Pet . Therapy. Notes...
rehoming...
I've made the decision...where do I even begin?
This page is dedicated to practical resources to help you on your journey to rehome your beloved pet. It is for when you have made the decision and are wondering where to start.
For emotional support and guidance on exploring whether rehoming is the right option for you, please visit rehoming a beloved pet and behavioral euthanasia. For financial, behavioral, and temporary housing resources to potentially keep your family intact, visit solution center: pet parenting resources to keep your pet.
I'm wordy, and attention spans are short. Scroll down to self-serve rehoming platforms for practical resources.
self-rehoming.
When circumstances align, many owners take an active role in choosing their pet's next home.
potential benefits of self-rehoming...
- Shelters don’t have unlimited real estate, foster homes, or rescue partners. When shelters are at capacity, we face a critical gap in care. The solution can't be turning animals away - there has to be another option.
- Every time an owner can keep their pet with them while searching for a new home, it opens space in the shelter for the next animal who comes in without that option.
- We’ve moved far beyond the days of Craigslist. There are formal platforms that support safe and responsible self-rehoming (see resources below).
- As your pet’s guardian, YOU know them best. You’re in the best position to select an adopter whose lifestyle and environment best suit their needs.
- Shelters can be stressful places! Pets to remain in the comfort of their home.
- Fewer stops in between can lead to a smoother transition.
Self-rehoming isn’t for everyone. Often, those who need to rehome are already navigating challenging circumstances that may prevent them from continuing to care for their pet. That's why shelters exist.
some really important things to consider...
- You may not be able to find placement for your pet within your available timeframe, or your circumstances can change. That's ok - we can only control the effort, not the outcome. When possible, many people find it helpful to secure a shelter placement as a backup while also making efforts to self-rehome.
- HUMAN WELFARE & SAFETY MUST COME FIRST! If a pet’s behavior poses a safety risk to people or other animals in the home, it may not be safe to continue living together.
- IS IT SAFE TO REHOME YOUR PET? If the decision to rehome is due to a behavioral issue, it is important to assess whether there is a home better suited to your pet or whether the safety risk the pet presents is too significant. Triggers can be managed in the proper environments, but these homes can feel like a needle in a haystack, or the risk of management techniques failing is too great. There are times when behavioral euthanasia is the most humane option. Veterinary and behavioral professionals can help you assess this (see resources below).
- Be aware of your limitations and not take on more than you can safely or responsibly handle.
- Consider the quality of life for the pet AND the human.
- Is something preventing you from meeting your pet’s basic needs for food, medical care, and housing?
- Is YOUR health at risk? Physical or mental. It all counts.
To learn more about self-rehoming and important factors to keep in mind, see blog post: Thinking of Self-Rehoming a Pet? Here Are Some Things to Consider (and why it's not always a bad idea).
ok, finally...the resources start here!
"self-serve" rehoming platforms.
The platforms below allow you to list your pet on their official rehoming sites, where potential adopters can search for pets available for adoption directly from current owners in their area. They offer support throughout the rehoming process, from tips on writing a pet’s bio, screening adopters, transfer-of-ownership agreements, and more. Many of these platforms collaborate with shelters nationwide to offer courtesy listings or reduced rates for their communities.
- "Rehome" by Adopt-a-Pet has a blog that addresses everything about the rehoming process (seriously, like over 30 articles).
- In addition to listing your pet for adoption, Home to Home also offers the option to find a temporary foster home for your pet.
- Home to Home has a comprehensive FAQ page with information and advice for both pet owners and potential adopters or fosters.
- Rehome with Love takes a more active role in the rehoming process by managing everything from creating your pet’s profile and advertising to communicating with and screening potential adopters.
- This service is especially valuable for owners who have harder-to-place pets, busy schedules, or who feel uncomfortable managing the rehoming process themselves.
- Rehome with Love also offers a complimentary phone consultation to help you explore options to determine if rehoming is right for you and where to start.
- More support from Rehome with Love:
Finding a New Home for Your Pet: A Compassionate Guide
advertising your pet.
The bio: Describe your pet and what their ideal home looks like.
Be honest! For the best chance of a successful placement, it is important to explain the type of home your pet would thrive in (i.e. no children, no other pets, quiet household, fenced yard, couch potato, etc.).
Help writing the bio...
Rescue Writer by PetSmart Charities: AI author that can instantly write a pet’s profile for you.
Optimizing your pet's profile (Adopt-A-Pet)
Spread the word!
Flyers
- Get creative...think old-fashioned paper flyers.
- Include a photo of your pet, a brief bio, and how to get in touch with you.
- Hang flyers on community boards (library, gym, coffee shop, veterinary office, workplace, grocery store, etc.)
Social Media
- Post on your own Facebook page, ask friends/family to share, and search for local pet rehoming and community pages for your area.
- Make sure your post is shareable (edit privacy setting to "public") and includes how to get in touch with you outside of social media.
Email blast.
Compose an email that contains a bio and photo of your pet. Make sure to include your direct contact information. Address it to yourself, and use the "blind carbon copy - bcc" feature to send it to acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, and ask them to share it with their contacts. Good people tend to know other good people.
interviewing & meeting applicants.
Tips for Finding a Home for a Pet
Rehoming a Pet: Finding a Good New Home (Best Friends Animal Society)
Rehome" by Adopt-a-Pet has a free blog that addresses every single step of the rehoming process
transferring ownership.
It is recommended to have formal documentation of a transfer of ownership. I am not able to advise on liability issues, and laws vary by state. The self-rehoming platforms listed above can provide more information about the transfer-of-ownership agreement. For additional information, please seek legal advice in your home state.
Adopt-a-Pet provides more detailed information on this, as well as a contract template.
other suggestions...
contact the organization you got your pet from.
Breeder
Many breeders take back their animals regardless of how much time has passed. Even if the breeder is unable to take your pet into their care, they may be able to connect you with someone who can.
Return the pet to the shelter/rescue organization from which you adopted it.
Depending on where you adopted your pet, you may have signed an adoption contract asking you to return the pet to the organization if you are unable to keep it. In many cases, animal rescue organizations will take back their pet. Policies vary, but checking the contract and contacting them is a great first step
Breed Specific Rescues
If your pet is a purebred, start with a Google search for a rescue designated to take breed "X."