Tag: First Batch

What is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for a Jack Russell Terrier?

A reasonable rehoming fee for a Jack Russell Terrier will generally be between $50 and $150. However, many different factors can affect the cost of the rehoming fee. One of these factors includes location. Certain parts of the country may have higher rehoming fees than other locations. The age of your dog, along with whether they’re a purebred dog can affect fees in some cases, too.

Why Are Rehoming Fees Needed?

Some people wonder why there needs to be a rehoming fee when someone is giving up their dog. They feel that they shouldn’t have to pay anything if they’re willing to take the dog. However, rehoming fees aren’t used to line the pockets of the dog owner. Instead, they help to provide some added safety for the dog. People who have bad intentions for dogs aren’t willing to spend money on them. While it’s not something that anyone likes to think about, some people look for free dogs to sell to labs or to use for bait for fighting dogs.

Can Rehoming Fees Be Too Much?

Although rehoming fees are needed, they need to be in line with what shelters and rescues are charging. Again, this is usually at least $50 and up to around $150. When the prices for rehoming are much higher than this, it’s less rehoming and more just someone selling their dog.

Do Owners Have to Pay Fees?

When rehoming, the owners shouldn’t have to pay any fees. The fees, whether they’re charged by the owner or another facility, will be paid by those who want to adopt the dog. The adoption fees from these facilities will also be around $50 to $150 in most cases. Again, location, age of your dog, etc. will play a role in the cost of adoption.

However, if the owner is surrendering their dog to a shelter or a rescue, there are fees. These are known as surrender fees, and the cost can vary just as much as rehoming fees. Typically, you should expect them to be about the same as the rehoming fees, though.

Make It Easy with Rehome

Rehoming can be made easier when you use a peer-to-peer adoption service like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. As an owner who is giving up their dog, you won’t have to worry about charging a rehoming fee. Instead, the platform takes care of that for you, and the potential adopters will know how much they need to pay. It’s about the same as what would be paid to a shelter in most cases.

You can create a profile for your dog to let potential adopters know all about your incredible Jack Russell Terrier. The experts at Rehome will give you tips on how to review applications and finalize an adoption contract. This will help to ensure you find the right people for your dog. Knowing that he has a wonderful new home where people will love and care for him is a great feeling.

Does PetSmart Take Dogs?

PetSmart does not take dogs from the general rehome_legacy. PetSmart Charities partners with local rescues and shelters to find homes for dogs, so when you see adoptable animals in a PetSmart store, they are from one of their partner organizations.

Organizations That Will Take Your Dog 

Since PetSmart won’t take your dog, you’ll have to find other arrangements if you need to surrender your pet. Options include:

Shelters Such as Your Local Animal Care Center or SPCA 

  • The Pros: These organizations will usually be able to take your surrendered pet within a week or two, if not immediately.
  • The Cons: Once surrendered, there is a chance your dog could be put down, depending on many factors. Once your dog is handed over, you have no further say in his fate. 

Privately Run Rescue Organizations

  • The Pros: These organizations are usually no-kill and will keep your dog for as long as it takes for him to find a home.
  • The Cons: It’s often difficult to find a rescue that has the space to take your dog. 

Rehoming the Dog Yourself 

  • The Pros: You’ll have complete control over where your dog goes. This option gives him a great chance of finding a loving home.
  • The Cons: It can take a while to find the right home. 

If you decide to rehome your pet yourself, take advantage of all available resources, such as those offered by the website Rehome. Post a profile of your pet, connect with people actively searching for a dog, and review applications right through the site. Get started here.

Giving up a pet is a big decision. If you have to do it, make sure you give your pet the best chance at a happy home and the second chance he deserves. 

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! 

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. 

Do Wireless Dog Fences Work?

Though some people report that wireless fences work for their dog, we never recommend using them. These fences require a shock collar that shocks the dog anytime they cross the barrier of the wireless fence. There are other alternatives to this negative reinforcement technique that are more humane and work better in many cases.

Alternative Solutions  

  • Putting up a physical fence.
  • Only taking your dog outside on a leash.
  • Working on off-leash commands such as “stop” and “no.” 

We never recommend using a shock collar or any form of negative reinforcement. Finding an alternative to a wireless fence is the kinder choice.  

How Long Does It Take A Dog To Get Used To A New Home?

It can take weeks or even a few months for a dog to get used to a new home. It takes some dogs longer than others, and pets who have spent time being shuffled around between homes and shelters may take longer to settle in. The good news is that in time and with the right guidance from you, your dog will learn to be comfortable with his new family.

The Sad Truth: Many Dogs Are Quickly Returned 

Shelter and rescue employees will tell you that one of the frustrating things about the work they do is the number of dogs that are returned within a week or two because the adopter says they aren’t fitting in.

