will love her as much as you do.

Not Sure Where to Start? 

There are many ways you could go about searching for a home, but some aren’t as safe as others. Instead of listing your pet on a classified site or Facebook yard sale site, consider using a website called Rehome

This website was created just to help pet owners like you who are faced with the need to give up their pet and want to do so in a safe and responsible manner. Rehome puts a host of resources at your fingertips, all of which are designed to simplify the process of locating a great home for your dog. Here’s how it works:

  1. Upload a Pet Profile: You can even include a video to help your pet get noticed.
  2. Review Applications: Rehome will notify you every time someone shows interest in your pet. They even offer screening guidance to help you choose the ideal home.   
  3. Meet Adopters: Rehome provides tips for a safe meet-up and advice about what to look for in potential adopters.

    Once you’ve found a home, the new family will be able to access the pet’s medical records (that you’ll upload) right from the Rehome site. 

    Rehoming your pet should always be a last resort. Whether the pet has behavior issues, you’re having financial problems, or you just think you’re too busy to keep your dog, there are resources available to help you work through those problems. Check the Keep Your Pet section on the Rehome website for advice.  

    Does PetSmart Take Cats?

    PetSmart does not take cats, though you are allowed to bring your cat into the store if you are shopping. If you attempt to surrender a cat at a PetSmart location, you will be turned away and given other options.

    What About All the Cats I See For Adoption In Store?

    The adoptable cats you see in some PetSmart locations are available through a specific organization that has a partnership with PetSmart. These cats are brought in daily so that they can gain more exposure and hopefully more potential to be adopted. Each of these cats undergoes a health and behavior evaluation with the organization they are available through to make sure that they are good with other cats and ready to be adopted to a new home. Adding a new cat to the mix can potentially cause extra stress for the cats and therefore, the cat you would like to surrender would not be allowed to stay with these cats.

    What Options Do I Have For a Cat I Can’t Keep?  

    There are some great options to help you find a new home for a cat you can’t keep. It’s best to try to find the cat a new family to live with rather than bringing them to a shelter. Shelters can be very stressful for any animal, so finding a new home for your cat yourself will help make the transition easier on him. Here are the steps you can take to find your cat a new, loving home:

    Start With Friends and Family  

    Talk to the people that you are closest with and see if they can adopt your cat. You can post pictures and a description of your cat on your social media channels to cast a wider net as well. If your cat can live with someone you already know, it will give you peace of mind and allow you to remain in contact with the owner.

    Create An Account On Rehome  

    If your friends and family are unable to help give your cat a new home, you can turn to another online resource called Rehome. This no-cost program is easy to use and gets your pet posted on Adopt-a-Pet.com. Once your pet is posted, millions of potential adopters will be able to view him, giving you the best chance of finding a great new family!  

    All you need to get started is a clear, bright photo or two of your cat and some basic information about their behavior and medical history. Then you’ll be able to create your account and craft a bio about your cat to give potential adopters more details.  

    What Does It Mean to Surrender a Jack Russell Terrier?

    When you surrender a Jack Russell Terrier, it means that you’re giving up your rights to your dog. To surrender your dog, you’ll take him to a shelter or a rescue. However, you need to be sure that you’re following the guidelines of the facility. You’ll also want to know the difference between shelters and rescues, along with other options for giving up your dog.

    Contact the Facility

    Before you can bring your dog to a shelter or a rescue, you need to get in touch with the facility. They all have their own regulations and rules when it comes to surrendering dogs. Check their website and then call them to learn exactly what you need to do to surrender your dog. They’ll let you know what the surrender fees will be, as well as what paperwork you’ll need to have and fill out when you surrender your dog.

    They’ll also want to know why you need to give up your dog. In some cases, they may have some resources to provide you that will allow you to keep your dog. For example, if you spend a lot of time at work and you can’t walk your dog each day, they might suggest that you use a pet sitter or dog walker. They want to give you every opportunity possible to keep your dog.

    If you aren’t able to keep your, dog, you can set up an appointment to surrender him to the shelter or rescue. Once you do, you’ll no longer have legal rights to him.

    Why Are There Surrender Fees and Adoption Fees?

    When you drop off your dog at the facility, they’ll charge a surrender fee, as mentioned. However, when someone adopts a dog through the facility, they’ll have to pay an adoption fee. Fees are charged for incoming and outgoing dogs to help ensure that the organization has enough money to continue operating. The adoption fees, similar to rehoming fees, ensure that there’s enough. 

    What About Rehoming?

