How Do I Surrender My Dog?

You can surrender your dog by taking him to an animal shelter or rescue organization. It’s important to know what will take place once you relinquish your pet to a shelter or rescue and also to be aware that there are alternatives. Some facilities don’t allow walk-in surrenders and almost all charge a fee. This varies by location, so it’s important to call ahead to learn the procedures of the animal welfare organizations near you.

How to Surrender a Dog 

The first step is making a phone call to the organization to let them know that you would like to surrender your dog. In some cases, they will ask you several questions about the dog and about your reasons for surrendering him. If the facility does not answer, you can move forward with bringing the animal in the shelter or rescue.

As more animal welfare facilities are learning the importance of trying to keep dogs in their homes, they may offer or suggest talking with someone who could help you work on the issues that are making you want to surrender the dog. They may offer advice about animal training, day care facilities, where to find financial assistance, and other concerns. You can also refer to our Dog Tips guide if you are interested in learning more about how to help some common dog ownership questions.   

Once the decision to surrender is final, and the shelter has agreed to take the pet, you’ll bring the dog to the facility, pay a fee, and sign the pet over to the organization.

When you leave, the fate of the pet is out of your hands. Sadly, many healthy pets are at risk of euthanasia after being surrendered. Some are afraid of the shelter environment which can cause a normally well-mannered dog to behave aggressively out of fear. Such behavior decreases the chances the dog will be adopted. The lucky dogs will find new homes, but you’ll have no input into the type of family that is allowed to adopt your pet.

Other Options 

If there is no way to keep your dog there are options other than surrendering him that give your pet a better chance for a positive outcome.

Find a Rescue Group 

A rescue is different than a shelter, such as the city pound, in that they are privately run groups that give dogs as long as it takes to find their forever home. For that reason, it can be difficult to find a rescue that has the space to take your pet, but it is something worth trying.

Rehome the Dog Yourself 

If you are willing to take the time to find a new home for pet, this is often the ideal option. When going this route it is extremely important:

  • To think twice about giving your dog away on sites like Craigslist or Facebook pages. There are people who scour these sites looking for pets to sell to a lab, use for dog fighting, or other bad things. You should use caution and properly screen all applicants if you decide to go this route.
  • NOT to give your dog “free to a good home” (Always charge a rehoming fee.)
  • NOT to give your dog to a family without checking references and further screening them.

    The process of properly rehoming your dog might seem overwhelming, but there are resources to make it easier and to ensure your dog will be safe, happy, and loved in his new home. Rehome is a website that is dedicated to helping responsible pet owners find loving homes for their pets. From advice about screening adopters to creating a profile to get your pet noticed, Rehome is a great resource. 

    Surrendering or rehoming a dog should be a last resort, but sometimes even loving pet owners have no choice. If that’s the case in your situation, consider taking the steps to find your pet the perfect home, so you’ll know you did your best for him or her. 

    How Do I Give Up My Jack Russell Terrier?

    You can give up your Jack Russell Terrier in many different ways if you’re no longer capable of keeping him. It’s important to have an understanding of the various options available so you can find the best solution for your dog.

    Giving Your Dog Up to a Shelter or Rescue

    You might’ve considered surrendering your dog to a rescue or a shelter. These are options to consider, but you can’t simply drop your dog off at one of these locations. Instead, you’ll have to contact the facility first to learn their policies and what you need to do first.

    Often, they’ll ask you why you need to give up your dog because they want to see if there might be a way to help you keep your dog. For example, if you worry that you can’t provide your Jack Russell Terrier with enough exercise, they might suggest a pet sitter or dog walker. The goal is to make sure that they do what’s best for your dog.

    Of course, there are many cases where you simply can’t keep your dog. In those cases, the shelters and rescues will let you know about their surrender fees, their policies, and what you need to do before you can drop him off.

    Keep in mind there are other options you can consider, as well.

