How Do I Rehome My Pit Bull?

 When giving up a dog, many pet owners ask, how do I rehome my pit bull? In order to do it in a way that is responsible and ensures your dog’s safety, you’ll need to screen potential adopters, charge a rehoming fee, and follow a few other guidelines to make sure your dog’s new owners are capable of properly caring for the dog. The Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com website has valuable resources to walk you through the process as well as tools to find potential adopters.

Steps You Should Take When Rehoming Your Pit Bull and Why They Are Important

What NOT To Do When Rehoming A Pet

If you’ve ever scrolled through an online classified page, you’ve seen the ads: Pit Bull Free to a Good Home. Sadly, many dogs in “free to a good home” ads end up getting picked up by predators looking for free dogs to use for dog fighting, to sell to labs, and for other illicit activities.

  • These people go to great lengths to convince the dog owner they are looking for a family pet. Some even bring along a child to make it look good. It’s horrifying to think about it, and that’s why you should avoid listing your dog in this manner.
  • Do not rush the process. Whatever the issue that makes you want to rehome the pet, you can likely find resources to help that would allow you to keep your dog. Rehoming should be a last resort after all other options are exhausted. And, if you’ve deciding rehoming is the best course, take your time evaluating potential adopters.

What You SHOULD Do When Rehoming A Pet

Now that you know what you shouldn’t do; here are some things you should do to keep your pet safe.

  • Charge a Rehoming Fee: When you charge a rehoming fee, it reduces the risk of adopting your dog to people looking for dogs for nefarious purposes. Plus, if someone is unwilling or unable to pay $50-$150 or so to adopt the dog, they may not be able or willing to care for the dog properly.
  • Screen Potential Adopters: Screening is a crucial step in making sure you dog ends up in a safe home. There are several questions you can ask to weed out people who are unable to properly care for your dog. For example, if they have had dogs in the past, ask who their vet was and then call for a reference. With Rehome, you’ll find advice on a wide range of screening tools. People will say anything they think you want to hear. That’s why screening them is so important.
  • Sign a Contract: Once you find your pit bull the perfect new home, Rehome will help you finalize a contract with the new adopter. The contract will outline exactly how ownership will be transferred and the experts at Rehome can guide you through the entire contract and rehoming process.

It might seem like a lot, but taking the appropriate steps gives your pit bull the best chance of ending up in a happy home!  

How Do I Surrender My Catahoula Leopard Dog?

If you surrender your Catahoula Leopard Dog, it means that you’re giving him up to a shelter or a rescue. The process for surrendering your dog to one of these facilities can vary from one place to the next. You need to understand the policies of the organization you’re considering before you give up your dog.

Check the Site

The first thing you should do is to check the shelter or rescue’s website to learn more about them. Does the shelter have a specific policy on how long they hold dogs before euthanizing them? Does the rescue specialize in certain breeds? Does the shelter offer sales and adoptions? Check out the site to learn as much as you can about the organization and to get their contact information.

Get in Touch

Once you have learned about the facility, it’s time to call them. During the phone call, they’ll want to know about your dog. They’ll need to know things like his health condition, age, temperament, and the like. This will give them a better idea of what to expect with your dog, and they may get a sense of how easy or difficult it will be for someone to adopt him.

Additionally, they may ask you why you need to give up your dog. They want the best for the animal, and sometimes that means keeping your dog with you. For example, if your dog has behavior issues, they may know some trainers in the area that could help. Often, shelters and rescues will have a list of resources that they can provide.

Of course, we know that it’s not always possible to keep your dog no matter how much you love him. Maybe you have to move and the new place won’t allow dogs of his size. There are countless reasons that you might need to give up your dog. In those cases, the shelter can make an appointment for you to drop him off. They’ll also let you know the cost of the surrender fee.

These fees are generally $50 and up. However, just like the policies, they can vary from one organization and location to the next.

Consider Other Options

While surrendering your dog to a shelter or a rescue is a possibility if you don’t have another choice, take some time to think about your other options. For example, you might have people in your inner circle, such as a friend from work or a cousin across town that’s been thinking about adopting a dog. See if they might be interested in your Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Also, you can find online pet adoption sites that help to make finding a great new owner easier. Rehome is part of Adopt-a-Pet.com and could be a great choice. You can create a profile with images, videos, and a bio of your dog. Interested people can then submit adoption applications that you can review. This gives you the ability to choose a great new owner for your dog that will match his needs.

