Is It Ever Okay to Return a Dog to a Shelter?

Is it okay to return a dog? The short answer is yes. While it’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, sometimes adoptions simply don’t work out. It’s important to remember that returning a pet doesn’t mean you’re a failure; it means you’re prioritizing the well-being of both yourself and the dog. If you feel like your pet adoption isn’t working out, take a deep breath and read this guide for some helpful suggestions.

At some point, most new pet parents will become surprised, stressed, or even frustrated when their adorable new dog turns out to be imperfect. That’s right: Like any other living, breathing creature, they are not flawless. And that’s okay. Training, bonding, and working through the ups and downs all take time. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

There are many, many steps you can take before surrendering your dog. But if these strategies still don’t work for you, we’ll guide you through the process of making sure your dog finds a safe new home.

Understanding why dog adoptions don’t work out

Pet adoption can be the best of times…and the worst of times. Looking into that canine face, once they realize they’re finally safe, is a wonderful serotonin rush. But getting there, as your pup adjusts to their new home, can be tough. The most important thing to understand is that if you devote time and energy to these issues, they will often get better. 

Below are common obstacles pet parents face, and tips on how to navigate them.

Your new dog’s behavior

The way your pup behaves at home will typically be much more relaxed than how they behaved at a shelter or rescue. Still, it will take time for your dog to get to that place where they feel emotionally at peace. If you’re not familiar with this process, read about the very important 3-3-3 rule, which will set your expectations as you help acclimate your dog to their new home.

As you get to know your pet, they may exhibit some behaviors that may feel like challenges. But they’re more common than you’d think. Here’s a list of common ones:

• Hyperactivity, or large reserves of energy that can lead to destructive behavior

• Resource-guarding, especially towards food or toys

• Anxiety, especially fearfulness that results in barking

• Reactivity, directed toward other pets or (human) strangers

How to get behavioral help

Although these challenges may seem impossible, they don’t have to be. You can, in fact, train a dog to surmount many of these issues. Or if you want outside help, hire a humane trainer to help you, by searching the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers directory. What’s truly heartening about any training process is that, along the way, you’ll forge an even tighter bond with your new pup. 

The cost of having a dog

The good news is that adopting a dog not only saves a life, it is a far more affordable option and often means your dog is already spayed/neutered and vaccinated. 

The less-good news: If this is your first pup and don’t have supplies on hand, you might be surprised how expensive the first year of pet parenting can be. However, even experienced pet parents can be surprised by the costs associated with having a pet. Unexpected expenses can arise at any time, such as emergency vet bills, expensive medications, or last-minute dog care.

How to get financial help

If you’ve fallen on hard times (economically or health-wise), there are resources out there that can help provide financial assistance with your pet bills. Or head to the Pet Help Finder, an invaluable resource for vet services, animal food and supplies, as well as pet boarding and other services. It can sometimes help to invest in pet insurance both for preventative care to keep them healthy, and in case they encounter any health issues.  

Your living situation changes

Unexpected changes in your living situation, such as moving or changes in family dynamics, can sometimes make it difficult to keep a pet. So, if you rent, make sure your lease allows for dogs before adopting your new roommate. If it doesn’t (or you forgot to check), reach out to your landlord to see if they can make an allowance for your new pup. Meanwhile, if you have a family or roommates, make sure they’re into the idea of having a pet in the household.

How to get living-situation help

If you need to find a new living situation, head to apartment listing sites, such as Apartments.com or Zillow, for dog-friendly homes. Consider looking for pet-friendly rooms for rent. And if you’ve encountered financial hardship, temporary emergency pet care may be available. Many local emergency shelters and domestic violence shelters now allow individuals to bring their pets, including dogs.

Shchus / Shutterstock/

What to do if the dog adoption just isn’t working

Maybe you’re wondering if your dog doesn’t like you or is not “normal,” or if you’re just not cut out to be a pet parent. It’s okay to be frustrated by your new dog’s puzzling behavior and the stressors that come with this big responsibility. Not every pet adoption is a perfect match, and returning a pet to the shelter is sometimes the only option. With that in mind, here are a few more factors to consider before you give up on your journey into pet parenthood.

Give it time

We know this is a hard thing to hear, but remember that 3-3-3- rule we mentioned above? It’s a tried-and-true marker for adoptions. Yes, it can take three months (or more) for your new bestie to actually feel like your bestie, because certain dogs simply take more time to feel safe, trust you, and completely be themselves. The rescue or shelter staff probably can tell you from the get-go a lot about your adopted dog’s personality. The rest is just an adjustment period. So keep the faith. They’ll come around. 

Listen to your instincts

You know your comfort zones. If you feel like you’re well past the panic phase of “Holy crap, I have to take care of this dog,” and something still feels off about your relationship with your pet, you must be proactive to effect change. Think meaningfully about what doesn’t feel right or why this relationship isn’t working out. 

• If the issue is behavior- or adjustment-related, reach out to your rescue for advice. Many rescues also offer free or low-cost training sessions. If your budget allows, you can also hire an expert (the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants is a great place to start) for more intensive strategies.

