What Is the One-Bite Rule?

In some laws, the one-bite rule may state that the owner of the dog will only be liable for injuries caused by the pet if the owner knew about the animal’s aggressive tendencies. Sometimes called the one-free-bite rule, this could eliminate the owner’s responsibility for the dog’s first bite. While one has been the norm throughout the country, many states have changed this so that owners may be fully responsible even if they had no solid reason to think their dog would be aggressive.

States With The One Bite Rule 

While laws are always changing, the following states still use the one-bite rule as of this writing:

  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • New York*
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon
  • South Dakota**
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming 

*In New York, the one-bite rule applies to criminal liability, but not civil liability.

**In South Dakota, the one-bite rule applies as long as the owner kept the dog from running at large and maintained reasonable control over the animal. 

Strict Liability: The Alternative To The One-Bite Rule 

Unlike states that adhere to the one-bite rule, strict liability states can deem the owner responsible for any dog bite inflicted by their pet. Under strict liability laws, the owner may be responsible whether or not they could have prevented the incident and whether or not they should have reasonably known the dog had aggressive tendencies. 

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! 

Can You Give a Dog Benadryl? Appropriate Benadryl Uses for Dogs

Is Benadryl safe for dogs? Can I give my dog Benadryl to calm them down? Learn more about safe uses for Benadryl in dogs including tips to calm a dog down.

Benadryl is an antihistamine that can treat allergies, motion sickness, and temporary anxiety in some dogs. It is safe for many dogs when given at the correct dosage, but it is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving it to your dog to ensure it is safe for your dog, especially if they take other medications or have underlying health problems. Benadryl is not a cure for any underlying medical condition and should only be used as directed by a veterinarian.

Like all medications, Benadryl can cause unwanted side effects in some dogs and may cause adverse reactions in dogs with certain underlying health problems. If your dog experiences any side effects such as agitation, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, stop giving them Benadryl and contact your veterinarian.

The good news is that this medication (the generic name for which is Diphenhydramine) is readily available without a prescription in pill, tablet, and liquid formulations, and, most of the time, your vet will recommend that you purchase the same Benadryl used for humans at your local pharmacy. While there are a few dog-specific brands of Benadryl, these may be more expensive or harder to find. So, once you know it is safe and effective in your dog, Benadryl is great to keep on hand as part of your doggy first aid kit.

Benadryl’s Purpose and Calming Side Effect

Benadryl is primarily an antihistamine, which means it blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released by certain cells of the immune system. The release of histamine triggers many unpleasant effects in the body, including inflammation, itchiness, swelling, and constriction of the airways. Antihistamines like Benadryl block this pathway and reduce those unpleasant effects, with varying degrees of success.

The main reason vets prescribe Benadryl for dogs is to treat allergies and/or itchy skin. It also can be used to reduce nausea and prevent motion sickness due to the effects it has on the brain. There are other drugs that have similar effects and may be more effective in dogs, so your vet may recommend a different antihistamine depending on your dog’s specific condition.

Occasionally, Benadryl is prescribed as a mild sedative or calming agent for dogs because a common side effect of this medication is drowsiness. That can help dogs feel sleepy, for example, during travel. It is not a preferred drug for this purpose because there are many other medications and behavior modification techniques that have specific anti-anxiety effects and are more reliable.

While many dogs will experience drowsiness, Benadryl can also have the opposite side effect and cause agitation in other dogs. If you are planning to try to use Benadryl for its sedating effects, try it at home prior to the event you really need it for to make sure it works on your pup.

Is Benadryl Safe For Dogs?

Many people wonder if Benadryl can hurt dogs, but Benadryl is safe for most dogs at the prescribed doses. While it can cause a number of side effects, most are mild and resolve as soon as the medication is discontinued. It can be more risky for certain dogs with underlying health problems such as dry eye, glaucoma, urinary problems, or seizure disorders since it can exacerbate these conditions. Here are some of the common Benadryl side effects in dogs:

  • Drowsiness
  • Agitation
  • Dry eye
  • Urinary retention
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

Benadryl can also be harmful if the dose is too high and/or if a pet parent is using Benadryl to treat a medical problem at home without veterinary guidance. For example, a dog that has a severe allergic reaction with facial swelling and/or hives may not respond to Benadryl alone and likely will need stronger medications to stop the reaction. These reactions can snowball and become life-threatening if a dog develops difficulty breathing, so trying to treat at home with over-the-counter Benadryl could put a dog at risk for serious complications. Any dog who is in distress or develops a new medical problem suddenly needs to see a vet first to get a thorough exam and diagnosis before trying an over-the-counter medication like Benadryl

How often can you give a dog Benadryl?

