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Sometimes families find themselves in situations where caring for an animal is no longer a possibility. Choosing to re-home a pet can be an incredibly difficult decision.
If you're facing a financial burden or health issue, unable to find pet-friendly housing or having a hard time managing your pet’s behavior, you may find it difficult to care for your dog. Since many challenges are temporary, it may be possible for you and your pet to stay together.
Could you and your pet stay together with help? Before rehoming your dog, take time to think things through. You know your pet better than anyone, so consider what's best for them—and what's best for you.
Why are you considering surrendering your pet?
1. Behavioral Issues
Many behavior problems can be caused by a treatable medical condition. For example, a house-trained pet may begin urinating in the house due to a urinary tract infection that a veterinarian can diagnose and easily treat.
If there's no physical cause for the problem, remember that many common pet behavioral issues have simple solutions. Check out our training tips below or consider consulting an animal behaviorist or trainer in your community. Your local animal shelter may be able to offer low-cost training services or be able to refer you to other organizations that offer these services.
Check out these resources for information on how to:
· prevent chewing
· Prevent digging
· Teach your dog to feel comfy in their crate
· Keep your dog from barking excessively
· Keep your dog from escaping your yard
Here is a list of local trainers who can help with these issues. This list is simply for reference and courtesy only. Trainers are not listed in any specific order. Homes Fur Hounds, Inc. does not endorse or recommend any specific trainer or method. We make no guarantees on training outcomes, implied or expressed.
Thoughtful Dogs
Adam Claar
Williamsburg, VA
804-824-3743
adam@thoughtfuldogtraining.com
Colonial Dog School
Nancy Merrell
Williamsburg, VA
757-258-8785
Shared Joy
Amy Willoughby
Gloucester, VA
804-413-6667
sharedjoydogtraining@gmail.com
Perfect Paws Pet Training
Jean Nohle
Williamsburg, Newport News
perfectpawspettraining12@gmail.com
757-594-0577
Zoom Room
Williamsburg, VA
757-808-5657
https://zoomroom.com/location/willimasburg
Petco Dog Training Classes
Petsmart Dog Training Classes
Directory of Certified Trainers
https://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/certified-dog-trainer-directory/
Anyone can experience an unexpected financial crisis. Don’t panic: Many national, state and local organizations provide assistance with pet food and other essentials, low-cost or free spay/neuter and other veterinary care. Your local animal shelter can also be a great resource for free or low-cost pet assistance.
Local Organizations Offering Direct Assistance
Provides pet food and supplies to owners facing financial hardship in Williamsburg and surrounding areas. Also offers flea/tick prevention and referrals for low-cost vet services.
Located in Williamsburg, they offer:
Pet food assistance through their “Kibble Kitchen”
Low-cost spay/neuter and vaccinations
Outreach and rescue programs
Offers one-time financial assistance for emergency vet care, testing, and some medications. Requires application and proof of financial need.
Low-Cost Clinics & Referral Services
1.Spay Hampton Roads: Lists several low-cost spay/neuter and wellness clinics in the region.
2. York Vet in Yorktown and Helping Hands in Richmond are recommended partners for affordable procedures.
National Organizations Offering Assistance
Here is a link to national resources offering free pet food, affordable veterinary services, and financial assistance for pet expenses.
https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/having-trouble-affording-your-pet
3. Pet Allergies
See our resources on how you can have a happy, healthy life with your furry companions, even if you’re allergic to them.
4. Moving/Don’t have adequate housing
If you are having trouble finding animal-friendly housing, or experiencing other pet-related housing difficulties such as a nuisance complaint, check out the resources on keeping pets welcome in rental housing.
Finding a New Home
If you decide that rehoming your pet is the best option, keep in mind that despite the best efforts of shelters and rescues to care for their animals, your home is usually the best place for your pet while you search for an adopter.
By taking on the task of finding your pet a home, you can also reduce competition for limited space and resources in shelters or rescues. Here are some tips for placing your pet in a loving new home.
Make your pet more attractive to potential adopters. Have your pet vaccinated and checked by a veterinarian. Making sure your pet is spayed or neutered may also make them more likely to be chosen by a new owner.
Reach out to family and friends. Someone who already knows and likes your dog may be willing to adopt them and your pet may be more comfortable with a familiar person. You will have peace of mind knowing your pet is with someone you know.
Post about your pet on social media. If you can’t find someone you know personally who can adopt your pet, share a photo of your pet on social media and explain the situation, making the post shareable. A friend of a friend may be able to help. