How Do I Give Up My Dog?

You can give up your dog by surrendering him to a local shelter, finding a rescue that will take him, or by rehoming him yourself. If you’ve made the decision that you can’t keep your pet, you likely would choose the option that will give your dog the best chance at going on to live in a happy, safe home.

The Choice To Give Up Your Pet 

When bringing a dog into your home, you hope it will be a be a lifetime commitment. Sometimes, however, circumstances arise that require you to give up your pet. Before you do so, make sure you’ve exhausted all other options

Some pet owners give up their dog for behavior issues, because they work too much, or for other reasons for which there could be another solution. For example: 

  • Many behavior issues can be overcome with proper training or by working with an animal behaviorist.
  • If you work long hours, consider doggy day care or a dog walking service.
  • If you’re worried about finding pet-friendly houses, your local shelter may have lists available. There are also many excellent online resources for finding pet-friendly rentals. 

When Rehoming Is The Only Option 

If you do find that you must give up your dog, consider rehoming him yourself.

If you surrender him to a shelter, he may become a lifelong resident or in the worst case, be put down rather than rehomed. He deserves a second chance at happiness and you deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing you helped him find the perfect home.

Not sure how to get started? Visit Rehome for all the information you need as well as helpful tools that will help you connect with the perfect adopters for your dog. When you visit the website you’ll find:

Rehoming your pet yourself may take a bit of time, but it is well worth it—for both you and your dog. 

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

Many boxers are returned to a shelter or rescue after just a few days because the adopters say the dog isn’t fitting in, but just “how long does it take a boxer to get used to a new home?” It’s unreasonable to expect a dog to come into a home and immediately fall in line with all of the rules and routines. It can take weeks, or even months for a boxer, or any pet, to become comfortable in his new environment and to become his best self.

Why Does it Take So Long?

Typically when adopting from a shelter, the new owners don’t know the history of the dog. It’s important to remember that the dog was taken from his home and placed in an environment that was likely very frightening to him.

Then you came along and gave him a home, but he doesn’t understand that it’s permanent. It will take some time for him to understand that he is safe now.

Be patient with the boxer and understand that it will take the dog time to learn your routines and to know what is expected of him. 

You can help by:

  • Providing a crate or other spot where the boxer feels safe
  • Being realistic in your expectations
  • Working with a trainer, if necessary 

In It for the Long Haul

Some new pet owners give up on their dogs after a week or two while the dog is in an adjustment period. This is sad both for the dog, who now has to start from scratch with a new family, and for the family who gave him up too soon. With a bit more time, the right guidance, and a little patience, the boxer likely would have blossomed into a wonderful family pet.

If the boxer you adopted isn’t progressing as you’d like, don’t give up on him. Ask the shelter or rescue for advice or to point you to resources to help in training the dog. In the end, you’ll be happy you did! 

Will Mothballs Stop Dogs From Digging?

Mothballs may act as a deterrent to stop some dogs from digging, but they are toxic to dogs and should not be left in a place where a dog can access them. Instead, find a repellant that isn’t potentially harmful to your pet. In order to effectively stop digging, you should first try to figure out the reason for the behavior, as that will help you address the cause rather than the digging itself.

Mothballs and Dogs 

Mothballs are poisonous to moth larvae (that’s kind of the point!), but they are also harmful to dogs and cats. Symptoms include:

  • Vomiting and Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Fluid Accumulation
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Loss of Appetite 

In the most severe cases, death can occur. This is obviously not something you want around your dog. Instead, here are a few tips to help you stop your dog from digging:

  • Boredom is a common cause, so make sure your dog gets plenty of walks and playtime.
  • Some dogs dig to cool off. If your dog must be left outside in the heat (which is never ideal,) make sure he has access to shade and plenty of water.
  • Have you seen signs of burrowing animals in your yard? If so, your dog may be digging to hunt. Call a humane exterminating company that will safely remove such animals from your yard.
  • If your dog is digging around the fence, he’s probably trying to escape. In this case, you need to keep him safe by either not leaving him alone in the yard or by shoring up the fence with chicken wire or by burying it one to two feet beneath the ground. 

Mothballs are not the answer, but there are many other ways to stop your dog from digging. Don’t give up! With a little patience, you’ll find the solution that works for you.  

How Long Does it Take Labrador Retrievers to Get Used to a New Home?

If you’ve recently adopted a Labrador retriever, you might be wondering, “how long does it take a Labrador Retriever to get used to a new home?” Some people get frustrated when a new dog doesn’t fall right into their family’s established routines, but the truth is that it can take weeks or even months for a dog to fully become used to his new home. Dogs that have been shuffled around or who have been through traumatic experiences typically take longer to adjust.

Don’t Give Up On Your Pet

When a new Labrador Retriever is still having trouble getting used to his new home even after a few weeks, some pet owners start to think they didn’t find the right fit. Don’t give up! It might take some extra time and effort, but he WILL come around. If he gets sent off to a new home, he’ll have to start from scratch, and you’ll have to start over with a new dog.

One thing that will help is properly transitioning a dog in to your home. Most shelters and rescues will provide information on how to do this. Tips may vary somewhat based on the history and behavior of the dog, but a few pointers include:

  • Provide a Crate: Even if you don’t plan to crate your dog when you’re not home, crate training is a good idea. When properly handled, the dog will view the crate as a safe place.
  • Don’t Yell or Hit: Yelling at or hitting a dog will never bring about the desired results. Instead of helping your dog learn to follow commands and to be confident, he’ll become timid and fearful. Instead, learn how to get your dog’s attention by using a stern voice when he does something wrong and by praising him when does something good.
  • Training Classes: Quality training classes aren’t just about teaching your dog to behave; they are also about teaching you how to be the leader your dog needs. Taking some training classes with a reputable trainer could make a world of difference.

The reward for your patience and hard work will be a Labrador Retriever who is loyal and obedient for life! 

How Much Does It Cost To Surrender A Dog?

It usually costs somewhere between $50 and $150 to surrender your dog. The cost varies based on several factors such as your location, the type of facility, and the age of the pet. Certain facilities charge less per pet for those surrendering entire litters. Some private rescues do not charge a fee if they accept a dog for surrender, but this varies by organization.

Surrendering a Dog to a Shelter 

There are many reasons that pet owners may feel their only option is to surrender their dog to a shelter. These include:

  • Behavior issues
  • Financial problems
  • Feeling like they don’t have enough time to spend with the pet
  • The birth of a baby
  • An impending move

But is surrendering a dog to the shelter the best solution? Many times, the above issues can be overcome or something can be worked out that allows the dog to remain in the home. If that’s not possible, and every resource has been exhausted, consider rehoming your pet instead of surrendering the dog to a shelter. 

Benefits of Rehoming vs. Surrendering 

Once a dog is surrendered to a shelter, her or his fate is out of your hands. The truth is that many surrendered pets have a hard time finding new homes because the stress of being in a shelter or rescue alters their personalities. In the best cases, they find a new home—but wouldn’t you have more peace of mind if you had input into the type of family that adopted your dog?

Finding a new home for your pet is a better solution that allows you to be sure your dog goes to a good home, and there are tools that make the process easier. Rehome is a website devoted to helping responsible pet owners find new homes for their cats or dogs. It’s easy to use and in just a few minutes, your dog’s profile will be available to potential adopters all over the country. 

One of the many resources on Rehome is an application with detailed questions that will help you screen adopters to find the perfect situation for your dog. Rehome also provides an adoption agreement that allows you to specify what should happen to the pet if the adoption doesn’t work out.

The cost of surrendering a dog includes more than just money. Consider rehoming instead so you’ll have peace of mind about the final outcome. 

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Maltese?

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to find a new home for your Maltese, there are many resources available to help you through the process. You never want to make the mistake of giving your dog to just anyone because they may not be a good fit for your Maltese. Below are some things you’ll need to do to ensure that he goes to a great new owner.

Know What Your Dog Needs

You’ve spent more time with your dog than anyone else has, and this means that you know their personality and their needs better than others. You also know his quirks, both good and bad. Does he love getting brushed? Does he chase cats? Does he snap at children? Maybe he needs to be on a special diet, or he needs to take medication each day.

