Before you make up your mind, it’s important to consider all other possible solutions. But if you think you can’t give your dog the life you had in mind for them, here is what to consider and how to try to make sure they get the forever home they deserve.
What are my options before rehoming a dog?
No doubt you’ve never imagined that you will have to find your best friend a new home. Finding yourself in this dilemma is always heartbreaking. But it’s worth pausing and thinking about all the different ways in which you may be able to help your dog before giving up on them. Depending on the circumstances, here are a few things to consider before deciding to rehome your dog.
1. Ask for help from friends and family
Sometimes, friends and family may not know that you’re struggling to cope and if you talk to them, they may be more willing to help than you might think. Whether that’s taking your dog for a walk once a day, or helping with financial concerns, the people closest to us are often our biggest support.
2. Look for dog walkers or daycare services to help you out
Whether it’s a new job that doesn’t allow you the same flexibility to look after your dog, or a change in the family circumstances that means you won’t have as many hours available to dedicate to the pup in your life, time is one of the most precious resources in our relationships with our pets. There are many professional dog carers out there who would can look after your dog and keep them company while the you are away..
Dog walkers and doggy daycare services are also available, so it’s worth researching a few local options, to see what they offer and at what cost.
Even if you decide to give up your dog for adoption, considering all the possible options will give you peace of mind knowing that you left no stone unturned to keep your canine friend in your life.
3. Explore available financial help
Unfortunately, the costs of owning a dog can be easily underestimated. From vaccinations to puppy training, insurance, toys, grooming services and medical costs, there are many expenses to be covered throughout the life of a dog. Sudden medical emergencies or life-long illnesses can put any owner’s budget under pressure.
But before you put your dog up for adoption because you can’t afford them anymore, you should know that there are some options for owners in situations similar to yours. There are charities created to help dog lovers often within local communities, so it’s worth getting in touch with a few of them. Your vet might know details of these organisations or local social media pages can sometimes be a good source of information. Animal Food Bank UK may also be able to help.
When it comes to medical bills, don’t hesitate to ask the vet for advice or even if it’s possible to pay in instalments. Some charities help with low-cost veterinary care for people in financial crisis so look at PDSA, Blue Cross, and in some areas the local branch of the RSPCA.
4. Plan for medical and emergency care
Getting pet insurance is important to make sure that, should something happen to your pet, finances will not be an obstacle in making sure they get the treatment they desperately need.
There are a range of pet insurance products to suit a variety of pet's needs, and for different budgets too. For those who are struggling to pay their vet fees, some vet practices may be able to set up a payment plan so that owners can pay in smaller instalments, rather than in one lump sum.
If you become unwell and need to go into hospital, in England and Wales, the council has a duty under legislation to make provision for the protection of property (which includes pets). This means they must board and care for those animals unless, or until, there are friends or relatives of the person who can do this. However, this is a short-term measure of last resort, and you may well be billed for any boarding fees.
It’s important that you think about who would care for your pet if you go into hospital or pass away, so it’s important that owners to make an emergency pet care plan. Owners can do this by filling in an emergency pet care form and displaying this visibly in their home to ensure that, should the worst happen, there will be someone to care for their dog.
Inter dog disputes
Sometimes in multi-dog households, conflict situations arise with one or more of the dogs. Your first resort should be to work with a behaviourist to try and resolve the issue but if this is unsuccessful, the kindest thing to do is often to rehome one of the dogs. Otherwise, everyone is living in stress, and no matter how good your vigilance, future conflict and injuries are likely.
How to rehome a dog
1. Talk to your friends and family
Oftentimes, it’s the people closest to us who can give our pets the best life. They’re likely quite familiar with each other and they may already love your dog as if they were their own. So, it’s worth asking if they would like to take them on. Even if they’re not able to take the responsibility themselves, they might know someone who is willing and able to give your pet the home they deserve.
2. Get in touch with the breeder
If your dog came from a reputable breeder, they will often be willing to take the dog back (and that might be in the original contract you signed with them). If this is impossible, they will probably be able to put you in touch with the breed rescue who may be able to help. This is often the best way to rehome pure breed dogs.
3. Contact reputable rescue charities
There are many wonderful dog rescue charities across the country who may be able to take your dog and look for a new owner. Get in touch with them and see if they can help your dog find their new home.
Most reputable rescue organisations are members of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes
4. Prepare a small bag with their favourite food and toys
If your dog is going to someone you know, make the transition easier for them by sending them off to their new home with familiar items such as their blanket, bed, toys and a bag of their usual dog food. They’ll find comfort in the stuff they’re used to as they become more familiar to the new environment and the new people in their life.
If they are going to a rescue centre, make a list of the things they like, don’t like, any training they have had and any behaviour quirks. This will be helpful for their new owner.
What are my options if I need to rehome my dog urgently?
This is one of the times when you will need to rely on family and friends who can help at least as a stop-gap measure. If you need to leave your home because of domestic violence or because you are in housing crisis, talk to Dogs Trust who run the Hope Project and the Freedom Project. Some councils may have similar projects too.
Rehoming a dog FAQs
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