The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering the correct dose of Benadryl two to three times a day, but this dosage can vary depending on a dog’s weight and any other medical conditions they’re experiencing.

How much Benadryl can I give my dog?

A dog’s Benadryl dosage is based on their size and weight and may vary based on the condition being treated, so it is important to discuss your particular dog’s situation with your vet and troubleshoot any issues that may be related to dosing. Typically, dosages start around 2.2 milligrams per kilogram, which is one milligram per pound of body weight. A basic formula to figure this out is to use your dog’s weight in pounds as their dosage — so, a dog who weighs 10 pounds would receive a dose of 10 milligrams.

Can You Give a Dog Benadryl for Anxiety?

Yes and no. Benadryl is not an anti-anxiety medication, so it does not actually help your pup to feel less anxious. For dogs that are drowsy after taking Benadryl, the sleepiness masks their anxiety and makes them too tired to act anxious, but is it not actually helping the underlying problem. This may be fine in a pinch if, for example, you suddenly have to travel with your pet and can’t see your vet in time to get a more effective medication. However, keep in mind that not every dog is sedated by Benadry,l so it may not have the desired effect on your pooch at all.

Anxiety in dogs is a complex issue, just like in humans. It can be triggered by many different things, and dogs often need a multifaceted treatment approach. This may include behavior modification training to desensitize them to their triggers, using exercise and positive reinforcement to provide structure, and prescription medications to actually reduce their anxiety level enough for them to work through these other techniques. A dog with moderate or severe anxiety will not make progress with Benadryl alone. These can be challenging cases and are best treated with the help of your vet and a veterinary behaviorist.

Drug-Free Ways to Calm Your Pet

While many websites talk about how safe Benadryl is, responsible pet parents will always check with their vet before dosing their dogs with any medication. There are times when drugs will be a crucial part of their treatment plan, and for those cases, specific anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives will be the most effective choices. If you have a very active or anxious dog, there are also other important steps to take to work with them on these behaviors. These include:

More exercise

Giving your active dog plenty of time to burn off their energy is a great way to calm them down. Long walks, time at a doggy daycare, trips to the dog park, agility training, or tossing a ball around your yard are a few ways to allow your dog to be more active. Dogs need physical activity just like people, and some breeds need a lot more than others. If you have a high-energy dog, be sure you are giving them constructive outlets to exercise — otherwise, they may find destructive habits that are not to your liking.

Prevent boredom

Giving your dog’s brain a workout is just as important as giving their body a workout. A puzzle toy that makes your pup work for a treat is a great way to engage their brain and help curb boredom. Other ways to provide enrichment include training sessions to teach your pup new cues and tricks, time for socialization with other dogs, and sensory experiences with music, different scents, and/or flavors.

Proper training

One common complaint among dog parents with very active dogs is that it’s difficult to walk them because they are always pulling on the lead or otherwise engaging in unwanted behaviors. This conduct can be modified with proper training. Even the most energetic dogs can be taught to “leave it,” “stay,” and “sit,” and most pet parents are surprised how quickly the training kicks in. Training is also very important for anxious dogs as behavior modification techniques can help your dog overcome fears, desensitize to triggers, and build confidence. Working with a behaviorist or trainer is a good idea in these cases as your dog’s anxiety should be properly diagnosed in order to craft the most effective training approach.

Change their food

This is one option that many pet parents don’t consider, but food can impact your dog’s behavior. It is important to ensure your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet suited to their life stage and needs. Dogs who are not eating an appropriate diet could be at risk for nutritional deficiencies, which can sometimes affect their behavior as well as their overall health. There are even some treats and diets out there formulated to provide calming effects, although many of these have not been rigorously studied to know if they are truly effective. 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.

Can You Overdose a Dog on Benadryl?

