Rehoming a Dog

We know that caring for a dog can take a lot of work, time and money, and just like any relationship, requires some give and take, sometimes including lifestyle changes.  And then sometimes life throws a curve ball, forcing us to make really difficult decisions that we thought we would never even consider.

If you’re on this page because you’re seriously considering giving up your dog, you are likely there and we are so sorry.  This is an incredibly difficult situation to be in, and we thank you for your commitment to your dog and doing everything you can to help him/her lead his/her best life.

If you have a dog who you truly love but can no longer care for, we would like to help.  We hope this page provides you with some guidance through this difficult time and helps you find the best outcome for you and your dog.

First steps
The more time you have, the more options you may have.  Taking the time to understand your situation and evaluate your options is the best the way to help your dog.  These articles provide good food for thought about your options and situation.

• K9 of Mine: Rehoming a Dog: When Is It Time?
• Petfinder: How to Rehome Your Dog

Did you recently adopt?
If you recently adopted (or purchased) your dog, please go back to the organization that you acquired your dog from.  Since you already have a relationship with them and they know your dog, they may be the quickest way to find you help!  Please note that many pet adoption agencies require that they are given first right of refusal if an adopter wishes to rehome a pet in their adoption contract; this contract is legally binding!

Training or behavioral issues?
If you have a dog who you truly love but is struggling with behavioral issues, please consider working with one of the below behavior consultants/behaviorists or another credentialed, positive-only dog professional.  Unless the environmental and/or lifestyle factors are drastically incompatible, the best chances your dog has for success is staying in a home where he is already settled and that is 100% committed to him.

Financial issues?
If you have a dog who you can no longer care for, please reach out to your local animal shelter for rehoming assistance.  There are also organizations that exist solely to provide owners with help, so that they can avoid having to surrender their pet. Such organizations may be able to provide owners with food, bedding, and any other supplies that may be impeding you from keeping your dog, even sometimes assisting with medical bills.

Lifestyle issues?
Have there been recent changes in your life that are not compatible with your dog’s needs?  Are there friends or support services (eg, dog walking, doggie daycare, rotating playdates, etc) you can enlist to help you meet those needs?  Is your landlord unhappy with your pet situation?  Can you have a heart-to-heart discussion with him/her and negotiate a compromise that will satisfy all parties?  For example, you may offer to pay an extra deposit or pay for the cleaning bills once you move out.

Still committed?
If you are still committed to your dog and want to try to work through the issues you are facing, these organizations may be able to further support you:

• Potter League for Animals
• Pets In Need Veterinary Clinic
• Rhode Island Pet Network
• Friends of Animals in Need
• ARRI Community Pet Food Pantry
• RISPCA - Pet Owner Resources
• Westerly Animal Shelter
• Stand Up For Animals
• Defenders of Animals
• Cooperation Canine
• MSPCA Angell
• Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
• Dynamic Dog Training
• Patience Inspired Dog Training

Other Options
If you have reached the decision that rehoming your dog is the best pathway for everyone, your options may include:

1. Return your dog to the original breeder, shelter, or rescue
2. Rehome with friends or family
3. Rehome through online services like Rehome
4. Surrender to a shelter or rescue
5. Euthanasia

For further discussion of these options, please see here.