Families can find themselves in situations where it is no longer possible to care for their pets. Choosing to bring your pet home can be an incredibly difficult decision.
The Animal Welfare Department (AWD) is here to provide compassionate advice and resources for people looking for a new home for a companion pet.
Increase adoption and spread the word
Below are some tips for getting your pet home before taking it to the shelter.
- Take your pet home on time. Finding the best home can often take weeks or months.
- Spay or neuter and groom your pet to increase their adoptability. Make sure your pet has the latest vaccinations.
- Your personal network is the best adoption for your pet. Spread the word and increase your chances of finding a pet-friendly home. Invite friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and local veterinarians to help promote. Ask your veterinarian if you can put up posters advertising that your pet needs a new home. Place flyers advertising your pet at work, school, church, and other frequently visited public places. Include good quality photos and a compelling description of your pet.
- Be transparent with potential hires. Be prepared to share details about your pet’s personality and how they get along with other pets and people. Share what your pet likes and dislikes. We also share any medical or behavioral issues your pet is experiencing so that potential new owners have the information they need to decide if the pet is a good fit for your family. .
- Take advantage of social networks. Post photos and stories of your pets and invite your friends to share them on their social streams. Social media is a great place to share this information, in addition to neighborhood apps.
- Alternatively, you can use the Adopt-A-Pet rehoming tool. This allows pet owners to be more involved and is easy to use. Set up a pet profile and let interested people apply. Adopt-A-Pet has staff reviewing submissions to prevent abuse such as breeder sales. This makes it a safer alternative to other online marketplaces such as Craigslist.
- Be careful when considering an unknown individual or family member as your pet’s new owner. Hold an initial meeting in a public place to ask questions and screen potential hires. (Do you have other pets at home? Do you have a relationship with your vet? Do you have a fence in your yard? Share your expectations for your pet’s new home).
Contact a breed-specific or foster-based rescue group
Rescue groups that focus on helping families take care of specific breeds and get them home are available for almost any breed of dog. Organized by people with extensive knowledge of a particular breed, these groups offer a variety of opportunities for pets, including the possibility of placing them in foster care until a new home is found. While you are at home, we may post photos and profiles of your pets on our website as a preferred listing. Your local agency may offer other programs to help repatriate your pet. Visit Petfinder.com to find your rescue.
Before surrendering your pet to the Animal Welfare Department (AWD)
You may have to surrender your pet to a shelter, but surrendering your pet should be your last option. not your first.
Never abandon an animal. AWD is an open admissions organization.
If you can’t personally find a new home for your pet, you can bring your dog, cat, or animal to AWD.Check the cancellation process