    You don’t have to surrender your dog to a shelter or a rescue when you have to give him up. You also have the option of rehoming, which could be a better solution for your dog. One of the first methods of rehoming is to find someone you already know that might be willing to adopt your dog. You could have a family member that’s been thinking about adopting, for example.

    You can also rehome your dog with people that you find online. Using a platform like Rehome is a great option. It’s part of Adopt-a-Pet.com, and it allows you to create a profile, complete with images and videos, for your dog. The profile lets you detail your dog’s traits and personality, along with things that he might not like or issues he has. Being honest in the profile will help to ensure that your dog has the best chance possible of finding a perfect new home.

    Does Pet Food Express Take Cats?

    Pet Food Express does not take cats, but it’s easy to understand why there is some confusion about this. Pet Food Express holds several adoption events throughout the year. The pets, however, are from local cat rescue groups rather than from owner surrenders.

    What to Do if You Need to Rehome Your Cat 

    If you’ve already tried to resolve the issue with your cat, and you’re sure the only answer is to rehome him, you’ll have a few options.

    Local Shelters

    You might think that a shelter is a safe place to surrender your pet, but the truth is that sometimes healthy, adoptable animals are put down because there simply isn’t enough space. While many facilities are moving to a no-kill philosophy, others still euthanize for space. Be sure to rehome_research any shelter you’re considering.

    Local Rescues

    Privately run rescues usually are willing to do whatever it takes to find a great home for your cat, but the problem is that they are often full. They operate in limited space and with limited funds, so they can’t take every animal that needs a home.

    Rehome Your Pet Yourself

    Want your cat to have the best chance of a happy home? Rehome him yourself! You might be intimidated by the process, but there are free resources that can help. Check out Rehome where you can create a profile for your pet, accept applications, find advice about how to screen potential adopters, and much more.

    If you can’t keep your cat, he deserves a new home where he can be happy and loved. Taking the time to make sure that happens will give you peace of mind knowing you did what was best for your pet. 

    What is the Fastest Way to Rehome an Australian Cattle Dog?

    If you’re trying to figure out what is the fastest way to rehome an Australian Cattle Dog, you need to decide if you want to consider only the speed of the transaction or the potential for a positive outcome for your pet as well. Strictly speaking, the fastest way will be to surrender the dog to a shelter, but outcomes vary with that option. If, on the other hand, you’re asking for the fastest way to rehome your Australian Cattle Dog yourself, there are available resources that can help.

    Getting Your Australian Cattle Dog in Front of Potential Adopters

    One of the things you must do to quickly find a new home for your pet is to get him in front of as many potential adopters as possible. There are many ways to go about this, such as: 

    • Partnering with a Local Rescue to Have the Dog Listed as a Courtesy Listing
    • Creating a Profile on the Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com Website
    • Listing the Dog on Local Pet Adoption Pages  

      Screening Adopters

      Even if you’re in a hurry to find the dog a new home, you should always screen potential adopters. Some of the ways to do this include:

      • Asking for Vet References
      • Doing a Home Visit
      • Asking Relevant Screening Questions 

      If you’re not sure how to best screen adopters, consider asking a local rescue for help. Many are willing to assist with screening in exchange for a donation to their organization. Screening is essential; you don’t want to sacrifice safety for speed.

      While there are ways to speed up the process, finding the right home usually takes some time, but it’s worth it to know your Australian Cattle Dog will be happy, healthy, and loved. 

      How Do I Give Up My Pit Bull?

      If you’re asking how do I give up my pit bull, you’ve likely made the difficult decision to surrender your pet. There are a few options, including surrendering him to a local shelter, working with a private rescue group, or rehoming him yourself. Below we look at the pros and cons each.

      Local Shelters

      Municipal shelters run by the city or county may not take owner surrenders. Each location is different, so it’s worth checking. Organizations like the SPCA usually do accept owner surrenders.

      Pros

      • It usually only takes a day or two, and some might take the dog right away.

      Cons

      • Some shelters must euthanize pets due to overcrowding and limited resources. Your dog may be at risk for being put down if he ends up at one of these shelters.

      Tips

      • Research the live release rate before surrendering your pit bull (or American pit bull terrier) to a shelter.

      Private Rescues

      Privately run rescues are another option. Here are the pros and cons of surrendering your pit bull to a reputable rescue.

      Pros

      • Rescues usually have stricter adoption policies to ensure pets are placed in homes that fit their needs.
      • Even if your pet does not find a new home, rescues will usually care for your pet indefinitely.

      Cons

      • Many rescues are volunteer run and house pets in foster homes which can be full, so you may have to wait for a spot.