It’s unrealistic to expect a dog to walk through the door and instantly know all the rules or understand what behavior is acceptable. When a dog has lived in several homes, like occasionally some shelter/rescue dogs have, the challenge can be even greater.

It’s your job as the pet parent to teach your new dog how to behave in the home and to teach him what is and what is not acceptable.

Most shelters will provide instructions on how to properly integrate a dog into your home. It’s extremely important to follow these guidelines in order to facilitate a smooth transition for you and your new pet.

These instructions will often be customized based on what the shelter or rescue organization knows about the dog’s behavior and background. If a reasonable amount of time goes by, you’re following the instructions, and still not seeing progress, talk to someone at the facility where you got the dog for additional support.

Most dogs are going to take a while to acclimate to a new home, but with patience and the right guidance, they’ll be a wonderful addition to your family in no time! 

How Long do Dog Bites Take to Heal?

A dog bite can take anywhere from several days to several months to fully heal. The length of time depends on the severity and location of the bite. Treatment may include home care as well as treatment by a doctor. The exact treatment will depend on many factors and will be determined after carefully evaluating the patient. Preventing infection is of the utmost importance in order to speed healing and to avoid secondary issues.

Dog Bite Treatment 

For minor dog bites, some prefer home treatment, but it’s always recommended to see a doctor anytime the bite punctured the skin. That’s because the doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics, a tetanus shot and, in cases of a dog with an unknown history, rabies shots.

Keeping the wound clean and dry will help speed healing and prevent infection. For minor wounds, you may be able to do this yourself. For more serious bites, wound care may have to be performed by a professional.

It’s worth repeating that you should visit a medical professional any time a dog bite breaks the skin. If possible, bring the dog’s medical records to show the doctor. This may eliminate the need for rabies shots and can help guide treatment.

Since dog bites range from mild to life threatening, it’s not possible to make a general statement about how long dog bites take to heal. Following all directions from the doctor will help to speed healing and is a must in order to ensure proper healing and minimize the chance for infection. 

Can I Give My Dog Benadryl To Calm Him Down? Text Size Issue

You should not give your dog Benadryl to calm him down – there are other solutions that may be more helpful. When you have a dog with lots of energy, it makes sense that you’d look for ways to help him chill out. While Benadryl is generally safe for dogs in correct doses, this shouldn’t be your first option when dealing with a very active, or even an anxious, dog. Also, always talk to your vet before giving your pet any type of over-the-counter medication.

Benadryl’s Purpose and Calming Side Effect

Vets often prescribe Benadryl for dogs, but it’s usually for allergies or itching. One of the side effects is drowsiness, which is why some pet owners turn to the drug as a way to calm a dog. It’s important to remember, however, that just because something has the desired effect doesn’t mean it’s the best way to achieve the results you need. 

As with any drug, using it regularly over a long period of time can have negative effects on your dog’s health. It can also cause immediate health concerns in dogs that have certain health conditions such as heart failure, glaucoma, lung disease, and more.

Drug-Free Ways to Calm Your Pet

While there are many websites that talk about how safe Benadryl is, responsible pet owners will always check with their vet before dosing their dogs. There are times when drugs will be the best option, but there are often other ways to deal with very active or anxious dogs. These include: 

More Exercise

Giving your active dog plenty of time to run is a great way to calm him down. Long walks, time at a doggy day care, trips to the dog park, or tossing a ball around your yard are a few ways to allow your dog to be more active.

Prevent Boredom 

Giving your dog’s brain a workout is just as important as giving his body a workout. A puzzle toy that makes your pup work for a treat is a great way to engage your dog’s brain and help curb boredom.

Proper Training

One common complaint among dog owners with very active dogs is that it’s difficult to walk them because they are always pulling on the lead or otherwise misbehaving. This conduct can be changed with proper training. Even the most energetic dogs can be taught to “leave it,” “stay,” and “sit,” and most owners are surprised how quickly proper training kicks in.

Change His Food 

This is one option that many pet owners don’t consider, but food can have a big impact on your dog’s behavior. What do you think would happen if you ate nothing but junk food? Dogs are subject to the same negative effects of food as humans. If you’re feeding lower-quality food, upgrade to a premium product. If you’re not sure how to choose the best food for your dog, check out our Dog and Cat Nutrition page or talk to your vet for advice. 

So, can you give your dog Benadryl to calm him down? Yes, but there are likely much better and safer ways to deal with the issue. Talk to your vet, trainer, or other animal expert to discuss the specific needs of your pet and to develop a plan that will give you the best chance of success. 

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.