Yes, you can overdose a dog on Benadryl. An overdose can range from mild unwanted side effects to more serious health scares depending on how much a dog ingests.

It is very important to keep this medication, and all medications, safely out of your dog’s reach. Some human medications are highly toxic to dogs and even small amounts can cause fatal complications, so it is good to get into the habit of keeping all medications secured.

Also, be sure that if you are giving Benadryl to your dog, the only ingredient in the product is Diphenhydramine. Some products contain a combination of ingredients such as an antihistamine combined with a decongestant and/or fever reducer, and these other medications can be highly toxic to dogs.

What are the symptoms of Benadryl overdose in dogs?

If you suspect your dog has ingested too much Benadryl, whether by accident or a miscalculation, be sure to note down as much information as possible, including the specific medication your dog received, any other ingredients in the product, the strength of the medication, the formulation (such as pill versus capsule versus liquid), what time you believe the overdose occurred, and how much of the medication you believe your dog ingested. All of this information will help your vet create a treatment plan.

It is best to get your dog to the vet right away if you believe an overdose occurred instead of waiting for symptoms to set in. However, some common symptoms in dogs of an overdose of Benadryl include:

  • Agitation
  • Sedation
  • Excessive drooling
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

Commonly Asked Questions

At what age can you give dogs Benadryl?

Benadryl is safe to give to dogs four months of age or older and may be used in younger dogs with your veterinarian’s supervision. Benadryl’s effects have not been thoroughly studied in very young puppies, so it is not clear if it’s completely safe for them.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for itching?

Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that is sometimes prescribed to dogs for itchy skin. It is always important to get a diagnosis from your vet first since certain skin conditions can be cured with a specific treatment, and Benadryl just temporarily relieves the itch. Also, some other antihistamines may be more effective in certain dogs.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for allergies?

Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that is sometimes prescribed for allergies in dogs. It is always important to get a diagnosis from your vet first since other conditions may seem like allergies but require different treatments. Also, some other antihistamines may be more effective in certain dogs.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for bee stings?

Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that can help with mild swelling related to bee stings in dogs. A dog that is stung by a bee and is acting completely fine may not need any treatment at all. A dog that has more severe signs of an allergic reaction, including any swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, needs to see a vet right away for more intensive treatment.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for pain?

No, Benadyl does not provide any pain relief for dogs. A dog that is in pain needs to be evaluated right away by a veterinarian in order to receive medications that are safe and appropriate to treat its pain. As a reminder, many human pain medications are highly toxic to dogs and should never be given to dogs

References

Diphenhydramine Intoxication in a Dog

Oral antiallergic activity in ascaris hypersensitive dogs

The influence of an antihistamine drug on the release of histamine in the unanaesthetized dog

Frontiers in Immunology:

The Role of Histamine and Histamine Receptors in Mast Cell-Mediated Allergy and Inflammation: The Hunt for New Therapeutic Targets

ASPCA Poison Control: Can you give your pets an Antihistamine

ASPCAPro: Antihistamine Toxicosis

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association: Evaluation of Diphenhydramine as  Sedative for Dogs

Amy Fox, DVM is a small animal veterinarian in New York City. She has worked in many different settings including shelter medicine, emergency medicine, general practice, and animal cruelty and forensics. She is especially interested in nutrition, preventative medicine and care for senior pets. Dr. Fox also enjoys writing about veterinary medicine and teaching. In her free time she loves to cook, garden, and go for long runs.

Why Is My Cat Attacking My Other Cat?

There are many possible reasons why your cat might be attacking your other cat including lack of space, social maturity, a medical issue, or environmental changes. Fortunately, solutions can usually be found that allow the cats to continue to live together and to overcome their aggression.

Since you can’t just ask your cats what’s wrong, pinpointing the reason for aggression will usually be a process of elimination that involves simply trying various solutions. Note that if the behavior started after the cats had been together some time, a medical issue may be to blame. When a cat is in pain or uncomfortable, he/she may show signs of aggression, even if he is typically docile.

Once medical issues have been ruled out, there are other things to try to reduce cat to cat aggression.

