Rehoming On Your Own

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Abrutply transitioning from a loving home to a shelter cage can be a stressful experience for pets. Going from freely living in a home to spending the majority of their days alone in a cage is a confusing and anxiety-provoking process. In the shelter environment, an animal may not be presenting its truest or best self, and it is common for them to exhibit behaviors that they didn't display in their home setting. So, if possible, the smoothest transition for your pet is to bypass the shelter and rehome on your own. Let's face it - you know your pet best, and by personally screening candidates, you have the opportunity to choose the adopter whose lifestyle best fits your pet's needs.

 

A common barrier to owners rehoming their pets independently is their wariness about knowing how to find and screen potential adopters. And this is a totally legit concern - we've all heard horrific stories of people who use animals for dog fighting, or are careless pet owners. People are quick to tell me that they would rather leave it up to the professionals at the shelter to find an adopter. Here's the thing - shelters do the best they can, but they cannot guarantee the perfect match. In fact, you can just as easily do the basic screening they do, plus more. 

 

Shelters and animal rescues vary in the comprehensiveness of their adoption applications. Because rescues are typically not as overcrowded as shelters, they tend to have the time to more carefully screen potential adopters by having them complete a thorough application. This application allows the applicant to describe in detail their lifestyle to determine the best fit for all parties. They often contact references, review the owner's history with veterinary care, and perform home visits. 

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County shelters operate at a much faster pace. They perform a basic background check on the applicant for a history of animal abuse charges. Beyond animal abuse charges, it is an organization's discretion to disqualify potential applicants for other offenses. So, contrary to what you may have assumed, a person can have a criminal record and still adopt a pet. Everyone has a past. This doesn't necessarily mean they can't be a responsible pet owner.

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In most states, you have the same access as a shelter to conduct a case search of public records through the court's website. If your state does not offer this service, I suggest contacting a local animal rescue organization to inquire about their adoption process. Below you will find links that contain screening questions, and you can always reach out to a rescue organization to learn about their screening process.

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This is by no means to scare you into believing shelters are uncaring places- far from it. In a high-volume, fast-paced environment, they simply do not have the time or resources to provide in-depth screening. While entering the shelter system is not a death sentence, it is essential to know that they have limited space, and may lack the resources to safely address an animal's medical or behavioral concerns in the shelter environment. Humane euthanasia is a possibility you need to be aware of.

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Rescues and no-kill shelters are fantastic resources, but they too have limited resources of fosters and financial support, and simply can't help every animal in need.  The shelter will always be there for you as an option, but in the interim, if you have the time and ability to rehome directly, below you will find resources to support you in finding a home for your pet.

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​​Self-Serve Placement Services:

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Rehome by Adopt-A-Pet

Rehome by Adopt-A-Pet allows you to place a courtesy posting on their site to advertise your pet. They also offer general support and resources to help you navigate the process, as well as resources that may enable you to keep your pet. 

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​​Rehome

Yeah, it's a bit confusing that these organizations share a name, but they are separate entities...This "Rehome" is a service that takes a more active role in the rehoming process. They offer a range of supportive services from a complimentary 30-day courtesy listing, to handling the entire process from creating a personalized pet profile and adopter screening. They offer a 20-minute consultation, during which you can explore options to determine if rehoming is right for you and where to start.

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Rehome also has a blog that offers both emotional and practical support as you navigate the rehoming journey. Blog posts include the nitty-gritty of rehoming tips to introducing your pet to their new home.​

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​Writing Your Pet's Bio

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- Include the basics (name, age, temperament, likes/dislikes, special needs, ideal home).

- It is vital to be transparent about your pet's "stuff." We all have it. If your pet has a medical or behavioral concern, they will take it with them to their next family. You cannot set them up for success without 100% honesty. Remember, it's ok to have needs and express them! Do they need to be the only dog? Live in an adult-only household? Are they frightened of loud noises, preferring a more rural environment? Need medication for a heart murmur?  Fill in your blank... As you see in the sample bio below, Leo is not misrepresenting his need to be the only dog, but he is sandwiching it between his more desirable qualities. 

- If you want to take it to the next level, I like to write bios from the pet's first-person perspective (see sample below).

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 Single Male Experienced in Snuggling Seeking a Loving Family

Well, I have nothing to lose, so I'm giving the online matching a try. Leo here. A lot of my pals tell me they've found their people this way, so hopefully I'll have the same luck. I'm a pretty chill 3-year-old neutered male, looking for a loving family to adopt me. You see, my owner died, and my auntie is taking good care of me until I find my new people.