Photo credit: Krystal Hamlin

How Long Does It Take an English Bulldog to Get Used to a New Home?

It will usually take an English Bulldog between one and three months to get used to a new home. However, you also have to remember that all dogs are different and they’ll take just as much time as they need to feel comfortable in your home. The dog’s age can also play a factor. Puppies and younger dogs will usually grow used to a new place and a new owner faster than older dogs.

Those who have owned English Bulldogs also know that they can sometimes be a bit stubborn about things. For this reason, it might end up taking a bit longer for the dog to fully acclimate to a new home and owner. However, when you use a few strategies, you can help to make this transition process easier on your dog and yourself.

Start Slowly 

The first couple of days that your new English Bulldog is in the house, you don’t want to overwhelm her. Give her a few days to acclimatize to the new surroundings. Let her rest and check the place out for herself. You can introduce her to the family members, of course, but you don’t want to have people over who don’t live in the house. It can become too much when she’s just trying to adjust.

Give her a space of her own, such as a doggie bed, along with some toys. When she goes to her space, let her be by herself for a bit, but make sure that she’s always welcome when she does want to come out and visit.

Over time, she’ll start to come around. It might take a while for her to bond with you as she did with her previous owner, but it will happen. Before long, it will be like she’s always been part of the family.

Prepare for Accidents and Escapes

Your new English Bulldog may be nervous in her new home, so you should be prepared for an upset stomach and maybe some bathroom issues during those first days or so. Sometimes, dogs lose their appetite in the beginning, so she might not eat as much. Watch her for signs of any health issues, but it’s usually just an adjustment period causing this to happen.

You should also be ready for any escape attempts. She might try to slip out when you open up the door and try to find her old owner. Make sure you’re aware of where she is when going into and out of the house.

Create a Schedule

It’s also a good idea to create a schedule as soon as possible. This will be for feeding and walks. Getting your new dog onto a schedule is good for her, and it helps to build a routine that she can learn. It also gets her used to her new life a bit faster. Make sure you also have consistent potty breaks for her and have her get to bed around the same time each night.
As long as you’re patient with her, you’ll see that she’ll begin to come around and feel more welcome in her new home. Just give it some time, love, and care. 

Can A Landlord Make You Get Rid Of Your Dog?

Your landlord cannot make your get rid of your dog without going through proper legal channels. Some will try, and many tenants have rehomed their dog because of a threat from a landlord, but make sure you know your rights before making such a drastic decision. You may be surprised to learn how many protections you have under the law. Laws and regulations vary greatly based on location and other factors, which is why doing your rehome_research is a must.

Never Sign A Lease That Specifies No Pets 

You love the apartment, but the lease says “no pets.” The landlord assures you that it’s just an old lease and pets are fine. Do NOT sign that lease. If the landlord changes his mind about pets down the road, all that will matter is what’s in the lease. Insist on only signing an updated lease that states pets are allowed.

Landlord Threatens to Remove Your Pet

Your landlord cannot enter your unit and remove your pet. He has to go through proper legal procedures. Seek legal advice immediately if your landlord has threatened this type of action. 

Service Animals are Allowed

Even if yours is a no-pet building, service animals are allowed, and you cannot be charged a pet fee. If your landlord is threatening eviction over a service animal, get the advice of a local advocacy group or attorney. 

A New Landlord Wants the Dog Gone

In most cases, the new landlord must abide by current leases. There are exceptions, and that’s why it’s important to know your rights and to get advice from your local housing authority. Of course, once the current lease is up, the new landlord can include language that prohibits pets. 

A No-Pet Clause Is Void In Some Cases 

In some locations, a no-pet clause becomes void if a pet has lived openly (not hidden from the property owners) in the rental for three months. This varies by type of unit and location.

What You Can Do to Prevent Issues With Your Landlord 

  • Never sneak an animal into a rental where pets are prohibited.
  • Be very clear about language in the lease as it relates to pets.
  • Provide proper training for your dog so he’ll be well-behaved.
  • Be honest when moving in about what type of dog and how many dogs you have.
  • Don’t add additional pets without checking that it will be allowed.
  • Always pay required pet fees on time.
  • Pick up after your dog in common areas. 