Give Cats Their Own Space 

Cats like to have their own space and can be quite territorial. Having to share a small space, food bowls, and litter boxes is a common reason for aggression. While you probably can’t expand your home, you can add space for the cats by providing additional perches, kitty condos, or even investing in an outdoor cat enclosure that allows cats to safely spend time outdoors.

Also, place food and water bowls and litter boxes (one litter box per cat plus one additional litter box works best!) for each pet, so the cats won’t have to share. 

Provide an Escape 

If one cat tends to be passive, install a collar-controlled cat door that leads to a quiet room. Only place the collar on the cat that gets bullied. This will allow him a way to get away from the aggressor and give the bully cat a cooling off period. 

Pheromones 

Many cat owners have had great success by using pheromones to stop one cat from attacking the other cat. These products, which come in spray and diffuser form, calm cats and are, in some cases, a very effective way to eliminate fighting.

Time Apart 

Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Maybe not, but it will give you a chance to properly and slowly reintroduce the cats. Check out our blog article Introducing a New Cat or Kitten to Your Cats for more guidance. 

If the methods above are unsuccessful, enlist the help of an animal behaviorist. The good news is that in the majority of cases, with time and patience, the issue can be resolved to the point that the cats will be able to live together peacefully—even if they aren’t the best of friends. 

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. 

How Do I Rehome My Rottweiler?

If you need to rehome your rottweiler, you’ll find several methods you can use to find your dog a great new home. Below, you’ll learn ways that you can rehome your rottweiler, so you can be sure she finds a perfect new place to call home. Rehoming will take a bit of work on your part, but you’ll be happy with the results. It helps to ensure that she has a safe and happy life, and that’s what every pet owner wants.

Finding Someone You Know to Adopt

Naturally, one of the first thoughts that’s likely to spring to mind is letting someone you already know adopt her. It’s a good option since you already know whether they’ll be a good fit for your dog or not. You’ll know whether they can afford to take care of her properly and whether they’ll provide her with the exercise she needs.

Using Online Pet Adoption Sites

There are great adoption sites like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com that will help you find a wonderful new home for your rottweiler. This site lets you create a detailed profile for your dog, which will include all of the important information about her, and publishes her bio directly onto Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of potential adopters to see. The profile helps pet searchers find your dog and determine if she’s right for their family. You’ll also enjoy that the site is free for owners to use, and you can review the adoption applications to choose your dog’s new home.

Types of Sites to Avoid

While there are some good sites for pet adoption, there are some sites you should avoid. The want ad sites like Craigslist, for example, might be easy to use, but you have no way of discerning who sees those posts and who trying to get your dog. Sometimes, people don’t have any intention of adopting a dog until they see one on these sites. They aren’t prepared to own a dog. You want someone who is actively looking to adopt a dog like yours.

Why Rehoming Fees are Needed

Rehoming fees are used to help keep your dog safe. You’ll always want to charge a rehoming fee or go through a site like Rehome that charges the adopters. The fees for sites like Rehome will go back into helping get more animals adopted. Fees also mean that it’s less likely someone with bad intentions will try to get your dog. There are terrible people out there who look for free dogs to sell to labs and to use as training animals for fighting dogs. The rehoming fees help to cut down on this risk.

Are Shelters and Rescues the Same as Rehoming?

While it’s possible to surrender your dog to a rescue or a shelter, it’s not truly the same as rehoming. When you surrender your dog, you give up your legal rights to her, and you’ll have no say over who adopts her, or if she gets adopted at all. While these facilities do their best to take care of the dogs and find new homes for them, it’s not always possible.

Most owners will at least want to try rehoming first, as they’ll have more control over where their rottweiler goes.

How Can I Tell If a Stray Cat is Pregnant?

You can tell a stray cat is pregnant by recognizing the most obvious physical indicators – a swollen belly and darkened nipples. A telltale sign in behavior is that pregnant cats start nesting towards the end of their pregnancies in an effort to find a safe, quiet place to give birth. If possible, the best way to verify if a stray cat is pregnant is to take her to a veterinarian because some cats do exhibit signs of false pregnancy.

Physical Changes During Cat Pregnancy

Cats have very quick pregnancies (only nine weeks!), so physical changes in cats are visible very quickly. Fifteen to eighteen days into pregnancy, a cat’s nipples become more pronounced, enlarged and darker pink in color. This is called “pinking up.”