    Giving Your Dog to Someone You Know

    One of the best options is to look at friends and family that might be thinking about getting a dog. Rather than adopting a different dog, they might be interested in your Jack Russell Terrier. This is especially true if they already know your dog. When you find someone that you know and trust to adopt your dog, it will give you more peace of mind, naturally.

    However, if you choose this option, it’s important to allow your dog time to adjust to their new home with new owners.

    Rehoming Your Jack Russell Terrier Online 

    Another option to consider when you have to give up your Jack Russell Terrier is to rehome with someone you find online. You’ll want to be sure that you’re only using a reputable site for pet adoptions. Steer clear of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, since it’s difficult to determine whether those people were actively looking to adopt a dog or just found your listing on a whim.

    If you’re going to be rehoming your Jack Russell Terrier on your own, make sure that you charge a rehoming fee. This reduces the risk for your dog since people who have bad intentions are typically looking for free animals online.

    Choosing a platform like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, helps to ensure safety, as well as ease of use. Those who are looking at the site are serious about adopting, and they take their time to read the profile you created about your dog. This helps to make it easier for you to find the right new owners for your Jack Russell Terrier when you receive the adoption applications.

    How Long Does the Humane Society Keep Huskies?

    Are you wondering how long the humane society keeps huskies? While most humane societies don’t have a specific time limit, there are some factors that will cause them to pull the dog from the adoption floor. These include, health issues or the dog showing signs of stress. Unfortunately, many dogs don’t do well in shelters, and those who become upset or aggressive may not find a home.

    Is There Another Option? 

    Humane societies do great work, but the more dogs they take in, the more difficult the work becomes. If you can find another way to rehome your dog, it’s not only better for your husky, but it frees up a spot in their shelter to help another dog.

    Rehoming your husky yourself eliminates the possibility of your dog getting stressed in a shelter and has the added benefit of giving you control over who adopts him. After all, no one knows your husky better than you do!

    If the idea of rehoming the dog yourself seems overwhelming, you’ll be happy to know that there are excellent resources available to help you, like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. You’ll find advice from professionals as well as tools to aid you in finding the perfect home.

    You’ll be able to: 

    • Create a pet profile
    • Review applications from potential adopters
    • Communicate with potential adopters
    • Upload vet records
    • Complete adoption paperwork
    • And more! 

    Surrendering your husky to your local humane society is one option, but it’s not the only option. If you want to guarantee that your dog finds a great home, there is no better way than to find that home yourself with Rehome. Your husky deserves a loving home and you deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing he’s with a family who will care for and love him. 

    How Do I Find A Home For My Cat?

    If you need to find a home for your cat, there are several things you should do to ensure both you and your cat are happy with the decision for the long-term. You’ll need to get prepared with all of your cat’s important information, create a biography or story, and then start sharing that info with the right people and in the right places.


    Preparing to Find a New Home for Your Cat

    Make sure you have all of the necessary information your cat’s potential new family might be interested in knowing. This would include not only your cat’s medical records and health history, but also information on his temperament and personality. Is he good with other cats? How about dogs? Do you think he’d like living in a home with children? These are all questions potential adopters might ask. It’s also a good idea to have at least one or two engaging photos of your cat ready to share (for tips on how to take great pet photography, check out the Pet Photo and Video Tips section of our FAQs).


    Create a “Bio” for Your Cat

    Now you’re ready to get started. Start by writing a short description of your cat that will give would-be adopters an idea of why your cat would be a great addition to their life. Maybe he likes to snuggle and binge-watch Netflix with you, or perhaps his silly antics are known to keep you laughing for hours. Help others understand why he’s a great cat. This “bio” for your cat, along with those amazing glamour shots you took earlier, are just the thing your cat needs to stand out!


    Share Your Cat with Friends and Family

    Get your cat seen by adopters. Easier said than done, right? Actually, this part might be easier than you think. We always recommend talking with friends and family as a first step when you must find a new home for any pet. Oftentimes, a beloved pet can remain in your extended family by being adopted by a loved one who happens to be looking for a new pet just as you are looking for a new home for yours. They will appreciate the thorough information you put together on your pet’s personality and health and you’ll appreciate knowing they are in an awesome home!


