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 Surrender My Bulldog?

You can surrender your bulldog by taking him to an animal shelter or rescue. While surrendering to a shelter is fairly straight-forward, you should be aware that when you surrender your bulldog to the shelter, you are giving up your legal rights to your pet. Additionally, you will generally have to pay a fee when you surrender your pet.

Making Contact with Shelters

You should also keep in mind that different shelters will have their own rules and regulations when it comes to surrendering your bulldog. This can vary by location, so you will want to get in touch with the organization where you plan to surrender your pet to ensure that you understand the proper procedures. For example, some facilities will require that you call ahead or use their site to make an appointment rather than walking in with your bulldog.

When you contact the organization where you plan to surrender your bulldog, they will likely want to know a bit more about your dog first. They will often ask why you need to surrender the dog, along with questions about the dog’s temperament, health, etc. They want to be sure that they have the necessary information about the dog first.

The shelters will often talk with you about potential ways that you could keep the dog. Surrendering, even according to the shelters, should only be a final resort. They can provide advice on getting training for the dog if that is needed, where to find facilities that can watch the dog during the day if needed, and how to find financial assistance, for example.

You should also do your own rehome_research on the organization you are considering. While most shelters try to provide a safe space for the animals, many are overcrowded. Know as much about the facility as possible before you surrender your bulldog.

Options Other Than Surrendering to a Shelter

Shelters are not the only place where you can give up your dog. There are other, better options available to you. Rescues, for example, are generally privately run. This is a location where the dog will be able to stay until they are adopted.

It does not mean that adoption is guaranteed, but the dog will be able to stay there as long as needed. Just make sure that you rehome_research the rescue and contact them before you bring your pet to them.

There is also the option of rehoming your bulldog on your own or through an adoption website. This takes some additional time, but it will ensure that you can find a great home for your dog.

If you are going to try to rehome on your own, stay away from sites like Craigslist, as you never know if you can trust the people on those sites. Always charge a rehoming fee, as this gives the adopter a financial investment in the animal. Those who have bad intentions toward your pet will not want to pay a fee. Always make sure that you screen people before you let them adopt your pet.

You can also opt to use Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, a website that helps owners like you find responsible, caring adopters who want to bring your pet into their home. It’s a fantastic option to consider when you need to rehome your pet.

How Long Does It Take an Australian Shepherd to Get Used to a New Home?

Dogs are creatures of habit, they like to have their routine, and it can take time to adjust to new settings. Every dog is different, but it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for a dog to get used to a new home. Exactly how long it will take depends on your dog’s age and temperament, as well as his history. While there is no one answer, you should prepare for it to take a considerable amount of time—up to several months—for your Australian Shepherd to fully acclimate. Unfortunately, many people adopt a dog and then return him when he doesn’t fit in right away. If you’ve brought an Australian Shepherd into your home, be sure to give him the time he needs before giving up on him.

He Doesn’t Follow My Rules 

 Wouldn’t it be great if you could bring a new dog home, point him to the dog bed, tell him not to chase the cat, and have that be that? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Dogs need time to get used to new rules and routines, and it’s up to you to help him do that.

If a few weeks go by without progress, it could be because you haven’t taken the proper steps to help your dog acclimate and establish a routine. It’s not always easy, but getting help from a vet or a trainer can make the process a lot easier.

Don’t Give Up On Him!

If your Australian Shepherd was adopted, you probably don’t know his background. It’s unsettling for dogs to change homes, and if he wasn’t adequately trained or was treated poorly in his last home, he’s coming to you at a disadvantage.

The good news is that with enough time and the right kind of encouragement from you, he’ll soon be a well-behaved part of the family! Don’t give up on your pet. Give him the time he needs, and the reward will be a loyal canine companion!

Can I Drop My Pit Bull Off at an Animal Shelter?

If you have a pit bull you can no longer care for, you may wonder, “Can I drop my pit bull off at an animal shelter?” More often than not, the answer is no. Many municipal facilities do not take owner surrenders at all, and the ones that do usually require an appointment, so you can’t just walk in and drop off your dog. Instead, you’ll work with an intake specialist who will guide you through the process of surrendering your pit bull (or American pit bull terrier).

Will My Pit Bull be Put Down If I Surrender Him to a Shelter?

Depending on where you live and which shelter you choose, the answer is either no, maybe, or almost certainly yes. That answer isn’t the most beneficial, but the truth is, some shelters must euthanize pets the same day they get them. Often it’s because of limited space to house incoming animals. No-kill shelters, on the other hand, only euthanize animals with severe medical conditions or aggression, but they may turn away pets due to limited capacity.

That’s why it’s important to rehome_research the specific shelter you’re considering so you are aware of what might happen to your pit bull. There are many wonderful shelters throughout the country, if you’re lucky, you’ll find one near you. If you cannot find one that satisfies your needs, consider another option.

Rehoming your pit bull yourself allows your pet to remain in a stress-free environment while you find him the right home, and gives you peace of mind knowing where your pet ends up.

While it will take some time and effort to find the perfect home, a host of resources are available to guide you. One great example is Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. The peer-to-peer adoption service allows you to create a profile for your pit bull and share his story with millions of potential adopters. You’ll find information and easy-to-use tools that will help you find and screen applicants.