About half way through her pregnancy, the mother’s belly appears more rounded and hangs lower when she stands. If you can get close enough to the cat, you might also be able to see the kittens moving inside her belly and possibly even feel them moving.

Behavioral Changes

Just like humans, some pregnant cats experience vomiting (or morning sickness). However, you might not observe this behavior in a stray cat if she isn’t around all the time. Another behavioral change is increased appetite. If you are feeding a stray cat who is pregnant, you may notice her coming around more often, eating more frequently, or eating larger quantities of food.

As she nears the end of her pregnancy, a mother cat may exhibit nesting behaviors. This usually occurs during the last two weeks before the kittens are born. The mother is looking for a quiet, safe place to give birth and care for her newborn kittens, so you may notice her hiding out and laying low. A stray cat may recognize that you and your house represent safety, so she may stay close to your home more often than usual.

Taking in a Pregnant Stray Cat

Some people may choose to bring in a stray cat that is pregnant. When you bring a stray cat into your home, you’ll want to isolate her from other pets as well as provide for her immediate needs like food, water and warmth. If possible, take the mother to a veterinarian for a wellness check and to verify her pregnancy. The vet can also check for a microchip and provide helpful guidance for the kittens’ delivery. When the kittens are old enough, they can also receive their recommended vaccinations and get spayed or neutered and you can begin looking for new homes for them.

You’ve done a wonderful thing by opening your home to a pregnant stray cat! If you only plan to temporarily take care of the mother and her kittens, you might consider helping them find safe and happy homes once they are healthy and independent. Creating a Rehome profile can be a great way to find your momma cat and her babies a loving forever family. Check out these great tips for how to find a permanent home for your stray cats. 

Can I Drop My Jack Russell Terrier Off at an Animal Shelter?

In most cases, you can’t just drop off your Jack Russell Terrier at an animal shelter. They don’t want people showing up at their doors with their dogs or dropping them off outside. Additionally, different shelters will have different rules. They have a certain set of procedures and policies they need to follow when it comes to surrendering pets. Therefore, you’ll want to get in touch with the shelter to understand the steps you need to take.

Contact the Shelter

You can contact the shelter online or over the phone. They’ll want to know more about your dog and why you need to give her up. The reason they’ll often ask about why you need to give your dog up is that they might have some other options for you. Many times, they’ll have a list of resources that could help with many of the common issues people have with their dogs.

For example, they may have a list of trainers or guidance if you have a dog with behavioral issues. They may have some low-cost spay and neuter options that they could suggest. Their goal is always to do what’s best for the dog, and that might mean finding a way he can stay with you.

Of course, not everyone will be capable of keeping their dog due to a wide range of circumstances beyond their control. In those cases, the shelter will let you know more about the process, along with the price of surrender fees. These fees are usually between $50 and $150, but it can vary based on location, age of the dog, etc.

Once your dog is at the shelter, the personnel will try their best to make sure she gets adopted. However, this doesn’t always happen. The shelters often have a lot of dogs, and this means that not all will be adopted. Many shelters can only hold the dogs for a certain period before euthanizing. Ask the shelter about their policies.

What About Rescues?

Another option you may be considering is a dog rescue. There may be rescues available in your area, and they could be a good option. However, you’ll find that because rescues are no-kill facilities, they’re popular with owners who need to give up their dog. This means that it’s often difficult to find rescues with any room available. While they could be an option, you can’t count on them.

Consider Rehoming Your Jack Russell Terrier

Another option to consider is rehoming your dog. When you rehome your dog, you take an active role in finding someone perfect to adopt your dog. This might be a friend or a family member you already know that wants a dog, or it could be someone you find online through a site like Rehome.

Rehome allows you to create a profile for your dog, which can then be viewed by potential adopters. You’ll want to make sure that the profile is filled out fully and properly, of course, and you’ll need to review the applications carefully. This ensures that you can find the perfect new home for your Jack Russell Terrier.  

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Australian Cattle Dog?

You want to find a good home for your Australian cattle dog when you are no longer capable of taking care of the pet. Regardless of whether you need to rehome because you are moving, because you have a new baby that’s allergic to the dog, or because you can no longer afford the pet, find them the best new home. Fortunately, there are many options you can consider when you need to find a new home for your dog. We will cover these below.