    Use Rehome to Find a New Home for Your Cat

    If your family and friends are unable to take your cat, the team here at Adopt-a-Pet.com has a program called Rehome that is available for pet parents in exactly your situation. It’s free, simple to use, and will get your pet’s photos and bio in front of the millions of potential adopters who are searching on our site. Our team will provide guidance along the way including an application interested adopters can fill out right from your cat’s profile and tips on how to review applications for good answers and red flags. We’ll even help you to transfer your cat’s medical records to the new adopter! Get started with Rehome here.

    How Do I Give Up My Husky?

    If you’re in a situation where you can longer keep your pet you may wonder, “How do I give up my husky? Options for giving up your husky include surrendering him to a shelter, signing him over to a rescue, or rehoming him yourself. No matter which you choose, take the time to do some rehome_research first to make sure your husky has the best chance of finding a happy, loving home.

    How to Surrender a Husky to a Shelter 

    The procedure is usually fairly simple. You’ll meet with an intake specialist, pay a fee, and hand over your dog. While that itself is straightforward, you should also take the time to do some rehome_research before signing over your husky.

    Learn about the shelter’s save rates, policies regarding how long they’ll keep a dog, and how they handle dogs with health or behavior problems. Doing some rehome_research will give you some insight into the potential outcomes for your dog.

    How to Find a Rescue 

    A reputable private rescue is a great alternative because they are usually able to keep pets indefinitely if needed, but it can be difficult to find one with space. Look for a rescue that focuses on huskies and start there. If you’re willing to be put on a waiting list, that may increase your chances of finding a great rescue that will take your dog.

    How to Rehome a Husky Yourself 

    Would you like to have a say in what happens to your husky? If so, then rehoming your dog yourself is the best option. If you’ve never found a home for a dog before then the task can seem overwhelming, but there are some resources available with advice and helpful tools to assist you in finding the perfect home for your pet. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com offers useful tips on how to find your husky a new home and allows you to build a pet profile that can be viewed by millions of potential adopters on Adopt-a-Pet.com. 

    Only you can decide which option is best for you, but the peace of mind you’ll have finding a loving home for your husky yourself is worth the extra time and effort.

    What is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for an Australian Shepherd?

    A reasonable rehoming fee for an Australian Shepherd is typically around $300. However, this varies from one geographic to the next. There are additional factors that could change the amount of the rehoming fee, as well. The age of your dog, whether she has medical issues, and where she’s currently located, for example, can all play a role in determining the amount of a rehoming fee.

    Why Charge a Rehoming Fee?

    Rehoming fees are important for several reasons, even though they have earned a bad reputation. The purpose of the fee is not for someone to make money off of an animal they are selling. Instead, when adopting or rehoming a pet, the fees are used to cover the expenses of caring for your dog before the adoption or rehoming. When using Rehome, for example, those who are adopting through the site will pay a rehoming fee that will then go back to care for other animals.

    However, this isn’t the only reason to charge a rehoming fee for the pet. One of the primary reasons for these fees is to ensure that only those who have good intentions can bring the animal home.

    Dogs and other pets that are given away to people on sites like Craigslist or Facebook could be in danger. While there may be wonderful people looking for pets on those sites, there are also people who have nefarious intent. They may not care for the dog properly, or they may use them for fighting or labs, for example. The rehoming fee helps to ensure that they have a financial stake in bringing the pet home.

    Should Owners Charge a Rehoming Fee to Friends and Family?

    If you have to give up your Australian Shepherd, and you’re fortunate enough to find a loved one who wants to adopt your dog, that’s great. It tends to be less stress on the owner and your dog in these cases. When she is going directly to someone that you know and trust, there’s less of a reason to need to charge the rehoming fee.

    You still want to make sure that this will be the right home and the right fit for your pet, of course. Make sure that the new owner has the financial capabilities to provide for your dog, and that they’ll be capable of spending time with the pet.

