How Do I Surrender My Samoyed?

Deciding to surrender your Samoyed can be a difficult choice, but sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way. Whether you’re facing financial difficulties, your Samoyed’s energy levels are just too much, or you’re dealing with behavior issues such as separation anxiety, it’s important to know there are options to rehome your dog responsibly. Here’s what to know about safely rehoming your Samoyed and the ways to go about doing it.

What does it mean to rehome a dog?

Let’s take, for example, a family that adopted a Samoyed puppy without fully realizing how energetic and high-maintenance the breed can be. As their dog got older, they started feeling overwhelmed by the daily walks, grooming, and training that their Samoyed needed to stay happy and healthy. It wasn’t that they didn’t love their dog — it was simply more work than they could handle.

Read this related article on Rehome by Adopt a Pet

Try Rehome by Adopt a Pet

If you’ve done all you can, it’s important to remember that pets are individuals, and your home might not be the right fit. Rehome by Adopt a Pet for a safe way to rehome your pet.

Rehoming in situations like this isn’t about giving up. Rather, it’s about making sure your dog has the best chance at a happy life. When you rehome your dog, you’re finding them a new family that can meet their needs. Whether it’s with someone you know, through a rescue, or via a rehoming site, this is about doing what’s right for your Samoyed.

How to rehome your Samoyed

If you’ve decided to rehome your Samoyed, there are a few ways to go about finding them a new pet parent.

Find someone you already know to adopt

If you have friends or family who love Samoyeds and are familiar with their needs, this could be the perfect solution. Knowing where your dog is going and being able to keep in touch can make the process a little easier. Plus, Samoyeds tend to be social dogs, so transitioning to a new home with familiar faces is more likely to go smoothly.

Look into pet adoption sites

Reliable pet adoption sites such as Rehome by Adopt a Pet are another great option. These platforms typically have a process to help match your Samoyed with a loving family by creating a profile for them. 

You can vet potential adopters and feel confident your dog will find a good home. It’s especially useful if you need to highlight specific Samoyed traits, such as their exercise and grooming needs, so adopters are fully prepared for what they’re signing up for.

Surrender at a shelter or animal rescue

If you can’t find someone through your network or a rehoming site, surrendering your Samoyed to a breed-specific rescue might be the next best step. Rescues such as Northwest Samoyed Rescue and Save a Sam Rescue focus on rehoming Samoyeds with families who are familiar with the breed’s high-energy, affectionate personality. These rescues often have a list of potential adopters who know exactly what they’re getting into with a Samoyed.

Avoid social media or pet classified sites

It can be tempting to post your dog on social media (Facebook, Nextdoor) or classified sites (Craigslist) for a quick solution, but these are generally not safe options. These platforms don’t have the same vetting process, opening up your dog to risks, such as illegal breeding and abuse.

 Some red flags to watch out for include people who:

• Won’t meet you in person

• Seem disinterested in learning about your Samoyed

• Don’t offer references

• Want to pick up the dog right away without much conversation 

It’s always better to take the time to find a safe, trusted platform for rehoming your Samoyed.

Do you have to pay to rehome a Samoyed?

Depending on which method you use to rehome your Samoyed, you might have to pay a surrender fee. Shelters sometimes charge these fees to help cover the cost of caring for your dog until they’re adopted. 

On the other hand, breed-specific rescues or online rehoming platforms like Rehome by Adopt a Pet typically don’t charge fees. It’s always best to check with the organization ahead of time to see if any costs are involved.

What is a rehoming fee?

A rehoming fee is an amount that the new adopter pays to show they’re serious about taking care of your dog. 

For Samoyeds, this is especially important. They’re a beautiful breed who could attract people with bad intentions, like those wanting to use them for backyard breeding or as bait dogs. Charging a reasonable fee can help protect your dog from ending up in a dangerous situation.

What is a reasonable rehoming fee for a Samoyed? 

A fair rehoming fee for a Samoyed usually falls between $100 and $300, depending on factors like their age, health, and training. If your Samoyed is a puppy or has advanced training, the fee might be on the higher side to reflect the care they’ve already received.

Should you charge rehoming fees?

If you’re rehoming your Samoyed with a trusted friend or family member, you might decide not to charge a fee. But if you’re rehoming them to someone you don’t know, it’s generally a good idea to ask for a rehoming fee. This helps make sure the new adopter is committed to caring for your Samoyed.

What about rehoming with pet adoption sites?

Using pet adoption sites such as Rehome by Adopt a Pet is a great way to rehome your Samoyed while making sure they end up in a loving (and suitable) home. These platforms have thorough vetting processes for adopters, so you don’t have to worry about what your dog’s future will look like. Plus, you’ll have the chance to highlight your Samoyed’s needs — such as their energy level and grooming requirements — to make sure their new family is fully aware and prepared for these responsibilities.

Commonly asked questions

Are Samoyeds aggressive? 

Samoyeds are usually not aggressive dogs. They’re known for being friendly, social, and great with families. However, as with any dog, they can show signs of aggression if they aren’t properly trained or socialized, especially if they’re feeling anxious or territorial.

Where can I put up a Samoyed for adoption? 

You can start by looking into breed-specific rescues in your area. Another good option is to list your Samoyed on Rehome by Adopt a Pet to help find a responsible new family for your dog.

Are Samoyeds high-maintenance dogs?

Yes, Samoyeds could be considered a high-maintenance breed. Their thick, fluffy coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and shedding, and they need daily stimulation — both mental and physical. Samoyeds are also highly social dogs, meaning they need plenty of attention and interaction to stay happy. If their needs aren't met, they can quickly develop behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, so it’s important to be prepared for the commitment.