While your landlord can’t usually demand you rehome your pet right away, if he really wants the dog off the property, he will eventually make it happen. As soon as you realize your landlord is not okay with your dog, start looking for a new place. That way when your lease is up, you’ll already have a plan and won’t have to surrender your pet. 

How Do I Rehome My Labrador Retriever?

If you’re asking “how do I rehome my Labrador Retriever,” you’ve likely decided you can no longer keep your pet. Making a decision like this is not easy and you may be unsure on what your next steps should be. You’ll have a few options when it comes to rehoming your dog, including surrendering her to a shelter, working with a rescue, or rehoming her yourself.

Surrendering Your Labrador Retriever to a Shelter 

This is often the first thing that comes to mind because it’s fast and easy—but it’s important to understand all possible outcomes. Shelters work very hard to find homes for all the dogs in their care, but this isn’t always possible. Talk to the shelter operators about their policies before making this choice.

Working with a Rescue

If you can find a reputable private rescue with space for your dog, this is an excellent option. The problem is that great rescues are usually full and can have long waiting lists. Try breed-specific rescues and keep in mind that you might have a better chance if you communicate with the rescue that you’re able to keep your dog until space opens up.

Rehoming Your Dog Yourself 

Rehoming your Labrador Retriever yourself allows you to stay in control of the situation until you find her a suitable new home. Plus, you’re able to choose the home yourself—and who knows where your dog will be happy better than you?

You might not be sure how to go about finding a new home for your pet, but there are many helpful resources available. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com offers expert advice, allows you to create a pet profile (you can even include a video!), collect applications from potential adopters, and more.

Taking the time to find the right home is the best way to ensure both your dog’s happiness and your peace of mind! 

Where Can I Put a Shih Tzu Up for Adoption?

You can put your Shih Tzu up for adoption in many locations online and offline. The important thing to keep in mind is that you’ll always want to ensure that your dog goes to the best home possible, and this can take some work on your part. However, you’ll feel much better about the situation when you do.

No one imagines a scenario where they might have to give up their dog, but it happens. Perhaps you have to move to a location that won’t allow dogs– even a small, sweet dog like your Shih Tzu. Maybe you feel that you can’t take care of him properly any longer because of your health reasons or other issues. Regardless of the reason, you have no choice but to give up your dog for adoption. What’s the best way to go?

What Are Your Options?

The first option you’ll want to consider is family and friends. You may know someone in your family who has been talking about adopting a dog. Maybe they would like to adopt your Shih Tzu. This would be a great scenario since you already know whether they would be a good fit for your dog. It helps to provide you with some additional peace of mind.

You may not have anyone in your family or group of friends that can adopt your dog, of course, so you’ll want to find other options. The Internet can help to make this easier thanks to pet adoption sites. Be sure you’re using reputable sites and not classified ad sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Instead, choose Rehome. This is a platform from the largest pet adoption site in North America, Adopt-a-Pet.com. It’s a peer-to-peer pet adoption services that’s easy to use and that provides some features to ensure your dog gets the right new owner. On the site, you’ll fill out a detailed profile of your dog, which is then seen by potential adopters along with any photos or videos you add.

You must take the time to create a detailed profile that highlights all of the wonderful things about your Shih Tzu, as well as some of his “not so great” quirks and behaviors. For example, if he doesn’t get along with other small pets, this is something you’ll want to note. After all, you won’t want him in a home where he won’t feel comfortable and where the family might have to turn around and give him up.

Can Dogs Be Adopted from Shelters and Rescues?

Dogs are often adopted from shelters and rescues, but it’s never a guarantee. When you take your dog to a rescue, as long as they have available space for your dog, they’ll house him until he’s been adopted. However, there are not always enough people looking to adopt. With shelters, they’ll hold your dog for a certain period. After the period has passed, they may need to euthanize. Shelters try their best to find people to adopt, but it doesn’t always happen.
Always take the time to consider what’s best for your dog and help find him the perfect new home. 

What Does It Mean to Surrender a Pit Bull?

 If you can no longer keep your pet, you might be wondering: What does it mean to surrender a pit bull? Surrendering your dog means you’re giving up all your rights as the pit bull’s owner and transferring them to a rescue or shelter. Once surrendered, you no longer have a say in what happens to your dog, whether he is put down or adopted, or who adopts him. This can be difficult for anyone who loves their pet, so surrendering your pit bull should be a last resort.

