How Do I Rehome My Golden Retriever?

You can rehome your golden retriever in several ways, including online and finding someone you know who wants to adopt. When you rehome your dog, you’ll be taking the time to find someone who will love and cherish him just as much as you have. Although it might take some time and effort on your part, you’ll be happier knowing that your golden retriever will be going to a great home.

Letting Someone You Know Adopt

If you are lucky, you might already know someone who has been considering adopting a dog. If that’s the case, you’ll want to talk to them and let them know that you need to give up your golden retriever. There’s a chance that they might be willing to become the new owner. It’s fast, easy, and convenient for both the owner and the person who wants your dog.

Of course, even though you know the people, you don’t want to just give your dog to them. You need to make sure that it’ll be a good match and that the new owner has the means and space to care for him properly.

Rehoming Using Online Services

Not everyone is lucky enough to know someone who can adopt, of course. In those cases, there are still rehoming options that you can try. Find online pet adoption sites that allow you to post information about your dog to help find a new owner. You’ll want to be sure you’re using a high-quality site meant for pet adoption rather than Craigslist or a similar site, though.

Pet adoption sites like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com make the entire process much easier and safer. The site is free for owners to use, and those who adopt will only pay a small rehoming fee similar to what they would pay to a shelter or rescue.

With Rehome, you can create a profile for your dog that includes pictures, videos, and a detailed bio. Be sure to be transparent and honest in the bio regarding your golden retriever’s behaviors, temperament, likes and dislikes, etc. You need to be sure the new owner understands as much about him as possible. When people start to send adoption applications, you can review them and choose the best new home for your dog.

Are Shelters and Rescues the Same as Rehoming?

While it may be possible to bring your dog to an animal shelter or a rescue, it’s important to remember that it’s not the same thing as rehoming your dog. Instead, when you bring the animal to the facility, they’ll have to wait for adoption. Although they may be fortunate enough to find a loving new home, it’s not always a guarantee.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a surrender fee when you bring your dog to the shelter or rescue. Additionally, you can’t simply bring your dog to one of these facilities unannounced. Instead, you need to get in touch with them over the phone to set up an appointment and learn the procedures you must follow.

Do Dogs Outgrow Separation Anxiety?

Usually, dogs do not outgrow separation anxiety. Very mild separation anxiety may improve over time, but that isn’t the case in most instances of moderate to severe separation anxiety. The condition has nothing to do with age, so it’s not likely to improve on its own without some sort of intervention and treatment. In fact, when left untreated, the anxiety often becomes worse as time goes on. In the majority of cases, medication, behavioral therapy or a combination of the two will provide relief to the pet. 

Dealing with Separation Anxiety 

Many dogs are surrendered each year because their owners do not know how to treat their pups’ separation anxiety. Owners find it difficult to deal with the destruction, loud barking or whining, and even the harm the dog does to himself as a result of the anxiety. While the condition can be overwhelming, it is possible to find help for your pet. If the condition is mild, you may able to curb it by simply leaving your pet with some of your clothing or giving your dog a natural remedy.

More severe cases require the help of your vet or an animal behaviorist. The treatments may not work right away, but there are ways to deal with the anxiety until you find a solution that works for your pet. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Set up a safe space for your dog, such as a small empty room filled with blankets and toys, yet void of anything he could destroy.
  • Unless your dog is thoroughly crate-trained and used to spending time in his crate, crating is not a good idea as this will not relieve the anxiety and the dog may injure himself trying to escape.
  • Punishing the dog will not do anything to help alleviate separation anxiety and often exacerbates the problem. 

Even though the answer to the question do dogs outgrow separation anxiety isn’t what you’d hoped, the good news is that solutions are out there, and may be as close as a call to your vet or local animal behavior specialist. 

How Do I Surrender My English Bulldog?

When you surrender your English Bulldog, you’ll turn them over to a shelter or a rescue and no longer have any legal rights to her. This is different from rehoming your dog, and it’s important to understand what surrendering entails and how to do it properly.

Learn About the Facility 

Before you call to make an appointment to drop off your dog, you’ll want to learn more about the facility and how they operate. What policies do they have when it comes to holding dogs? How often are dogs adopted out of the facility? The more you know about the facility, the easier it’ll be to determine whether it’s the right choice for your dog or not.

It’s important to realize the differences between shelters and rescues, as well. Shelters can only hold animals for a certain period. This is usually several days, but it can differ from one facility to the next. After that time is up, they may have to euthanize. It’s not something that they want to do, but it’s necessary to ensure they have space for incoming dogs.