      Tips

      • Look on social media to find reviews of the rescue.
      • Visit the facility, talk to fosters and former fosters, and do as much rehome_research as you can.

      Rehome Your Pit Bull Yourself

      This method allows you to choose the new home and to vet any potential adopters. If you have to give up your pit bull, this route will give you the most control and peace of mind.

      Pros

      • You get to choose his new family.
      • You give your pit bull the best chance at a safe and happy home.
      • Your pet can stay with you in a stress-free environment while he waits to find his new forever home.

      Cons

      • It can take some time to find the right family.

      Tips

      • Never list your pet as free to a good home. People who want dogs for fighting, or otherwise want to harm your dog, often look for ads like this.
      • Always charge a rehoming fee.
      • Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com is a free peer-to-peer adoption service that provides information on properly screening adopters, allows you to create a profile for your pit bull, and get him seen by millions of adopters on Adopt-a-Pet.com.

      If you have to give up your pit bull, make sure you’re putting him in safe hands!   

      What is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for a Border Collie?

      A reasonable rehoming fee for a border collie could be as much as $150 or more. Purebred border collies tend to have higher rehoming fees than dogs that are mixed with one or more other breeds. For most dogs, the costs will be between $50 and $150, but this can vary based on location, breed, etc.

      In addition to pure breeds usually having higher rehoming fees, the age of the dog can play a role in the cost, as well. Those who are interested in adopting a border collie should look at the costs in their area to see what the typical prices for rehoming will be. This can give them a better idea of what they can expect whether they’re heading to a shelter to adopt or they’re adopting through a site like Rehome.

      Why Are Rehoming Fees Important?

      You might be wondering why people and organizations charge rehoming fees. After all, aren’t they hoping that someone will take the dog? While they always want the dogs to be adopted, they also want to make sure that they’re going to the best possible homes. If you had a border collie that you were giving up, you would certainly want to make sure she was going to a great home where she would be cared for and loved.

      However, not everyone has love in their heart when it comes to animals. Some people are looking for dogs that they can use to train fighting dogs, or that they could sell to a lab. It sounds harsh, but it is a reality. People with bad intent often look for others who are giving away dogs online. Charging a rehoming fee will help to curb this activity. People like that don’t want to spend money on an animal.

      Do Shelters and Rescues Charge Rehoming Fees?

      You will find that shelters and rescues will charge rehoming fees for the same reasons as mentioned above. However, they also charge fees because they need funds to continue operating and to provide for the animals under their care. Even when you’re going to a shelter to adopt a dog, you will have to pay a rehoming fee. Again, the price can vary based on the shelter, the location, the dog’s age, whether they’re a pure breed, etc.

      To get a better understanding of how much it will cost, you should get in touch with the shelter to learn more about the fees. You will want to learn how much you need to bring to the shelter if you’re planning to adopt.

      Adopt Using Rehome

      Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com is an online platform that can put potential adopters into contact with owners who are looking to rehome their border collie, along with other breeds. The owners can put up profiles of their dogs, and the adopters can read the profiles to find the perfect dog to bring home. The site does charge a rehoming fee to the adopter, but it is comparable to what would be paid at a shelter or a rescue.

      What is the Best Way to Rehome a Catahoula Leopard Dog?

      The best way to rehome a Catahoula Leopard Dog is to put in the work to help find him a new home on your own. Fortunately, you’ll find several ways that you can potentially rehome your dog. It’s possible to bring your dog to a shelter or a rescue, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll be adopted from these facilities. Rescues and shelters try to find good new owners for the dogs they have, but it’s not always possible. Therefore, you’ll want to see if you can find a new owner for your Catahoula Leopard Dog.

      Although it might take some time, you’ll find that it’s well worth the effort that you put into it. You’ll feel better knowing that you’ve found a wonderful new home for your dog where he’ll be loved and cared for properly.

      Rehoming with People You Know 

      One of the best and fastest ways to rehome your Catahoula Leopard Dog is to talk with people you know. Maybe you have a friend or relative, or someone in their circle, that’s been looking to adopt a new dog. They might be interested in your dog. This is a benefit to them, and it provides you with some peace of mind. You’ll know you’re giving your dog to someone you can trust.

      Rehoming Using an Online Service

      If you don’t know anyone looking for a dog of their own right now, you still have the option of choosing an online pet adoption site like Rehome. With Rehome, you can quickly and easily create a profile for your dog complete with photos, videos, and a bio.