Your goal is to find an owner that will accept the good and the bad, and that can provide your dog with the care he’ll need. After all, you want him to go to a home that will love him and keep him healthy, happy, and safe for the rest of his life.

Talk with People You Know

One of the first options you may want to consider is finding your Maltese a home with someone you know. You might have a friend or a relative that has been looking for a hypoallergenic dog for their family. They could be a great solution, especially if they already know and like your dog.

However, you can’t simply give your dog to someone that you know without thinking about your dog’s needs. Make sure that it’s the right fit first and ask questions to find out how they plan on caring for your dog (the same way you would of a stranger).

Just keep in mind that when they’re in the new home, you’ll want to give it a few months before you visit. This will allow your dog to see the new home and family as theirs, and they won’t try to come home with you.

Take Your Time to Find the Perfect Owner Online 

You might not know someone personally that’s looking for a dog. Fortunately, the internet has made it easier to find people looking to adopt. Of course, you shouldn’t just use any classified ad site to advertise your dog—you never know who is on those sites or what their intentions are.

Instead, choose a site that’s built specifically for people who want to adopt a dog. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, is a great solution. The peer-to-peer adoption platform is easy to use and is free for owners. Adopters only pay a small rehoming fee that’s similar to what they would pay to a shelter or rescue.

You can create a detailed profile for your dog through Rehome that includes photos, videos, and a bio. Remember to make the bio as detailed as possible, including the personality and quirks of your Maltese. Your Maltese’s bio is then uploaded directly to Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of potential adopters to see. Once you start receiving applications, Rehome will provide you with tips on how to choose the right adopter, and will even help you with the contract process. It’s a straight-forward and safe way to make sure you’re doing right by your dog. 

What Does it Mean to Rehome a Dog?

Rehoming a dog means means finding a new home where your dog will be safe and loved. This is different from surrendering your dog to a shelter or rescue because you’re helping your dog go from your home right into another home. When you take the time needed to rehome the dog, you’re able to choose a family that is a perfect fit for your pet.

How Do I Find a Home for My Dog? 

Before you start searching for a new home for your dog, be sure that you have tried everything to keep him in your home. Talk to your vet, local trainers, and animal welfare groups for advice. You can also view our Keep Your Pet guide here. If you find that you still need to rehome your pet once those efforts are exhausted, here are some tips to keep in mind: 

  • Think twice about rehoming your pet through classified sites. Many people troll such sites looking for dogs to use for nefarious purposes.
  • Always charge a rehoming fee. Giving dogs away “free to a good home” is never a good idea because you want the new adopter to demonstrate that they are serious about providing a great home for your furry friend. Charging a rehoming fee of $50 to $150 shows that the adopter has some financial resources to commit to the dog and eliminates certain risks, such as your dog being sold to a lab.
  • Use available resources to make finding a home easier. Rehome is a website dedicated to helping responsible pet owners find the perfect home for their dog or cat. The service allows you set up an eye-catching profile and to connect with potential adopters at no charge. Applications are submitted right through the site, and you’ll even find helpful tips about screening potential homes, and much more. 

If you absolutely cannot keep your dog, take the time to ensure he’ll be happy with a new family. It’s the right thing to do—both for your dog and for your own peace of mind. 

How Do I Surrender My Boxer?

If you’re asking, “how do I surrender my boxer,” you’ve probably decided that you can no longer keep your pet. You’ll have a few options; including surrendering your dog to a local shelter. This typically includes meeting with an intake specialist and paying a surrender fee. The exact protocol varies, but what remains the same across the board, is that you’ll have no say in what happens to your dog once he’s been surrendered.

Will the Shelter Find a Home for My Boxer if I Surrender Him? 

In a perfect world, every dog that entered a shelter would end up in a great home. In reality, it doesn’t always work like that. It often has nothing to do with lack of effort on the part of the shelter team; instead it comes down to simple math. If more people are surrendering dogs than are looking to adopt a dog then it may be difficult to find a good situation for your boxer.

Is There a Way to Guarantee He’ll Eventually Find a Home? 