 

My ideal home? Well, I spent a lot of time with the grandkids and wouldn't mind living with some of those little hairless creatures. They are great playmates, and I am very gentle with them. I enjoy long walks on fall days (bonus if I can carry my stuffie with me), snuggling with my people, and watching the Orioles play (I'm a super fan). Oh, and I love broccoli! I'm at that perfect age where I mind my manners and I'm fully housebroken. You can leave me alone in the house when you're out, and you won't need to worry! No chewing here. Activity level? I am always up for a hike (such delicious smells!), but also content binge-watching Netflix.
 

I hate to admit it, but I can sometimes get jealous. I don't mean to, but I love my people so much I want them to myself, so I prefer to be your one and only dog. Cats? We're all good, I lived with one of them before and we got along. Sometimes we even snuggled!

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I've had a lot of experience loving my person and know the ropes of home life, so I'm pretty much move in ready. I'm way too busy to manage my own schedule, so if I sound like the one that's been missing from your life, please get in touch with my auntie to learn more about me.

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Advertising Your Pet​

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Flyers

- Include a photo and brief bio (flyers will only have room for the basics - name, age, ideal home, and any special needs). You can provide additional details when you connect.

- How to get in touch with you - these days, most people can take a photo of the flyer with their phone, but I also like to include the old-school rip-off tabs with contact info.

- Hang flyers on community boards (library, gym, coffee shop, veterinary office, workplace, grocery store, etc.)

- Ask friends and family to share the flyers with their networks.

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Social Media

- Post your pet on sites with broad networks such as Facebook and Nextdoor.

- Make sure your post is shareable .

- Include how to get in touch with you outside of Facebook. Especially when a post is shared, the name of the original poster can get lost, and privacy settings may not allow for private messages.

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Email Blast!

- Compose an email that contains a bio and photo of your pet. Make sure to include your direct contact information. Email it to acquaintances, friends, and family, and ask them to share with their contacts.

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Questions To Ask Potential Adopters

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Tips for Finding a Home for a Pet

Article by PetFinder that includes questions to screen potential adopters

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Rehoming a Pet: Finding a Good New Home

Best Friends Animal Society Questions to screen applicants

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Can You Return the Pet To Where It Came From?​​​

 

Breeder

Most reputable breeders will take back their animals regardless of how much time has passed.​

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Breed Specific Rescue

If your pet is a purebred, search for a rescue designated to taking breed "X." 

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Return the pet to the rescue it came from

When you adopted your pet, you likely signed an adoption contract that asks you to return the pet to its care if you cannot keep it. Sometimes shelters do not have the space to accept the animal back into their adoption program, and may suggest you try to find a home on your own and inform the organization of a change of ownership. Again, there are many rescues and shelters, and their policies will vary. With that said, check the contract.

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Pause the rehome- Is this a solvable issue?

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​​There are a wide variety of resources available to help keep your pet in your home. Common barriers include financial limitations, behavior issues, and housing restrictions. 

Human Animal Support Services (HASS) is a free online platform that connects pet owners with low-cost, and free services in their local community, such as pet food banks, affordable veterinary care, temporary pet housing, and behavioral training. 

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Petco Love

Free low-cost vaccinations

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TRAINING makes a huge difference! Animals are eager to please, but like children, they need guidance and direction to learn manners. If you are unable to afford one-on-one training, the following are some complimentary training resources for common behavioral concerns.

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 Adopt-A-Pet  - behavior and training resources

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​​​​Rescued By Training - A dog training professional provides free downloads that address various dog behaviors

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Training Professionals

Kate LaSala, CTC, CBCC-KA, PCBC-A, CSAT, FFCP-E

Kate is a professional dog trainer and certified behavior consultant specializing in fear and aggression. She also offers support for end-of-life care decisions, as well as surrendering, re-homing, and behavioral euthanasia.

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Laura Cassidy - Certified Cat Behavior Consultant

Virtual consultations on litter box issues, inter-cat conflict, aggression, destruction, and more.

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Articles

Rehoming is an option, but it shouldn’t always be the first move.​​​

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How to Deal With the Puppy Blues - Why your adorable new dog is making you sad

 

When Is It Too Soon to Rehome a Dog You Can Not Handle?

If your new rescue does not seem happy or adjusted, they may just need a bit more time.

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The 3-3-3 Rule For Dogs: Adopted Dog Adjustment Period Explained

Find out how to set your adopted rescue dog up for success.

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Temporary Help

 

If you need temporary housing for your pet while you get back on your feet, consider reaching out to friends and family, your veterinarian, and local boarding facilities to see if they are willing to help care for your pet.

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Domestic Violence - RedRover Relief Safe Escape Grant Program

Funding is mainly provided to help with the cost of up to 45 days of pet boarding while a survivor is in a domestic violence shelter. Applications must be submitted by a domestic violence advocate and will be responded to within one business day. 

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Safe Havens for Pets

Safe Havens for Pets is a searchable directory for pets of those experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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