We know that making the decision to rehome your pet is not easy. If you're considering rehoming because of challenges to which there is a solution, we hope you'll seek assistance. Please see our Pet Care Resource Library and Community Pet Support pages for helpful information.

If you have exhausted all options and still need to find another home for your pet, we hope these recommendations will be helpful.

You know your pet best

Consider your pet's needs and preferences to determine the type of adopter who will be a likely match.

• Does your dog have a lot of energy and is in need of an adopter with an active lifestyle?
• Has your pet spent time around other animals? Did they do well together or would your pet prefer to be the only pet in the home?
• Does your pet feel comfortable around children and/or in a busy household, or do they prefer a quieter environment?
• Does your pet have medical needs that need to be considered?
• Are there any behavioral challenges your pet is struggling with?

Spread the word

Now that you have a good idea of your pet's needs, it's time to let the world know that they are available for adoption.

• Photos - In order to attract potential adopters, you'll want to take quality photos of your pet. At a minimum, it's helpful to have a photo that shows their entire body as well as a close up of their face. If possible, compile several photos that show off your pet's personality.
• Text - You'll want to create a blurb that tells your pet's story. Talk about their personality and the type of adopter who will be a great match for them. Be honest about their needs. The best way to connect with an adopter who is just right for your pet is to clearly share all the pros and cons about your pet. If your pet has behavioral or medical challenges, it's best that the adopter knows this from the beginning.
• Share - Now it's time to share the photos and information about your pet. We recommend reaching out to people you know, like your neighbors, friends and family members, and asking them to help spread the word. You might even learn that someone you know is interested in adopting. Social media is an excellent way to reach a broad audience. Be sure to post on your personal accounts as well as pertinent Facebook groups. Some neighborhoods have a way to communicate with all neighbors at once, either through a Facebook group or email listserv. You may also with to use a third-party rehoming assistance platform, such as Rehome by Adopt a Pet or  Home to Home. 

Meeting potential adopters

Once someone expresses interest in adopting your pet, how should you move forward?

• Start with a phone conversation - Before meeting in person, we suggest scheduling a time to talk with the potential adopter. During this initial conversation, you'll want to learn more about the person to better understand their lifestyle, home environment and what they're looking for in a pet. You'll also want to make sure you feel comfortable with their approach to pet care. Do they use positive reinforcement training? Are they committed to providing necessary vet care?
• Ask for references - If the person has or has had pets before, talk with their veterinarian to ensure they provided the care recommended by their vet. If they rent, speak with their landlord to ensure they have received permission to have a pet. You can always ask for a personal reference as well.
• Home visit - You may wish to visit the person's home to ensure that it's a comfortable space for your pet. Always practice caution when meeting strangers. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, leave the situation. We recommend taking a friend with you as a safeguard and a second opinion. You may wish to ask for photos of the home in advance and save the in-person visit until the adopter meets your pet.
• Introducing your pet to the adopter - After completing the above steps, if you believe the person is a likely match for your pet, you'll want to schedule a meeting. This could take place at your home, the adopter's home or a neutral site. Observe the person's interactions with your pet. If you feel that they'll take great care of your pet, you can move forward with the adoption.
• Introducing your dog to the adopter's dog - If you're rehoming a dog and the adopter also has a dog, you'll want to make sure the two dogs are compatible. For tips on introducing two dogs to each other, check out this article by Animal Humane Society: How to Successfully Introduce Two Dogs.
• The comforts of home - If you're ready to move forward with the adoption, you'll ideally want to provide the adopter with your pets belongings. Having items that are familiar and already have their scent on them will make your pet feel more comfortable in their new environment.