    Using Rehome for Adoption

    Rehome is a platform through Adopt-a-Pet.com, and it makes adopting easier on owners and adopters. This platform allows owners to add a pet profile for their Australian Shepherd, along with pictures and videos.

    Once you find the perfect person or family to adopt the dog, you can provide the animal’s medical records through the site. It’s free for the owners to use, and you can examine the adoption applications to find the best new owner. The adopters can search for animals and submit their applications. They will only have to pay a small rehoming fee comparable to what is paid in a shelter.

    How Do I Surrender My Husky?

    The answer to, “how do I surrender my Husky,” depends on where you live and the specific rules of your local shelters. Generally speaking, you’ll be asked to complete an interview with an intake specialist, pay a surrender fee, and then sign over the rights to your dog. Once you do, what happens next is entirely at the discretion of the shelter. For that reason, it’s important to understand what it means to surrender your pet before giving up your Husky. 

    Will They Find Him a Good Home?

    Maybe. The truth is shelters do their best to rehome all their dogs, but it’s not always possible. Also, some shelters have lower save rates than others, and there are many factors that contribute to this.

    Doing a little rehome_research may give you peace of mind about the possible outcomes for your pet—or may make you want to find a different path. Either way, avoiding a shelter is the better option for several reasons, including that it relieves the stress of caring for more pets from overtaxed shelters and many dogs don’t do well in a shelter environment.

    Is There Another Option? 

    If you’d like a different option, consider talking to a reputable private rescue. You may be able to find a breed-specific rescue that is willing to take your Husky. Another thing to consider is rehoming your dog yourself. This will take a bit more time and effort, but will be totally worth it to have the peace of mind of knowing your pet is in a safe and loving home.

    If you like the idea of rehoming him yourself but aren’t sure where to start, check out the Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com website. You’ll find expert advice and helpful tools, including the ability to create a pet profile that can be seen by people actively looking for a pet, you’ll be able to communicate with potential adopters, and more.

    If you can’t keep your Husky, finding him a home yourself is a way to give him the best chance of a happy future. 

    Do You Have to Pay to Rehome a Pomeranian?

    You don’t have to pay to rehome a Pomeranian if you’re the current owner and you’re looking for a new owner. However, there are different types of fees that could be involved depending on how you’re giving up your dog. It’s also important to understand why rehoming fees are so important and who pays them.

    Why Are Rehoming Fees Needed Today?

    People often wonder why someone might charge a rehoming fee. After all, if someone needs to give up their dog, wouldn’t they be happy for someone willing to take her if needed? While that might be true in a perfect world, we don’t live in that world. Some people have nefarious intent when they’re looking for dogs. They want to find free and cheap animals that they can then sell to labs or that could be used for training and bait for fighting dogs.

    You never want something so horrible to happen to your dog, so you should always charge a rehoming fee. This helps to reduce the risk for your Pomeranian, as people who have bad intentions do not want to pay for the dogs they get. Rehoming fees aren’t about making money from your dog; they’re about keeping your dog safe.

    What is a Surrender Fee?

    Sometimes, the owner does have to pay when they give up their dog. This happens when surrendering your dog to an animal shelter or a rescue. The cost can vary but surrender fees will generally be at least $50 and are often higher. The facility and your location will play a role in the cost. The money from these fees, like adoption fees, helps to ensure the facilities keep running.

    People who are adopting from a shelter or a rescue never have a problem with the fees they pay, so they shouldn’t have any problem paying a rehoming fee that’s in line with those costs. For example, when you go through Rehome to find a new owner for your dog, the site charges the rehoming fee. This is similar to what the adopter would pay through a rescue or shelter, and the money helps other animals get adopted.

    When Do You Not Need to Charge a Rehoming Fee?

    Should you always charge a rehoming fee? If you’re giving the dog to someone you don’t know, then you should always charge a fee. The only time that you don’t need to charge a fee to rehome your dog is when you already know the person well. You have a good idea that they’ll be a great match for your dog because you have known the person for a while. They might be one of your friends or a relative, for example.

