Rehoming Pets: Tips For Writing The Bio

When you are trying to rehome your pet, one of the biggest indicators of success is how well you describe them: "THE BIO."

First and most importantly, it is so so so important to be transparent about your pet's "stuff." We all have it. Just like us humans, animals are entitled to have needs and express them! You absolutely cannot set your pet up for success without 100% honesty. If your pet has a medical or behavioral concern, they will take it with them to their next family. When you hold things back to make your pet sound more adoptable, you are doing a grave disservice to both your pet and the well-intentioned adopter.

Here are some of my recs for writing a strong bio:

The Basics

• Good quality photo of the pet

• Name, Age, Breed, Temperament

• Likes, Dislikes, Quirks, Fun Facts

Behavior & Preferences/What Would Their Ideal Home Look Like?

Can the new home accommodate their baggage?

• How are they with other animals? Do they need to be the only pet?

• Would they do best in an adult-only household? Do have they had experience being around children?

• Will they need a patient owner who is willing to commit the time and energy into meeting their behavioral/emotional needs?

• Are they frightened of loud noises, preferring a more rural environment to a noisy city?

• Are there any medical needs or concerns an owner has to be financially and emotionally prepared for (Do they have prescription food, take medication for a heart murmur, prone to ear infections)?

  
  

  Whatever it is, share it.

  
  

This is your chance to find them placement most well suited to their needs. In my opinion, expectations are a key indicator of success and how we enter into a new relationship can color the experience.

As you will read in my sample bio below, Leo is not misrepresenting his need to be the only dog, but he is sandwiching it between his more desirable qualities. This shows the applicant the full picture. If you want to take it to the next level, write the bio from the pet's first-person perspective (adorable, in my opinion).

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 calm, 3-year-old neutered male, looking for a loving family to adopt me. You see, my owner died, and my aunt is taking good care of me until I find my new people.

My ideal home? Well, I spent a lot of time with the grands and wouldn't mind living with some of those little 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 blueberries! 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!

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.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​On the rehoming resources page, you will find supportive resources to walk you through nitty gritty the logistics of rehoming, from advertising your pet to screening applicants.