Giving up your pet isn’t a decision to take lightly. Surrendering your pit bull to the animal shelter is only one of many options. If you feel more comfortable being in control of where your pet goes, Rehome is the perfect tool to help you ensure your pet lands in a loving new home.

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.

Party Animals: How to Party with Your Pets!

party-poodleOur friends over at Petcentric are ready to party with their pets! They say, “Love to party but want to get your fun-loving “party animals” involved, too? From novel ideas to pet safety, we’ve got the lowdown! Parties aren’t just for humans. From birthdays to parades, pets enjoy dressing for special events, and we enjoy seeing them dressed up. Are your pets party animals?

Let’s Play Dress-Up

Since gathering with friends and family is one of our favorite ways to celebrate a special occasion, the dogs also get in on the action. Over the years they have sported decorative dog sweaters or seasonal-printed bandannas to get into the party spirit.

When choosing clothing for your party animals, keep these tips in mind:

  • Don’t obstruct the pet’s ability to see, walk, or breathe.
  • Choose an accessory or clothing made specifically for pets.
  • Pick a quiet outfit (without bells and squeakers) that won’t startle or annoy your pet.

Special Party Treats

Although I look forward to indulging in a piece of celebratory cake or a tray of cookies, these sweet treats aren’t good for pets. In fact, chocolate is poisonous to both dogs and cats.

Commit to keeping your pets healthy and happy during a party. I like to keep all candy out of reach and head to the pet store to pick out something special for my dogs. I enjoy selecting a variety of soft, chewy, and crunchy treats.

Going Out on the Town

There are many ways to get involved in the community for seasonal celebrations. Local shelters and rescue groups often host holiday party-themed fundraising events. For a small entry fee that helps adoptable pets, you can take part in a parade, costume contest, or pet party — or even wander through a corn maze in the fall.

In the past, I have served as the emcee for a local costume contest for pets. I think the pet owners were having just as much fun as the party animals. There were many “ooohs and ahhhs” coming from the crowd as each pet took its turn on the runway.

Whether you dress up your pets with colorful bandannas or surprise them with special party treats, your four-legged family members will love the extra attention during a celebration — and you’ll cherish all the funny snapshots of them indulging in the moment!

Join the party online here by posting your comments on Petcentric’s article !

NYC's Halloween Howl dog costume contest October 23

What better way to celebrate Howl-o-ween than a gigantic dog costume contest in a dog park? New York City has taken the concept to a whole new level with their Halloween Howl, an annual event in Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Thousands of spectators cheer on as hundreds of dogs strut their stuff vying for prizes in the various cat-egories, plus there are booths you and your family (canines included!) can visit to learn all about healthy food, treats and more for your dog’s wellness. We love the 3 minute video that our friends at Petcentric posted from one of the past year’s events. Even if you can’t make it to NYC for this year’s festivities, you can get into the spirit of Halloween by watching the video online right here! Event details below…

The 2011 event is on Sunday, October 23, 2011 (Rain date October 30) from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. — check out the park’s website event page http://www.carlschurzparknyc.org/events.html for more info!

Operation Baghdad Pups

Meet four-legged heroes who help soldiers cope behind enemy lines! Meet Bougie, Victory and Jasmine. Even though they look like normal dogs, they are anything but! Theses dogs all come from the war zone of Iraq. They now enjoy a better life in the US, thanks to the love of the military personnel that found them and Operation Baghdad Pups, the organization that brought them to their new home in the US. You can see these dogs in action in this video feature on PetCentric TV which includes an interview with the organization’s founder, and the soldiers who benefitted from the pet both while they were serving in Iraq, and now back home.

The Operation Baghdad Pups website says: “U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan befriend local animals as a way to help cope with the emotional hardships they endure every day while deployed in a war zone.  The Operation Baghdad Pups program provides veterinary care and coordinates complicated logistics and transportation requirements in order to reunite these beloved pets with their service men and women back in the U.S. These important animals not only help our heroes in the war zone, but they also help them readjust to life back home after combat.”

What a wonderful organization, and what a way to show gratitude to the men and women of the military!

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Photos of smiling pets

smiling-cat-JackWe love photos of smiling pets! Our friends over at Petcentric posted pics of 7 smiling pets here, and we have to agree, pet smiles are contagious! We’ve added a seven smiling dog and cat photos of our own below. Pets sometimes smile with their eyes, but in these photos we think their grins are pretty visible too! Petcentric says, “Check out their adorable warm, furry grins, and get ready to smile. Whether it’s getting a new toy, taking a long walk or enjoying a little extra cuddle time on the couch, pets have a lot to smile about. The best part about pet smiles is that they make people smile, too. Check out these adorable cat and dog smiles that are sure to leave you grinning.” If you have a photo of your adopted pet smiling, why not share with other pet people to inspire them to adopt a pet too! You can do that on the Petcentric Facebook page here.
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All photos above are of adopted pets taken by me, Jennifer Warner Jacobsen, Director of Shelter Programs, Adopt-a-Pet.com.