    The owner, unless you’re surrendering the animal, should never have to pay a fee to rehome their Pomeranian. If you find a site that charges you a rehoming fee to list your animal, choose another option that’s free like Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com

    Where Can I Put an Australian Shepherd Up for Adoption?

    You can put an Australian Shepherd up for adoption online through various free sites, such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. This platform connects owners with as many potential adopters as possible. There are some other options for rehoming, as well as surrendering the dog to a shelter or a rescue. However, owners should always work to find a new home for their dog rather than surrendering him.

    Finding the Right Home for Your Pet

    If you feel that you don’t have any other choice but to put your Australian Shepherd up for adoption, rehoming is the best course of action. However, you do need to be sure that you take the time needed to find a great new home for your dog. You want him to be happy, safe, and cared for by his new owners.

    Although it will take more time and effort than bringing your dog to the shelter, it is well worth it. When you use a site like Rehome, it helps to put your pet in front of as many people looking to adopt as possible. This helps to get more interest in your dog, and it will make it easier for you to find a wonderful home for him.

    As an owner who needs to give up their dog, you won’t have to pay a fee when you use Rehome. The only fees are paid by the adopter, and they are only rehoming fees that are about the same as what would be paid at a shelter or rescue. All of the fees go into helping more animals get adopted.

    Rehome allows owners to create a highly detailed profile of their Australian Shepherd. This will include a bio, which should be detailed and honest. If your dog has health issues, or if he doesn’t like other animals, make sure it is noted in the bio. Additionally, you can put up photos and videos of your dog. A great profile will help to get your dog noticed by people who are looking to adopt.

    The platform also provides owners with guidance in what they should be looking for when the adopters submit their applications. This helps you to be sure about your decision when you choose who will get to adopt your Australian Shepherd. Rehome is a simple, safe, and effective solution that can help you find the ideal home for your pet.

    Shelters and Rescues

    Shelters and rescues are options, as well, but these should be considered last. Shelters don’t always have enough room and resources, and this means that some of them still euthanize to make more space. They don’t want to do this, but they often don’t have a choice. Rescue organizations will keep the dog until it has been adopted, but they don’t always have the room available to take on new dogs.

    The best option for rehoming your pet is to use Rehome. It will give you the peace of mind you need.

    How Much Does It Cost To Surrender A Cat?

    The cost to surrender a cat varies from organization to organization, but there is usually some type of fee. If you are considering surrendering your cat to a shelter or rescue, you may want to consider rehoming your cat in a way that is free and causes your pet less stress.

    What alternatives do I have to surrendering a cat I can’t keep?

    Rather than bringing your cat to a rescue or shelter, you can post her or him online to help find a new home! With this option, both you and your cat can remain in the comfort of your home while you search for someone to adopt your cat.


    Begin with your network

    The first step to take is asking people you know if they would like to adopt your cat. Call your friends and family, ask your neighbors, or post to social media to see if anyone is interested in keeping your cat. This option will give you peace of mind, because your cat will be with someone you know and trust.


    Create a profile on Rehome

    If no one in your network can adopt your cat, it’s time to make a profile on Rehome! This peer-to-peer service helps you to find a suitable new home for your cat by posting them on Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of possible adopters to see. Making a profile is quick, simple, and completely free. Once you fill out all necessary information, your cat’s profile will be available for people to view.


    What happens after I post my cat to Rehome?

    Shortly after posting your cat to Rehome, you may see questions coming in. If you signed up for mobile alerts, anytime someone asks a question or applies for your cat, you will be notified, keeping you in the loop. When someone asks a question, you can respond rehome_legacyly so other potential adopters can see the answer as well.


    You will also begin to receive applications for your cat. This can sometimes be overwhelming, so the Rehome team will offer pointers on how to pick the strongest applicants and how to avoid red flags.


    Once you’ve narrowed down your applications, it’s time to meet the applicant in person. The Rehome team also offers tips on how to set up a successful and safe in-person meeting. From here, you’ll choose a new family for your cat and finalize the adoption. You can sign and access a contract through the Rehome portal as well as transfer all medical records.