There may come a time in the course of your pet ownership where you may become unable to care for your pet. Whether it is due to a move, pregnancy, divorce, or other reason, some owners find themselves in the precarious position of needing to surrender their pet.
Unfortunately, if circumstances change, even the most devoted animal lovers may find themselves in a situation where they are no longer able to care for their pet. Many senior pets who are surrendered to shelters are never adopted and may be euthanized, even though they still have lots of love to give. More than 6.5 million pets are surrendered to shelters each year. Surrendering a pet to a shelter can be very stressful on a pet, especially an older pet who may not be accustomed to a lot of noise and activity. Although shelter staff do everything they can to create a good environment for the animals in the shelter, it is not the same as being a home with a loving family to provide one-on-one attention to the pet.
Rehoming is a wonderful option if you are willing to take the time to find a good home for your senior pet. Some people often rehome their pet on their own, finding a friend or relative who is able to care for the pet. However, animal advocates recommend using a rehoming service to ensure that the process is safe and reliable. Working with a service like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet can provide you with a wider pool of potential adoptees who would be suitable for your pet. These services are also skilled at screening unqualified or dangerous candidates, so you can rest assured that your pet is going to a good home.
Finding a new home for your pet is a better solution than surrendering your pet because it allows you to be sure that your pet goes to a good home and his fate is completely within your control. Oftentimes, the stress of being in a shelter can change a pet’s personality, making it more difficult for them to be adopted.
Resources to Avoid Rehoming
Rehoming your pet should be a very last resort. There are many resources available to help you as opposed to rehoming your pet, including:
- Financial assistance. One of the most common reasons rehome their pet is because of the financial obligation required to care for a pet. If you are having difficulty paying for your pet’s care, there are a number of resources available who may be able to help.
- Behavioral issues. If your pet is exhibiting behavioral issues, it could be due to an underlying illness. It is best to speak with your vet and determine the cause of the issue. A trainer may be able to help alter your pet’s behavior.
- No cost professional care. Some veterinarians or local shelters offer free or low cost veterinary services.
- Pet food banks. If you are having difficulty paying for your pet’s food, a pet food bank may be able to assist you by providing you with free food and treats for your pet.
Benefits of Rehoming Pets
If you absolutely must surrender your pet, we recommend that our pet families visit Adopt-A-Pet for rehoming senior pets. Their services are free to use and it allows your pet to stay in an environment they are comfortable in, rather than going to a shelter, while they await adoption.
You will have the chance to get to know your pet’s new family and you will have a hand in choosing your pet’s new home life. You will be able to see firsthand what they are able to provide that you may not have been able to. This reassurance of knowing your pet will thrive in their new home may make it easier to say goodbye.
There are many loving adoptees who are willing to adopt senior pets and rehoming is a great way to keep your senior pet with you while you find them their next furever home.
To learn more about rehoming your senior pet, visit Adopt-a-pet for more information.
How Rehoming Works
The rehoming program is pretty straight forward and simple. You simply need a photo of your pet, and to post some basic health and behavior information about your pet, as well as a short bio describing your pet. From there, you will be contacted through the website with any potential adoptees who are interested in adopting your pet. You can review the applications and reach out directly to potential adopters to learn more about them. Once you have decided on the perfect new home for your pet, both parties will sign a document making the adoption legally binding.
As mentioned, rehoming does not cost you anything. The adoptee will pay the rehoming service a nominal fee to adopt your pet and is a good way to gauge whether the person is serious about caring for your pet, and not making an impulsive decision. Never offer your pet “free to a good home” because we have heard horror stories about unscrupulous people adopting these pets and creating a dangerous situation for some pets. Using a rehoming service helps to avoid that situation entirely.
If you have read through all of the information provided, and you still feel that rehoming is your best option, click the links below to learn more about rehoming your pet and creating a profile for potential adoptees.
Please note, the Elderly Pet Organization does not rehome pets nor do we take in foster pets. We provide access to resources so that YOU may successfully rehome your pet. Please follow this link and simply follow the on screen instructions. The whole process should only take about ten minutes to complete and before you know it, you will be connected with prospective adoptees who are interested in adopting your pet.
With your help, we can keep senior pets out of shelters and place them in loving, caring homes. Your gift can help save senior pets from an uncertain future.