Rescues are no-kill facilities, which means you don’t have to worry about your English Bulldog being euthanized. However, even though both shelters and rescues try to find people to adopt the animals they have, there’s no guarantee of adoption. Also, keep in mind that because rescues are no-kill facilities, they’re often full.

Once you learn more about the facility, you can call to make an appointment. You can’t simply show up with your dog unannounced. When you call, the staff will let you know what you need to bring including the surrender fee. This fee is charged when people bring in their dogs, and it’s generally at least $50.

Don’t be surprised if the staff asks why you need to give up your English Bulldog when you call them. They’re interested in what the problem might be and whether they have any resources that could help you. For example, if you have trouble paying the vet bills for your dog, they might know of a low-cost vet in the area. If you don’t have anyone around in the daytime to walk your dog, they might have contact information for a dog walker.

Rehoming vs. Surrendering 

Rather than surrendering, you might want to consider the benefits that could come from rehoming. When you rehome, you won’t have to pay a surrender fee, and you’ll have control over who gets to adopt your English Bulldog.

Start by talking with people you know. Maybe you have someone in your life that’s been looking to adopt a dog. They might adore your English Bulldog and would love to bring her home with them.

Even if you don’t know anyone personally, you could use a site like Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com. This site lets you fill out a bio for your dog and even add photos and videos. Adopters can then see this information and determine whether they might like to adopt. You’ll review the applications and choose the home that’ll be the best fit for your dog.

How Do I Surrender My Golden Retriever?

You can surrender your golden retriever by bringing her to a shelter or a rescue. However, you need to be sure that you follow the rules and procedures of the facility you choose. You can’t just bring your dog to the facility and hope that they’ll take her the same day. It’s important to set up an appointment first and to talk with the professionals at the facility.

Check out the Websites

The first thing you’ll want to do is check out the facilities located in your area by looking them up online. You may have one or more shelters in your area, and you’ll likely have some rescues, too. In some cases, you might even find rescues that specialize in golden retrievers.

Take the time to read through the information on the site, which can give you some basic information about their policies. Rescues, for example, are no-kill facilities, but they might have restrictions on breeds that they take. Also, remember that these rescue organizations are popular when people are giving up their pets, so they may be full.

Shelters will be able to take your dog once you have an appointment. They only keep dogs for a certain period and may have to euthanize them at that point. Shelters always try their best to find someone to adopt your dog, and they take good care of her while she’s there. However, they can’t keep her forever. They don’t have space or the money to do so.

Set Up an Appointment

You’ll then get in touch with the facility by phone, so you can set up your appointment. They’ll likely ask you about your dog’s personality, temperament, age, and similar questions while on the call. They’ll also want to know why you need to give her up. They may have some resources that could help you to keep your dog.

Consider Ways to Keep Your Dog

If you aren’t able to provide your dog with enough exercise, for example, they might let you know about some local dog walkers or doggie daycare facilities that you could try. If you have trouble affording your dog, they could point you in the direction of financial resources that could help. Ultimately, they want what’s best for your dog, and that often means finding a way to stay with you. Check out the resources they offer to see if it’s possible.

Other Options for Rehoming Your Golden Retriever

Rehoming your dog could be a great option, even though it’ll take more work on your part. You can advertise her online through pet adoption sites like Rehome. This site, which is part of Adopt-a-Pet.com allows you to create a profile with photos, videos, and a bio and then publishes it on Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of potential adopters to see. This lets you provide ample information, which can then be viewed by people who’re looking to adopt a golden retriever like her.

You can then review the adoption applications that come through and find a wonderful new home, and owner, for her.

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Jack Russell Terrier?

If you’re asking, “how do I find a good home for my Jack Russell Terrier”, it means you’ve decided you can no longer keep your pet. If that’s the case, rehoming your dog yourself gives him the best chance at finding a safe and happy home. While surrendering him to a shelter is an option, there are tools that can make it easier to find the perfect home, and the peace of mind you’ll have is well worth the effort.

Finding the Right Home 

If you’re going to take the time to rehome your Jack Russell Terrier, make sure you’re looking for the right home and not just any home. Here are a few tips:

  • Be Honest: If your dog has any health or behavior issues, be sure you disclose them. Failing to do so could cause your dog to end up without a home once the new family finds out.
  • Be Patient: It can take some time to find the right home, but your pet deserves to find a great family. When it’s done, you’ll know it was worth it.
  • Check References: Verify vet and personal references and, if possible, do a home visit to be sure the yard and home are suitable.
  • Charge a Rehoming Fee: Always charge a rehoming fee of at least $50-$75. This eliminates the danger posed by people who look for dogs listed as “free to a good home.” It also shows that the new family is willing to invest in the dog.
  • Use Online Tools: You’ll find valuable information and useful tools on sites such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. This site allows you to create a pet profile, accept applications from potential adopters, and more. 