Things to Keep in Mind

While animal welfare organizations do their best to provide the best care for the pets that come their way, your pet may not receive as much attention as you would like. Before you surrender your pit bull to any shelter or rescue group, do some rehome_research and be aware of the limitations some organizations face.

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for a place to surrender your pet:

  • Does the organization euthanize: Some shelters have very high intake rates and low resources, which can cause them to run out of kennel space quickly. When organizations run out of space, sometimes even healthy adoptable dogs are put to sleep. Euthanasia rates are often available to the rehome_legacy. Be aware of an organization’s policies before you decide to drop off your pet.
  • Your Pet’s Personality: Even if you have the friendliest dog in the world, your pit bull may not feel like himself in a shelter. The loud and crowded shelter environment can make your dog become anxious or aggressive and he may be labeled unadoptable. Consider how you pit bull might react to this type of situation before surrendering.

Other Options

If you find that your local shelter may not be a safe place to surrender your pit bull consider other solutions:

Keeping Your Dog

Are you giving up your pet because of behavior issues? In many cases, these are easy to solve with the help of a vet or trainer. Many behavioral issues stem from a medical need that can be addressed by a veterinarian. Others can be remedied with the support of a qualified animal behaviorist. Give your dog every chance to stay in your family by trying to work through his issues.

Private Rescues

Reputable, privately run rescues are a wonderful option—if you can find one with a spot for your dog. This can be difficult, but excellent rescues will usually work hard to locate a perfect home, so it’s worth the trouble.

Rehoming Your Dog Yourself

This option will probably take the most effort, but it also lets you decide what happens to your pit bull. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com provides valuable advice and tools to make the process easier and to ensure you find the best possible home for your dog. You can even post your adoptable pet for free to be seen by millions of pet adopters on Adopt-a-Pet.com.

]Knowing what it means to surrender your dog might make you change your mind about going through with it. If so, it’s good to know there are other options and resources to help you. 

What is the Best Way to Rehome a Maltese?

The best way to rehome a Maltese is with someone you’ve vetted and that you know will love her and take great care of her. This might be with someone you know or someone you find online. The important thing is that you’re sure she’ll be in a wonderful new home when you can no longer keep her.

Although you never thought you’d ever have to give up your Maltese, things in life can change quickly. You may find that you’re no longer able to care for her financially, or that you’ve had an injury that makes it impossible to provide her with the care she needs. Perhaps you have to move to a new location where pets aren’t allowed. Regardless of the reason, she needs a new home. Let’s look at some of the options you have available.

Rehoming with a Relative or Friend

Of course, one of the fastest, simplest, and best ways to rehome your Maltese is with someone you already know. Maybe you have someone in your life who has been thinking about getting a dog. If you believe they’ll be a good fit for your dog, let them know that you have to give her up. This can bring you some peace of mind, and you could even get updates on how she’s doing in her new home. If you do give her up to someone you know, just make sure that you don’t visit right away, so she can get used to her new family.

Using Rehome

When searching for an online pet adoption site, be sure to consider Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. Rehome is a peer-to-peer platform that allows you to create a detailed bio and profile for your dog complete with photos and videos. When you are ready to start vetting adopters, you will be able to publish your dog’s profile directly onto Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of potential adopters to see.

Remember that it’s essential that you’re honest whenever you’re imparting information about your dog. You want to be sure that the potential adopters know all of the good things about her, as well as some of her not-so-good habits. Maybe she barks a lot when she doesn’t get enough attention, for example. Honesty helps to ensure that she’ll go to the perfect new home.

Those who view the profile and who want to adopt your dog can submit applications. You’ll then review the applications and find the best owner for your dog. This platform is free for owners to use, and the adopters will only pay a small rehoming fee. It’ll be about the same as adopting through a rescue or shelter. 

Could You Use a Shelter or Rescue?

If you can’t find a home for your dog using the above methods, there are still some choices available. You could surrender your dog to a shelter or a rescue. These facilities aren’t truly rehoming your dog, though. Instead, your dog will await adoption, but there’s no guarantee someone will come along and bring her home. Rescues will keep your dog indefinitely, but shelters can only hold dogs for a limited time. They may have to euthanize to make more room. Shelters do their best to ensure dogs get adopted, but it doesn’t always happen there, either.