      The bio should be detailed and provide the potential adopters with all of the information they’ll need about your Catahoula Leopard Dog. This includes all of the good things about him, as well as any potential problems, such as being a barker, having health issues, etc. The more the adopters know, the easier it’ll be to determine whether he’s the right dog for them or not.

      Always Be Careful When Rehoming Your Dog

      Although many people are looking for a wonderful dog that they can bring home and integrate into their family, some people have other motives for getting a dog. They look for free and cheap dogs online, which they’ll then try to sell to labs or even use for fighting. One of the best ways to ensure that your dog doesn’t go to one of these people is by charging a rehoming fee. People who have ill intentions aren’t likely going to want to pay for a dog, and this helps to reduce the risk for your pet.

      The only time that you won’t need to charge a rehoming fee would be when you’re letting someone you already know and trust adopt your dog. When you go through Rehome, as mentioned earlier, the site handles the fees that the adopters pay, and that money goes right back into helping more animals get adopted.

      How Do I Give Up My Australian Cattle Dog?

      To give up your Australian cattle dog will likely be a tough decision, but you might find yourself in a situation where you do not have a choice. You may be in a tough financial spot that means you can’t take proper care of your dog. You might have to move to a location that does not allow pets. Any number of things could happen.

      If you need to give up your Australian cattle dog, you have several options from which you can choose. However, some of these options are better than others.

      Online Classifieds

      This is an option that many people consider, but it is the worst choice. When you list your dog online through typical classified sites, you never know who will try to get your dog. Having a rehoming fee can help to weed out some of the undesirables, but it is not perfect. There is no way to determine whether you are choosing a good home for your dog or not.

      Shelters and Rescues

      Giving up your Australian cattle dog to shelters and rescues is another option to consider. While many people naturally worry about putting their dog in a shelter, these facilities do try to care for the dog properly and find them a good home. This can sometimes be difficult, though, so adoption is not a guarantee.

      You could also look for Australian cattle dog rescues that specialize in this breed. They can take good care of your pet, but they may still have a hard time finding someone to adopt. Still, it tends to be better and safer than giving the dog to a random stranger from sites like Craigslist.

      Giving the Dog to Someone You Know

      Another option that you may want to consider is having the dog be adopted by someone you know. This might be a coworker, friend, or family member, for example. One of the benefits of this is that you will likely still be able to get updates on your dog to see how they are doing. If you know someone who is looking for a dog, and you trust them to care for your dog properly, you might want to talk with them. Just make sure that they are a good fit for the dog’s needs.

      Give Rehome a Try

      Rehome is a platform that is available from Adopt-a-Pet. This is a peer-to-peer platform that allows owners to create a profile for their dog. They can add a bio for their dog with pertinent information, such as their temperament. You can let the potential adopters know whether the dog is good with children and other pets, or if it tries to herd them, as some cattle dogs will do. You can also add photos and videos of the pet here.

      Owners who need to give up their Australian cattle dog will not have to worry about any costs of fees. The platform is free for owners to use. The fees, which are about the same as would be paid in a shelter, are covered by the adopter.

      How Long Does It Take a German Shepherd to Get Used to a New Home?

      When adopting or rehoming a pet, you might ask, “how long does it take a German Shepherd to get used to a new home?” You might assume it only takes a few days for a dog to realize he’s safe and loved, but the truth is that it takes time for a dog to decompress after a move and to settle into a new routine. For some dogs, it can take a few months to fully become his best self in his new home.

      Why Does It Take So Long? 

      Anyone who works in rescue has seen dogs returned after a few days or a few weeks because he just wasn’t fitting in. Sadly, this means the dog has to start back at square one looking for a new home and that the adopters who returned the dog have to restart their search for a new pet.

      With a little patience and training, it’s very likely that most German Shepherds will learn their adopter’s routine and become a wonderful pet. That’s why it’s so important not to give up too soon.

      But why does it take so long for a dog to get used to a new home?

      Dogs are creatures of habit, so change isn’t always easy for them. They need to adjust to the idea that this is their new home and they’ll need time to learn new routines.

      A Few Tips 

      Here are a few tips for a smooth transition:

      • If you’re adopting a dog who is already in a home, don’t drag out the goodbye from the family giving up the dog.
      • Make the handover quick and pleasant.
      • Give the dog a blanket or other item with familiar scents for the first couple of weeks.
      • If you’re going to change his food, do it gradually.
      • If the dog seems resistant or fearful about certain routines (such as crating) don’t force it in a way that traumatizes the dog. Understand that you might have to start training from scratch.  

        With time and patience, your German Shepherd will learn what’s expected of him and will make a wonderful addition to your home.