Rehoming your pet seems to be a trend on the rise and it has become something that is more widely understood and supported even in the animal rescue community. But for some people, doing rehoming the right way is elusive so we’ve compiled 6 signs to know that you need to ask for some help when you’re rehoming your dog or cat. We should say up front that if you’re considering rehoming a dog or rehoming your cat, we highly recommend you start your process on Adopt a Pet’s Rehome site. They have a well orchestrated step-by-step process to help you from making mistakes or choosing the wrong forever home for your faithful companion.
Here are 6 signs you really need more help with rehoming
1. Knowledge is power and you have none
The first sign that you need help with rehoming a dog is that you have no knowledge about what rehoming is all about. Yes you get the idea that it means to send your dog to another home, but you are not sure of the process involved. Here’s a quick play-by-play overview of the process:
a. You post your dog and indicate you’re looking to rehome them
Sounds easy right? Whoa there Silver. You can’t just jump right into this without having a plan. Where are you going to post your animal? What are the reasons you are indicating that you need to rehome? Will you let just anyone adopt her? All of these questions and many more should be considered before you post your pet for rehoming. Rehoming your pet is like online dating. State what you’re looking for, what you’re interested in and of course attach a great looking photo or video.
b. You screen potential adopters to see if they’re a fit for your dog
Ok so you found a recent photograph, created a nice profile for what your dog is looking for in his rehoming, and you’ve posted it on reputable sites. Now the applications and inquiries are coming in. You did think about a process for filtering them right? Or are you just planning to take the first applicant that bothers to reply? When you’re rehoming your pet you are essentially screening out applicants like when you’re looking for a mate online. But in this case, it’s not about you, it’s about your pet. Who’s the right match for them?
c. You select the best adopter for your dog and transfer ownership
Nice job. You found the perfect person who was looking to adopt a new dog, or a slightly used one anyway, and you’re ready to deliver Ralph to his new forever home. Have you considered how you are going to make the transition? Are you just dropping Ralph off and waving goodbye or are you going to introduce him to his new environment gradually? What about Ralph’s vet records, grooming records, and vaccinations/registrations? Make sure to transfer the paperwork along with your pooch.
2. You haven’t identified your pet’s needs
If you have not written out your dog’s needs when it comes to rehoming then you’re making one of the classic mistakes. Unfortunately some people think a dog is a dog. But you know better don’t you?
What environment would your dog thrive in or suffocate in?
Only you know that Rex gets stir crazy if he’s not walked at least 3x a day or that Moxy pees in the house whenever there are kids around. Writing out what the best rehoming situation is for your pet is key to finding the right match. What is the environment like at the new rehome? If you are trying to describe the perfect home life for your best bud (i.e. your home) how would you describe it? Does it matter whether it’s a house or apartment? Are dogs allowed on furniture? Will the toilet seat be up for a quick refreshing drink?
Which housemates will be a great fit or a problem waiting to happen?
Sure your cats, gerbils and reptiles have all become accustomed to your 110 pound German Shepherd but will animals in the rehoming situation be as open and warm towards their new companion? Does your dog have a high prey instinct and chase anything that moves? Does your cat think that gerbils are fun play toys? Make sure you can explain the perfect household companions to a potential adopter.
3. Your motives are not aligned with your pet’s interests
One of the most common mistakes when rehoming your pet is to not align your needs with your pet’s needs. Yes, for whatever reason, you need to find them a new place to live but is your goal to recoup a whole life of vet bills, pet food costs, and other out of pocket expenses? Or is your goal to find a loving home for your pet that will care for her like you did for so many years? Rehoming your dog or cat is not easy, but it is even more difficult when you lost sight over the objective.
4. You’re considering Craigslist to rehome your pet
We have nothing against Craigslist except when it comes to rehoming a pet. Do you really want to find that perfect home for your Gracie cat by posting her on Craiglist? That’s the site where you post your old washer and dryer or where you can find “missed connections” and some other shady stuff. If you’re considering Craiglist, we beg you, please reconsider. Goto the Adopt a Pet Rehome solution instead. You’ll get access to qualified adopters and keep your precious cargo out of the undercurrent of Craigslist.
5. You haven’t contacted your local animal shelter
Oddly enough, when you’re seriously considering rehoming an animal you should also consider reaching out to your local animal shelter. Why? They are the community’s go-to source for rescued dogs and cats and do an excellent job screening out applicants and pairing up dogs and cats with adopters. They might have some suggestions of potential adopters that would be a good fit for your pet and they might be willing to help you along the way.
6. Your pet is not ready for dating
Finally, if your pet isn’t spayed or neutered and you cannot remember the exact date of their last bath, then you’re not ready to rehome them just yet. Take some time and consider that your pet is entering the dating scene to find a new potential adopter.
Always remember spay and neuter your pets
No judgment here, but if your cat never got spayed or your dog never got neutered, now’s the time. Before you consider rehoming them and placing them in a new location, please do the responsible thing and don’t allow your pet to contribute to pet overpopulation.
Time for a spa day
Make sure your pet is ready to look their best. Get them a full groom (yes the one that costs extra!). Help them present their best paw forward to their new suitors so that they can find that loving forever home.
What’s up doc?
Before you consider rehoming your pet and placing them into a new environment, make sure their vaccinations are up to date and they have a clean bill of health. Rehoming can be a very stressful activity for your pet and when they are stressed, it’s taxing on their immune system so best to make sure they’re ready for the adventure.
