Rehoming Your Pet

Life is full of unpredictable twists and turns, and we often find ourselves confronting unexpected challenges along the way. In these moments of uncertainty, we are compelled to reevaluate our circumstances and make necessary adjustments. Rehoming a beloved pet is one such difficult decision that may arise due to significant life changes. Just as we carefully consider and discuss our options with others when facing other major life decisions, it is vital to approach the rehoming process for our furry friends with the same level of thoughtfulness and attention to detail. By taking the appropriate steps, we can ensure that our cherished companions find a loving FURever home and do not end up back at a shelter. In this blog post, we will discuss several things to try before considering rehoming your pet, ensuring you have exhausted every possibility for keeping them in your loving care.

Things to Try Before Rehoming Your Pet

1. Assess your Situation

Take a step back and evaluate your current circumstances. Often, rehoming a pet may be seen as a solution to a temporary problem. Consider whether financial difficulties, time constraints, or changes in living arrangements could be resolved with time, effort, or support from friends, family, or local organizations. Identifying the root cause of your concerns will help you explore alternative solutions. Have you heard of The Rule of 3? Did you know that it could take up to 3 months for your furry friend to feel comfortable in their new home?

2. Reach Out for Support

Never underestimate the power of community and resources available to pet owners. Share your concerns with friends, family, or coworkers who may offer understanding and valuable suggestions. Local rescue organizations, animal welfare groups, and online communities can be excellent sources of advice and assistance. They may provide guidance on low-cost veterinary care, dog food banks, training, or even temporary foster options until you can get back on your feet.

3. Seek Professional Help

If your pet's behavior is causing significant stress or disruption in your life, consulting with a professional can make a world of difference. Whether it's a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or certified dog trainer, these experts can help identify underlying issues and develop strategies to improve your pet’s behavior. You may find that once these issues are addressed, your pet's problematic behaviors diminish, making rehoming unnecessary. If money is a concern when it comes to training, YouTube has plenty of free training tips and tricks!

4. Create a Supportive Routine

Pets thrive on routine and consistency. By establishing a structured daily routine, you may be able to address some of the challenges you face with your pet. Consistent mealtimes, exercise, play, and quality time together can help alleviate behavior problems stemming from boredom or lack of stimulation. Engaging your pet in various mental and physical activities also strengthens the bond between you and helps them feel more secure and content.

5. Investigate Rehoming Alternatives

Should you find it impossible to overcome the challenges you face in caring for your pet, explore alternatives other than rehoming. Some options to consider include seeking a temporary foster home through reputable rescue organizations, reaching out to breed-specific rescue groups, or finding a trusted friend or relative who can provide a temporary safe haven. When adopting through Fur Sisters Pet Rescue, you sign an agreement stating you will return the dog to us. If you have exhausted all of your options before making that tough decision of rehoming, we will gladly take back your pup. However, here at Fur Sisters, we are not a shelter and we do not take lost & founds.

6. Ensure a Smooth Transition

If, after careful consideration, you conclude that rehoming is unavoidable, prioritize finding a suitable home for your pet. Screen potential adopters carefully and be transparent about your pet's needs, behavior, and medical history. Meeting the prospective adopter in person and conducting multiple visits can help ensure a good match. If possible, provide the new owner with information and familiar items that can help ease the transition for your pet.

Remember, rehoming should always be the last resort. Pets bring immeasurable love and joy into our lives, and most challenges can be overcome with determination and support. By exploring these alternatives, you can make an informed decision that ensures the best outcome for your pet and provides them with the happy, fulfilling life they deserve.

Please check out The Rule of 3 and I Adopted a Dog, Now What?! to help troubleshoot any more concerns you may have.

Fur Sisters Pet Rescue

is distinct from traditional shelters in its mission and approach. As a rescue organization, our focus lies on rehabilitating and rehoming dogs that are at risk of euthanasia, have behavioral issues, and overcrowded shelters.

We want to emphasize that we are not a shelter that takes in lost and found dogs or owner surrenders.

We highly encourage individuals in these situations to reach out to multiple shelters as soon as possible, as they tend to fill up rapidly or may already be at capacity. It is vital to understand that dropping a dog off at a shelter might result in a low probability of adoption, especially if the dog has behavioral challenges, ultimately leading to euthanasia. If all other options have been exhausted, and euthanasia in a shelter is imminent, we implore dog owners to show kindness and courage by doing it themselves.

Adopt Responsibly

Donations are always welcomed, Volunteers are always needed!