• If the issue is finance-related or you need a boarding service due to a health situation, the previously mentioned Pet Help Finder is an outstanding resource. It will point you toward local resources based on your areas of need. (However, if you’re in a domestic violence situation, we’d suggest searching Safe Haven for Pets, which will connect you with a secure place for you and your pet.) 

How to return a dog to a rescue

We realize this is an agonizing decision that you aren’t taking lightly. You aren’t a bad person, you’re just ill-equipped at the moment to take on the weighty responsibility of raising a pet. But perhaps the time will be right in the future. 

First, keep in mind that this is a significant step that will probably impact both you and your dog. You may feel depressed over the failed adoption, and your dog may grow more anxious due to being moved from home to home. That said, if you’ve exhausted all of the above options and strategies, here are some healthy steps you can take to move forward with returning your dog.

Review the adoption contract

Per your adoption contract, many rescues will require that you surrender the dog back to them (and any adoption fee you paid will probably not be refunded). Keep in mind that this may be a legally binding document, so it’s best to follow the rules here.

Return your dog

Be sure to provide detailed feedback to the rescue. Shelters and rescues can use a pet’s return to gain valuable insights into their personality and needs, helping them find the best possible home where the pet will thrive.

Even if you aren’t contractually obligated to surrender your dog to the rescue or shelter (and for the good of both you and the dog, please make sure that you aren’t), you should consider connecting with the rescue you adopted them from because they could have the best resources to help your pet.

Otherwise, consider rehoming your pet

If the shelter is unable to house them or provide you with resources, consider rehoming your dog, which is a way to secure a safe new home for your pet. This prevents the need to surrender your pet to a rescue or shelter, where there’s no certainty of finding a safe new home and the dog’s survival may be at risk if the shelter is overcrowded.

At the same time, rehoming avoids the use of any classified or social media ads (think Craigslist, Facebook, and Nextdoor) on which, unfortunately, many people troll to find dogs whom they’ll abuse or neglect.

To safely rehome your pet, use a reputable resource such as Adopt a Pet. They will help you screen potential adopters to make sure you find legitimate pet parents who can provide the dog with a loving home.

If you surrender a pet, can you adopt again?

If your pet adoption didn’t work out for you, you’re probably feeling sad and deflated. But remind yourself that if you return your dog, it’s possible to adopt again in the future. Once your circumstances have changed in a way that enables you to reconsider adoption, there are steps you can take to ensure that, next time, you gradually work your way toward this responsibility.

• Plan logistics: Before bringing a pup home, consider everything from your finances to scheduling adjustments to pet-proofing your home.

• Make sure your rental is pet-friendly: Check your lease to make sure it accommodates dogs. If it doesn’t, here are some tips on how to approach your landlord. 

• Find the right canine match: Do your research, and when you visit a shelter or rescue, work with the staff there to find a dog who matches your lifestyle. You should consider factors such as the dog’s age, their energy level, your home size, and your budget. The more you know, the more confident you can be in your decision.

• Ask lots of questions: Do not hesitate to ask a lot of questions — the staff there is trained to learn as much about a dog’s personality as possible. 

• Consider foster-to-adopt: When you foster a dog, their rescue will provide you with food, supplies, and vet care, which takes the financial heat off you. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your potential dog better through cohabitation, without the pressure of adoption — and if you foster fail it’s a good thing because you realize you’ve found your new bestie.

Commonly asked questions

Can I drop my dog off at an animal shelter?

Yes, you can drop your dog off at an animal shelter, but often only with an appointment. The National Humane Society has a list of shelters that can help you, and upon arrival, you will probably need to provide paperwork such as proof of ownership. However, if you simply leave a dog at the shelter’s location, that may be considered animal abandonment or neglect, which is often a crime. Laws vary by state and city, so do the right thing by calling the shelter first.

How long to wait before returning a dog?

There is no time limit on returning a dog to a shelter or rescue. However, it’s best to wait three months (or more) before returning a dog to allow a pet to fully adjust and bond with you. This allows you to make a more informed, confident decision on a change that impacts both you and your new pup.

Is it wrong to rehome a dog?

No, it isn’t wrong to rehome a dog, sometimes things just don’t work out. Rehome your dog through a reputable organization such as Adopt a Pet, which helps you find legitimate adopters with safe homes. Attempting to rehome a pet via Craigslist or Facebook can end up being inhumane, because some people will pose as adoptors to use your animal for nefarious purposes, including animal abuse. 

References

K9 Basics. “K9Basics.” K9Basics, K9 Basics, 3 July 2024, k9basics.com/how-to-avoid-rehoming-your-dog/. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

‌Piper, Grant. “Returning a Dog to the Shelter: Vet-Approved Facts & Guide.” Dogster, 25 Sept. 2015, www.dogster.com/lifestyle/returning-a-dog-to-the-shelter.

‌Trisha. “What Was I Thinking? (Rescue Regrets Are Usually Temporary).” The Other End of the Leash, 24 July 2017, www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/what-was-i-thinking-rescue-regrets-are-usually-temporary.