How Can I Find A Home For My Dog?

You can find a home for your dog by surrendering them to local shelters or rescues, or, better yet, use a service such as Rehome by Adopt a Pet to screen potential adopters yourself. Taking the time to find a new family for a dog gives them the best chance to find a safe and happy home.

Do You Need to Rehome Your Pet?

If you’re considering finding a new home for your pet, check out Rehome by Adopt a Pet. It’s a safe, simple program that helps pet parents safely rehome their pets. So pets can find new loving homes without entering a shelter.

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Before you commit to rehoming

Whether your reason for rehoming is behavioral issues, financial troubles, or not having time to spend with your dog, there are resources that can help with those matters so you can keep your dog in your home. And if rehoming is still the right call, below you’ll find tips on how to do it the right way.

• Talk to your vet because they may know of low-cost resources for medical or behavioral issues

• Reach out to a trainer for behavioral challenges that feel overwhelming

• Look into local pet food banks or financial assistance programs if cost is the barrier

• Ask your rescue or shelter about owner surrender prevention resources

Finding your pet a new home the safe way

There are many horror stories about what happens to pets listed on classified sites, making it a dangerous and unregulated method of finding a home for your dog. Here are some ways to consider instead.

1. Reaching out to family and friends 

Letting your family and friends know of your plan might be all it takes to find a new home for your dog. Those in your circle have probably spent time around your dog, and you never know who may be considering adding a pet to their family.

2. Rehome your dog yourself 

Finding the right home takes a little time and effort — but it's worth it, and you're not doing it alone. There are resources that make it easier to screen potential adopters and get your dog in front of people who are actively looking.

Rehome by Adopt a Pet is a website that allows you to create a pet profile, screen applicants, and explore other resources that make it easier to find the perfect home.

3. Talk to a local rescue

Rescues differ from shelters in that they are typically privately run. Once they take a dog in, they will give the dog as much time as they need to find the perfect home. The downside is that it can be challenging to find a rescue that has room to take your dog, but it’s still an avenue worth exploring.

4. Surrender your pet to a shelter

Surrendering your pet to a shelter is better than giving the dog away on a classified site, but it’s still not ideal. Many must euthanize for space or for behavior issues that may be displayed by a dog who is fearful in a kennel environment.

How to screen potential adopters

If you’re considering finding a new home for a dog, here are a few questions to ask potential adopters to see if they’re the right fit.

• Do you have other pets at home, and are they up to date on vaccines?

• Do you have kids or plan to?

• What does your average day look like and how long would the dog be alone?

• Do you rent or own, and if you rent, is your landlord pet-friendly?

• Have you had dogs before? What happened to them?

• What would you do if a behavioral issue came up?

• Are you prepared for the financial responsibility of a dog (food, vet visits, emergencies)?

• What kind of exercise can you realistically commit to?

• Why do you want this specific dog?