Not Finding Your Match At A Shelter or Rescue? Try searching private owner listings - these pets need homes too.
- Liz Weiner
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Historically, self-rehoming has been viewed as irresponsible and even dangerous, but times are changing, and today, it’s part of the solution when done responsibly. Let me be very clear, though: Self-rehoming will not be appropriate in every situation, but when the circumstances align, shelters are educating owners about safe and responsible self-rehoming strategies, and it’s been a major game-changer.
But here’s my frustration: While on one side of the shelter desk (Intake), I’m encouraging owners to learn more about self-rehoming; on the other side (Adoption), I find that most hopeful adopters don’t even know self-rehoming platforms exist — and this leads to many missed opportunities. Getting the word out about where to find these adoptables is just as important to the success of these efforts, so this is my attempt to do that. If you would like to learn more about why the animal welfare industry is encouraging self-rehoming and how it benefits the overall homeless animal population, you will find additional insights at the end of this essay.
Benefits of owner-to-owner adoption
You can narrow your search.
Owner-to-owner adoption is especially helpful if you are looking for a specific breed, age, or size. While all varieties of animals come through the shelter, it’s all about timing, and often that boils down to luck. Small dogs, for example, are in high demand but are often adopted as quickly as they arrive. I liken it to how I browse Goodwill a few times a month: I can never predict what their inventory will be at any given time or who might find it before me. But if I were to use Facebook Marketplace, I could engage in a targeted search. That’s how self-rehoming platforms work.
You can learn about the animal’s history and the type of environment it thrives in.
Presumably, owners know their pet best, so they can provide the most detailed information on the pet’s likes, dislikes, must-haves, and deal-breakers. This is especially helpful for pets with any restrictions that would prevent them from being successful in a particular environment (e.g., no children, must be the only pet, needs an experienced owner, etc.).
Where can I find pets being rehomed by their owners?
Supported rehoming platforms like Home-to-Home and “Rehome” by Adopt-a-Pet have been major drivers of the self-rehoming movement. These sites allow owners to advertise their pets in a searchable database that potential adopters use to find adoptable animals in their area. They promote safe and responsible rehoming practices for both the owner and adoptor by providing support across all aspects of the adoption process, from screening candidates to transferring ownership. The organizations listed below are separate entities, so unless the owner posts on multiple platforms, each site has unique content. Please note, this is essay is intended as an informational resource. A listing does not imply endorsement of the clinic or program.
Finds homes for: Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Small Animals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, Horses, and Farm Animals
Because Adopt-a-Pet features animals cared for in shelters, rescues, and private homes, follow these instructions to sort by Private Owner.
Enter your location and choose a species (do not select “add pet criteria”; you will do that in another place). Search.
All (species — we will call this search "Dogs") within “x” miles of your location will appear — this includes dogs residing in shelters, private rescues, and being rehomed by their owners. A search of a 50 mile radius of “Parkville, MD” resulted in 3,261 available dogs.
Now, filter the results by “Private Owner.” On a desktop, to the left of the page, you will find filter options. Under “Cared for by,” choose “Private Owner.”
This filter narrowed the pool to 306 privately rehomed dogs across all breeds and sizes. You can apply additional filters from there.
The adoption fee for animals being self-rehomed through Adopt-a-Pet varies and is set by the owner. Typically, though, I find it very affordable. The average cost I have seen is $50. Adopt A Pet provides a Transfer of Ownership agreement to be completed prior to adoption. More about the process here.
Quick success story — This week, I spoke with an adopter interested in a male guinea pig. The shelter I am with did not currently have any, nor did another local shelter she has been in contact with. We searched Adopt-a-Pet’s database (not filtered by private owner) for “small animals” and came up with about 15 guinea pigs in the Baltimore area alone. The shelter in the neighboring county must have just received a litter, as they had many young guinea pigs. This is how Adopt-a-Pet provides life-saving connections.
Finds homes for: Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Rodents, Fish, Snakes, and Farm Animals.
Home to Home is exclusively for use by private owners, so your search does not need to be filtered by where an animal is being housed. You can also search for pets in need of temporary fosters (love this). Within the same 50-mile radius, Home to Home featured 60 dogs available for self-rehoming. At the time of this writing, the standard adoption fee is $25. This includes a New Home Package with discounts and offers on veterinary and behavioral services, as well as an adoption contract.
Finds homes for: Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Small Animals, Reptiles, Birds
Joyful Pets takes a more active role in connecting owners and applicants. A potential adopter can submit a pet match request describing what they’re looking for, and they will contact you if a pet becomes available. Joyful Pets yielded 6 dogs within the same 50-mile radius. However, most owners are willing to travel anywhere for the right match so don't let this deter you. The adoption fee is $175 and includes post-adoption support, an adoption contract, and a PawFax report.
Why are we broadening the scope of where and how adoptions occur?
Because there has to be another option. The reality is that shelters and rescues alone cannot be responsible for rehoming every unhoused animal — there simply is not enough space or resources. So every time an owner can keep their pet with them while searching for a new home, it opens a spot in a shelter for the next animal who inevitably comes in without that option. Not only are countless lives being saved, but animals are also bypassing the stressful shelter experience by remaining in the comfort of their homes during this transition.
Please don’t misunderstand me. In no way, shape, or form am I suggesting you don’t adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue. It’s not a competition, it’s another option. It takes a village, and shelters, rescues, and owners are working together toward a common goal. When an owner can self-rehome, it benefits the entire animal rescue community, as these animals would otherwise likely end up in shelters — if they even have the room.
For more insights on pet love and loss, please visit Pet Therapy Notes.
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