How to Rehome a Dog

If your dog is dangerous, it should not be given to another home. Dangerous means the dog has inflicted significant damage to another living thing – a dog or person needed medical care or is dead. Giving away a dangerous dog usually ends with some innocent person having to bring the dog to be put down and that person carries the memory and the guilt. If YOU have a dog that is dangerous, your options for relief may only be training to change the behavior or euthanasia. Most vets understand that behavioral euthanasia is sometimes necessary. A dog that has threatened, snapped at or even been in fights, but has not damaged another living thing, is not dangerous. These dogs do very well with training. If you are not willing to do the training to change the behaviors, rehoming may be the right choice.

If your dog is not dangerous, but you feel it would have a better life with another family, here are some options:

Free and Private:

Take a cute picture and write up an honest and detailed description of your dog. Include his age; breed; a few positive qualities; the true negative qualities; the reason you are rehoming; a fee if you want one; his health status; any items that will go with him; a return policy if you want one; requirements of his new family; if he is good with kids; other dogs and cats; and a contact name and phone number. Post this to all your social media with the request that others share it. Also ask any rescue organizations, dog parks, trainers, groomers, vets, and any other dog related businesses to share your post as a courtesy. Check if your local Humane Society or other large shelter organization has a free page for rehoming and post your information there. Make some flyers and post wherever dog people may go: vet clinics, Humane Societies, dog daycares, pet stores, etc.

Cheap and Voluntary:

Call your local Humane Society or other shelter and make an appointment to surrender your dog. There is often a long wait, so be prepared. They may not accept your dog. These are non-profit organizations. They do not have to take your dog. Be kind! You are not the only person trying to unload a dog.

Your Taxes at Work:

Call your city’s Animal Control. They have hours for surrendering a dog. When they are full, they may also have wait. Call ahead.

A Rescue Organization:

People think there are rescues just waiting for their calls. The truth is, most rescues do not accept dogs privately; they usually take dogs from the Humane Society and Animal Control. They pull dogs from the larger organizations that they think they can help. You can call them, but be prepared that they may not be able to take your dog.

Euthanasia:

Call your vet and discuss the possibility of a behavioral euthanasia. No one wants to talk about this, but it is a viable option. If you cannot find a home privately and the organizations listed above all have a very long wait, you may need to make a hard choice. If there is imminent danger to your dog, other animals in the home, or your family members, this is an option. If your dog needs a medical procedure that you cannot afford, this may be an option. The quality of life of your dog, your family and any other animals involved is important! I believe a dog would rather have a peaceful death, than live its life in a cage or a bedroom spending most of its hours alone. If keeping your dog is causing you and your family stress, this is an option to end that. A good veterinarian will help you through this without shaming you. You are not a bad person if you choose this option. Sometimes, this is the kindest option available.

Training:

In most cases, training is very effective. It is most effective as a prevention, but very effective as a treatment also.

Training can stop your dog from chewing household items and needing an emergency surgery.

Training can stop your dog from nipping at your kids.

Training can stop your dog from growling at you when you try to pet it, take a toy or approach its food.

Training can help your dog stop barking and lunging on leash.

Training can make your dog manageable around your door and guests.

Training can teach you how to meet your dog’s needs and help all your animals get along with each other.

Training can teach you and your family how to behave to get the behaviors you want.

Training is not a last resort. It should be the frontline of prevention, treatment and education.

Training can stop your dog from running out your front door and attacking your neighbor’s dog.

All trainers are not the same. Some will take your dog to a facility; some will come to your home. Some cost thousands, some hundreds. Some require a contract, some do not. Some focus on obedience and some on behavior. Do your research and find the trainer to fit your needs.