The best way to make sure your dog ends up in a loving home is to find that home yourself. This is an option overlooked by many pet owners because they aren’t sure where to begin to find a good home for their dog.

While it will take a bit of time and effort, you don’t have to go it alone. Resources are available to help you. One great resource is Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. From expert advice to online tools like the ability to create a profile and communicate with adopters, this website simplifies the process of finding a perfect home for your boxer so you can avoid the need to surrender him to a shelter.

An added benefit? In addition to ensuring a happy future for your boxer, you also help other dogs by freeing up the shelter’s resources to better care for them.

Put in the effort to find a new family for your boxer. You’ll have peace of mind knowing his happy, healthy future is secured. 

What Is A Reasonable Rehoming Fee For A Dog?

A reasonable rehoming fee for a dog starts at about $50 and can go up from there. The purpose of the fee is not to make money, but rather to avoid giving the dog to someone unwilling to invest in having a pet. Charging a fee also reduces the possibility that your dog will be used for fighting or sold to a lab. Many people don’t realize how real those dangers are, but they are very much reduced by charging a rehoming fee. 

What If The Person Seems Really Nice? 

If the person who wants to adopt your dog seems nice but is haggling over a $50 rehoming fee, it’s probably time to look for a different adopter. Here’s why:

  • People that would want to use your dog in a bad way have honed their skills of seeming like the perfect adopters. Some even bring kids along to put on a really good show.
  • It’s expensive to take good care of a dog. If someone is unwilling or unable to pay a $50 rehoming fee, they may not be in the best position to adopt. Also, if they are put off by a small rehoming fee, what will they do when faced with a large vet bill? 

Don’t feel any guilt whatsoever for charging a fee to rehome your dog. The point of it is to protect him.

Need more advice for rehoming a dog? Visit Rehome where you’ll find lots of tips and tools to help you find the perfect home for your pup. 

What is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for a Rottweiler?

A reasonable rehoming fee for a rottweiler will typically be up to $300 for a full-grown dog. Typically, the fees will range from $50 to several hundred dollars. Anything more than this is the type of price that would be paid to a breeder rather than rehoming, in most cases.

Why Rehoming Fee Prices Vary

Keep in mind that many different factors will affect the amount charged for rehoming whether it’s through a facility or someone who has to give up their dog. The age of the dog is a prime factor. Younger dogs tend to have higher fees. The location where you live can be a factor, as well.

If you have to give up your dog, you’ll want to keep the rehoming fees you charge in line with the average in your area. Those who are adopting a rottweiler will want to check to see what the rehoming fees generally are in their location. Just keep in mind that they can still vary from one person and facility to the next.

Do Shelters and Rescues Charge Fees?

Even shelters and rescues will charge fees when people come to adopt a dog through them. You’ll find that these tend to be similar to the cost of rehoming fees, which ranges from $50 to $150 or higher in most places. These facilities also charge surrender fees when someone has to drop off their dog.

The money that’s provided to the shelters and rescues typically goes right back into operating the facility and making sure the animals are well cared for.

Are Rehoming Fees Needed?

Some people don’t like the idea of rehoming fees and believe that owners are simply trying to profit off a dog they no longer want. While this may happen occasionally, the fees are beneficial overall. Rehoming fees ensure that people don’t bring home a new dog on a whim or get a dog they can’t afford.

The fees also help to ensure that people who have nefarious intent don’t take your dog. Some people look for free and cheap dogs that they can use for fighting. Rottweilers are often sought after for this reason. Fees reduce this risk. Fees also ensure people who look for free animals online to sell to labs won’t make a profit off the animals.

Using Rehome

If you’re rehoming on your own, you’ll always want to charge a rehoming fee for the reasons mentioned above. If you opt to use the Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, you won’t have to worry about the fee, because the site will charge it. As an owner giving up a dog, you won’t have to pay any fees. The adopters will pay a rehoming fee that’s similar to what they would pay to a shelter or rescue.

The site is easy to use, and it provides a safer way for you to find the right family to adopt your rottweiler. After all, you want to be sure that he has the best home possible.