A Home with Someone You Know

One of the first things you will want to consider when you are looking for a good home for your Australian cattle dog will be the people you know. You might have a family member or someone in your group of friends or extended friends that are looking to adopt a dog. If you are not able to keep your dog for one reason or another, this could be a good fit.

Of course, whether you are letting someone you know adopt the dog or not, you need to be sure they can care for the dog properly. Always make sure they meet the dog first and that it seems like a good option before they adopt.

Rescues and Shelters

Another option that many people try to avoid is putting the dog into a shelter or a rescue. They worry that the dog will not get adopted. Shelters try their best to care for the dog and to find them a home, but it is not always a guarantee.

There are rescues in some parts of the country that specialize in specific breeds, such as Australian cattle dogs. You may want to check to see if there is one of these rescues near you.

Choose Rehome for Your Australian Cattle Dog

Instead of taking the dog to a shelter or trying to go through an untrustworthy online classified site, check out Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. Rehome is a peer-to-peer adoption platform from the pet adoption experts at Adopt-a-Pet.com. Rehome provides many advantages over other types of sites and options.

Through the Rehome platform, you can ensure that your dog is not only going to a good home but also the right home. Owners can place photos and videos of the dog on the site on their dog’s profile. They can also provide a bio and stories about the dog, and even add information about the dog’s quirks, their personality, and their temperament. Providing would-be adopters with as much information about the dog as possible helps to ensure that the right people find your pet.

One of the best things about using Rehome for your Australian cattle dog is that it is free for owners to use. You can put up information about your dog to help find the ideal new home. The adopter will only have to pay a small fee that then goes right back into animal welfare.

It’s a good solution that you will want to consider if you are no longer capable of keeping your dog. You will rest easy knowing that your pet has a loving new home.

Can I Drop My Great Pyrenees Off at an Animal Shelter?

Should you find yourself in a situation where you can no longer keep your Great Pyrenees you can take him to an animal shelter. You can’t, however, just drop him off and leave it at that. You’ll need to contact them and set up an appointment so they can evaluate your situation. Every facility has its own policies and procedures in place, so it’s not possible to show up at the door with your dog and expect them to take him.

Learn About the Animal Shelter 

You’ll want to learn more about the shelter before you contact them to set up an appointment. By visiting their website, you’ll not only find their address, but they often have information on how to properly surrender your dog.

Make sure you review the shelter’s policies and understand what will happen to your dog once you surrender him. Shelters do their best to ensure that the animals brought to them are cared for and that they get adopted. However, the reality of the matter is that not all dogs will be adopted, and some may be euthanized. It’s not something the shelters want to do, but they are often forced to because of aggression or lack of space.

Contacting the Shelter 

Once you know a bit more about the facility, you can contact them to set up an appointment. When you call, the employees will let you know about any paperwork that you might need to bring along with you. They’ll also let you know more about the surrender fee and how much it will cost (most organizations charge at least $50).The money from these fees, along with adoption fees, help to keep the facilities operating.

The shelter will also want to know more about your dog including his temperament, if he has health issues, his age, etc. They will also ask why you need to surrender your dog. They ask this question because they might have some resources that could help you keep your Great Pyrenees.

For example, if you have a dog that has some behavior issues, they may have the names and contact information of some trainers. If you’re worried that you can’t spend enough time with your dog during the day, they might have names and numbers of dog walkers or daycare facilities for your pet.

Their goal is to do what’s best for your pet, and that might mean staying with you if it’s possible. Of course, we understand that keeping your pet isn’t always possible. There may be problems that are out of your control, and you need to find a way to give up your dog responsibly.

Consider Other Options

Being unable to keep your dog doesn’t always mean that you need to surrender your Great Pyrenees to a shelter. One of the first things you can do is talk with your relatives and friends. Maybe one of them would be interested in adopting your dog. This can be an easy and fast way to give up your dog without worry.

If you don’t know anyone who can adopt, there’s still the option of using peer-to-peer pet adoption platforms like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. With Rehome you can create a profile for your Great Pyrenees, and then publish his story directly on Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of potential adopters to see. It’s a safe, easy, and reliable option that will give you control over where your dog ends up.