Rehoming Your Pet
We understand that sometimes circumstances arise where rehoming your pet feels like the only option. At Cause for Paws, we are here to provide guidance and support as you navigate this difficult decision. Before making a final decision, we encourage you to explore resources and alternatives to help keep your beloved pet in your home.
Steps to Consider Before Rehoming
- Behavioral Challenges:
- Many behavioral issues can be addressed through proper training and patience. Consider working with a professional trainer or behaviorist who can help you and your pet develop a stronger bond and resolve issues.
- For dogs, consult a trainer who can address your concerns, and aligns with your goals and beliefs.
- For cats, issues like inappropriate scratching or litter box problems can often be solved with environmental changes or guidance from your veterinarian.
- Financial Concerns:
- If finances are making it hard to care for your pet, local organizations may provide assistance for food, spaying/neutering, or veterinary care. Reach out to us, and we can connect you with potential resources.
- Life Changes:
- Moving, having a baby, or experiencing other life changes can be overwhelming. There are often ways to adjust your routine to keep your pet as part of your family. For example, pet sitters, daycare, or baby gates can help create harmony in your home. Often times your veterinarian, or a trainer will be able to help you with this.
If Rehoming Is Necessary
If you’ve exhausted all other options and must rehome your pet, we recommend taking steps to ensure their safety and well-being.
If You Got Your Pet from a Breeder or Organization
If your pet originally came from a breeder, rescue, or another organization, it’s important to review any contracts or agreements you signed at the time of adoption or purchase. Many breeders and organizations require you to contact them first if you are no longer able to care for the animal, and in some cases, they mandate that the pet must be returned to them. This ensures the animal’s safety and allows them to find an appropriate new home. Reach out to the original breeder or organization to discuss your options before taking any further steps.
If Your Dog Has Bitten Someone
If your dog has bitten a person, rehoming becomes a complex and serious situation. In most cases, it is not legal or ethical to rehome a dog with a bite history. Liability issues, public safety concerns, and state or local laws regarding dangerous animals may prohibit the transfer of ownership.
Additionally, placing a dog with a history of biting in an unprepared home can lead to further incidents and put the dog at risk of euthanasia. It’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian or certified behaviorist to understand the cause of the behavior and explore potential solutions. If rehoming is no longer an option, speak with professionals about humane alternatives to ensure the safety of all involved.
Rehoming on Your Own
- Screen Potential Adopters:
- Ask questions about their home environment, work schedule, and experience with pets.
- Verify that other pets in their home are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and well cared for.
- Require personal and veterinary references.
- Create an Adoption Agreement:
- Use an adoption agreement to outline the adopter’s responsibilities. This protects your pet and ensures their new home is committed to providing lifelong care.
- Meet Safely:
- Arrange meetings in a neutral, safe environment. Ensure that all members of the potential adopter’s household meet your pet before committing to rehoming.
- Charge a Rehoming Fee:
- Charging a reasonable fee can help deter people with bad intentions from adopting your pet.
Surrendering to Cause for Paws
If you are unable to find a new home for your pet, you can complete our Dog Surrender Form or Cat Surrender Form to request help.
Please understand:
- We are foster home-based. This means we do not have a facility and must secure a foster home before accepting any pets.
- We require that surrendered animals are people- and pet-friendly, as they will live in a foster home.
- Submitting the form does not guarantee placement, but we will do our best to assist you.
Rehoming a pet is never an easy decision, but taking the time to explore all options and ensure your pet’s safety is a loving choice. Thank you for caring about their future.