Giving up your pet is a heart-wrenching experience. If you find yourself
in this position, don’t rush to action. Before making a final decision,
evaluate your situation. Are you thinking of giving your pet up
because of his behavior issues or destructive tendencies? These traits
can be corrected with proper training. Here are links to a few posts related to training that may help you:
Biting Dogs and How to Stop Them
Housebreaking and Training
Training Your New Pet to Sit, Stay and Come
If your dog or cat is having
incontinence problems, a trip to the vet may reveal an underlying
treatable medical issue. A busy schedule that doesn't leave you much
time to pay attention to your pet may be balanced by taking her to
daycare.
But sometimes a severe illness or other life-altering situation makes
you unable to care for your beloved companion animal. Or sometimes a
loved one dies, such as a parent, and leaves a pet behind you are unable
to take in. If you must find a new home for a pet, follow these tips.
Get Your Pet Ready
Before re-homing your pet, make sure that all of his vaccinations and
other health checkups are up to date. Spaying or neutering is also a
must if you haven't had this done already. Get your pet a bath and a
grooming session if necessary. Now is also the time to work out any
behavior issues that your pet might have.
Put the Word Out
You might not have to look very far to find a new home for your pet. A
trusted friend or family member may be more than happy to take him in.
Start by asking people you know before broadening your search. And have
your friends and associates pass the word along to their trusted friends
and family members who may be looking for a pet.
Taking your pet out to meet people is another great way to find
potential adopters and for you to evaluate the potential new owner.
People love to interact with animals, especially dogs, so bring your pet
to the park, go on long walks and seek out adoption events that will
let you bring your pet. Also check with your veterinarian’s office to
see if they have a community bulletin board suitable for this posting.
Be Discerning
Have a list of questions ready to ask people who show interest in your
pet. Make sure that they understand the level of care involved and know
what to expect during your pet's transition period. Check references and
visit the homes of those who appear suitable. When you find the right
place, you'll know.
Personally I would not sell or give away a pet through a site like Craigslist or Facebook, there is too much potential for problems. You want to have a way to know the new owners background. A shelter or rescue service will do this work before placing a dog in a home.
Shelters and Dog Rescues
If for some reason you can't find a suitable home talk to your vet about
local humane agencies with good reputations. Visit the shelters that
you're considering, meet the staff and ask questions to make sure that
you pet will get enough attention and the proper level of care.
Updated 2/27/17