Does Petco Take Cats?

Petco cannot accept cats. You may see adoptable cats in some Petco locations, but these cats are available through a shelter or rescue that is in partnership with the Petco Foundation. Don’t worry though – if you have a cat that you are unable to keep, there are options for you.

Where Can I Take A Cat I Can’t Keep?  

If you have found a lost cat, please remember to check with your local shelter, use these tips to reunite a lost pet with their owner, and upload the cat to Finding Rover.  

If you are looking for a new home for a cat, you don’t have to take him anywhere. You can find them a new home online. Jump onto your computer and head to Rehome, a peer-to-peer program that allows you to post your pet on Adopt-a-Pet.com for possible adopters to view. Rehome was created in collaboration with the Petco Foundation to help pet owners just like you find great new families for their pets. The process of posting your cat is easy and free.

How Do I Post My Cat On Rehome?  

Head here to start your cat’s profile. You’ll fill out some basic information about your cat in order to create your account. 

From there, you will be asked more detailed questions about your pet’s health and behavior history, like if your cat is good with other animals, has up to date shots, and if he needs an experienced adopter. You’ll also have the opportunity to upload photos and videos of your cat. Photos should be clear and bright so that it’s easy to see what your cat looks like. Profiles with videos tend to get more views, so feel free to upload a video of your cat in their natural habitat to give potential adopters an idea of their personality. Finally, you’ll write a description of your cat that gives details about the cat’s personality, favorite activities, daily routine, and more.

Once you complete these easy steps, you cat will be ready to post. Millions of potential adopters will be able to view your cat’s profile, giving you the best chance of finding a great new family for your cat.

How Do I Choose A New Home For My Cat? 

Soon after your cat is published on Adopt-a-Pet.com, you will start receiving applications for adoption. If you aren’t sure who the best match for your cat might be, we are here to help. Our Rehome team will give you tips on how to filter through applications, including red flags to look out for.

Once you’ve narrowed down the applicants, you can set up an in-person meeting with your cat’s potential new owners (we have tips for setting up a safe, in-person meeting as well.) From here, you will choose the family you think is best for your cat and finalize the process.

Rehome will help you finalize a contract and transfer all vet documents to your cat’s new family. You can then rest assured your cat is ready to settle into his new home. 

How Do I Give up My Golden Retriever?

You have several different methods you could use to give up your golden retriever. You may want to help rehome her, and find a new home for your dog on your own, or you may need to surrender her to a shelter. Below, we’ll look at the various methods you can use when you have to give up your golden retriever.

Giving Your Dog to Someone You Know

This is the best option if you’re fortunate enough to know someone who is looking to adopt a dog. They might already know your sweet retriever and want to bring her into their home. This could be a friend of yours, a coworker, or a family member, for example. One of the biggest benefits of giving your dog to someone in your life already is that you’ll know they’re a good option. You’ll know that they have space for her, a good home and that they can take care of her financially.

Using Online Sites to Give Up Your Golden Retriever

If you don’t know anyone who can take your dog, there’s still the option of rehoming using the Internet. Just make sure that you don’t use the typical classified ad sites like Craigslist. You never know who is looking at pets on those sites, and they may not have the best intentions for your dog.

Consider using Rehome. This is a peer-to-peer platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com that will make it easy to connect with people looking to adopt. It’s easy to use and it’s a safe option to find the right new owners. You can create a profile for your golden retriever that mentions all of the wonderful things about her, as well as any issues she might have. It’s important to be transparent about any problems, such as health issues, so the new owners understand whether she’s the right dog for them.

Surrendering Your Golden Retriever

There’s also the option of surrendering your dog, which can be done to a shelter or a rescue. When you surrender your dog, you’re giving legal rights for her to the facility. Keep in mind that you can’t just show up with her. You’ll have to get in touch with them first. They’ll want to know her age, temperament, and whether she has any health issues, among other things.

They might also want to know why you have to give her up. The facility might have some resources that could help you keep her. For example, if you aren’t able to spend time with her during the day because of work, they could put you in touch with a dog daycare facility. The shelters and rescues want what’s best for your dog, and that often means staying with you if possible.

If you can’t keep your dog, you can set up an appointment with them. They’ll let you know what paperwork you may need to bring, as well as the surrender fee. This fee can vary but will often be somewhere between $50 and $150.