Of course, if you can find a way to keep your Jack Russell Terrier, that’s even better! Many of the common reasons people give up their pet are issues that can be resolved. Talk to your vet for advice before making the final decision. If you do need to let him go, take the time needed to find him a place where he’ll be happy and loved.

Purina helps feed Gulf Oil Spill homeless pets

dog-eating-beneful-dog-foodThe unseen animal victims of the Gulf Oil Spill are the hundreds of pets that are streaming into Gulf-area animal shelters. Pet owners, left unemployed by ripple effect of the oil spill, have been forced to give up their pets, unable to afford caring for them. Tourism and fishing industries across the Gulf states have seen widespread losses due to the oil spill. Employees and owners of hotels, restaurants, shops, fishermen, are all feeling the economic hardships, and so are their pets.

The result? Surveys completed in August showed animal shelters and rescue groups in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas were reporting an increase in pets being surrendered since the oil spill first occurred on April 20, 2010.

After numerous requests came into Purina’s Pet Acquisition team, Purina decided to consider this as a disaster, as they would normally look at the aftermath of a flood or hurricane on the animal welfare community.

On August 27th, the 5th anniversary of Katrina, five trucks of Beneful Dry Dog Food, Tidy Cats litter and a variety of Purina Brand Dry Cat Food was sent to New Orleans for distribution. The appropriateness of the timing was not lost on Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a large organizations of volunteers, which formed after Katrina. The pet food and litter were distributed in two locations in New Orleans. ARNO hosted the distribution to 10 area shelters and rescues and the Louisiana SPCA hosted the distribution to 6 shelters and rescues.

On September 1st, three more trucks of the same brands were sent to Florida where the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society hosted the distribution to 9 shelters and rescues.

The Purina Pet Acquisition team and Adopt-a-Pet.com appreciate the collective donations by the Beneful Brand, the Tidy Cats Bloomfield Plant and the Fairburn, GA Plant for providing this much needed pet food and litter. We also greatly appreciate the extra time and effort of Audra Kamp, ORM, who wrote all orders to ensure prompt deliveries.

In total, Purina PetCare Company helped 24 Gulf-area animal welfare organizations feed 3,747 homeless dogs and cats in their care.

Stray Cats: What to do if You Find a Stray Cat

Found a stray cat? Follow these steps to ensure its well-being while you search for its owner or a new home

What to do with a stray cat depends on if you can catch him or not. If you can, you should start by getting him checked for a microchip. If you cannot catch him, you should call animal control and ask for further direction. When and if the cat is in your care, follow these three steps:

  1. Find out if the cat has a microchip. Microchipping a pet is one of the most common ways animal shelters, rescues, and loving pet owners help pets go from “lost” to “found” before they ever go missing. A microchip is a small piece of technology that is safely placed under the skin of a pet. Each microchip has a scannable barcode that links back to a larger database that contains identifiable information on a pet and his owner. To read a microchip, you must have a special scanning device. Most veterinarian offices, grooming salons, and animal shelters will have a microchip reader, so your first move should be to take the cat to one of these three places to have them scanned for a microchip. If the cat has a microchip, there may be information on file with the chip company that would help you get connected to the cat’s family!
  2. Look for the cat’s owner. Just because the kitty doesn’t have a microchip, doesn’t mean someone isn’t desperately searching for their lost little one. A good way to start looking for the cat’s owner is to canvas the area where you found him. Ask your neighbors if they recognize the cat and know who might be the owner. You could also try posting “Found Cat” flyers on telephone poles in the neighborhood, community cork boards at your local grocery store, local veterinarian offices, and the local animal shelters where a cat owner might pop in to see if their cat was turned in. We made a downloadable template that you can easily use to make a quick, but effective found pet flyer. You can even try using online community apps, like Nextdoor, to alert your neighbors or sites that focus on helping lost pets make their way home, like Pawboost.
  3. Find the cat a loving forever home. If you’ve done your due diligence by scanning the cat for a microchip and searching for their owner, it’s possible that the kitty is truly a stray in need of a home. If you cannot keep the cat yourself, you can find a wonderful new adopter using Rehome. Rehome is the peer to peer pet adoption platform that will guide you through the process every step of the way, from creating a profile that makes your cat stand out to the millions of adopters on Adopt-a-Pet.com to choosing the purr-fect adopter. You can learn more about how Rehome works, here

What Do You Do With An Abandoned Cat?

There are a few options of what you can do with an abandoned cat including adopting him (after speaking with animal control), finding him a new home, or surrendering him to a shelter or rescue. Before doing any of those things, you’ll want to make sure the cat is really abandoned. It could be a feral cat or it could be someone’s lost pet.

Cats On The Street: Abandoned, Feral, Or Lost? 

It would certainly make things easier if a cat you found could tell you their story. Instead, you have to piece it together using clues from the cat’s condition and behavior.

Feral Cats 

Feral cats are those who were born outside and are usually part of a colony. Most of these cats will not make suitable house pets as they have not been socialized and are afraid of people.

There are exceptions to this, but socializing them is a long process, and some cats will never be comfortable around people no matter how much time goes by. While feral cats will not make good house pets, they can be used as mousers in a barn-home-type arrangement.

Clues that you’re dealing with a feral cat include:

  • The cat runs when approached.
  • The cat will not meow or purr.
  • You may see the cat in the same place at the same time each day.

Lost Pet 

When a house cat escapes his home, it’s possible for him to become disoriented and have trouble finding his way back home. A lost cat will typically be socialized and may approach people for pets or food.

If you find a social cat, bring him to a vet or shelter to see if he has a microchip. You can also check community pages like NextDoor or local Facebook lost pet pages to see if any listed cats match the one you’ve found.

You should also notify animal control if you think the cat is a lost pet, as that’s the first place many pet owners look for a lost cat.

NOTE: In some locations, animal control will require that you hand the cat over to them. If this is the case where you live, and you worry for the cat’s safety, make it very clear that you’ll take the cat if his home isn’t found.

Abandoned Cat 

Many times, abandoned cats are identified by neighbors who know the family moved and left the cat behind. Abandoned cats will often be social, may be hungry (they don’t know how to fend for themselves), and hang around the place where they were abandoned waiting for their family to return.

Once you know that the cat is not feral and no pet owners have been located, you’ll have to decide what to do with the cat. Your options are:

  • Keep Him: Thanks for being the cat’s hero and congratulations on your new family member!
  • Surrender Him: You can leave the cat at an animal shelter and the staff will do all they can to get him adopted. However, the reality is that many shelters have high euthanasia rates—especially for cats. Be sure to do some rehome_research before surrendering a cat.
  • Rehome Him Yourself: Taking the time to find a cat a new, loving home is a true act of kindness. Visit the Rehome website for tips and tools that make the process easier. 

What Does It Mean to Rehome a Jack Russell Terrier?

Rehoming a Jack Russell Terrier means that you’ll take the time to find a new home for your dog instead of surrendering him. There are many benefits to rehoming, including the peace of mind that you’ll have in knowing he’s going to a great new home. However, there’s also some work that you’ll need to put into the process.

What Should You Consider When Looking for a New Owner?

As you’re looking for a new owner for your dog, you need to be sure that you’re choosing someone worthy of your dog, naturally. You want to find a home and family that will be a good fit for your dog’s personality and needs. If he’s not fond of cats, you wouldn’t want to put him into a home with cats. It wouldn’t be fair to him or the cats, and you can be sure his new owner won’t be too happy.

If your dog has any medical issues, you’ll need to be forthcoming with the new owner about them, as well. This will help to ensure that your dog is going to a home that can handle those medical issues, and that can afford your dog.

Speaking of affording the dog, you’ll also need to be sure you charge a rehoming fee. When going through a site like Rehome, the fee will be charged to the adopter, so you don’t have to worry about it. These fees help to reduce risk to your dog. It ensures that the adopters are not just looking for free dogs they can then sell to a lab or use for bait dogs.

You could opt to find someone that you know personally to adopt your dog. This can often be a good fit if you know someone who wants to get a dog. However, you may also want to check online pet adoption sites like Rehome. These sites can make the process easier on you, so you can be sure you’re finding the perfect home for your dog.

Are Shelters and Rescues Options for Rehoming?

You must understand the distinction between rehoming and surrendering your pet to facilities like shelters and rescues. When you surrender your dog, you’re giving up your legal rights to him to a facility. These organizations will do their best to ensure that your dog is safe, but there’s never a guarantee that he’ll be adopted.

Rescues will keep your dog for the remainder of his life and will continue trying to find him a forever home. Of course, rescues are often full because these are no-kill facilities. You might not be able to get your Jack Russell Terrier into one of these rescues.

Shelters do their best to care for the animals in their facility. However, they can only keep animals for a limited period in most cases. Shelters may have to euthanize pets that have been there for a long time, although they hate doing it.

Whenever you have the option, it’s better to rehome your Jack Russell Terrier. It will help to ensure that he has the best possible life.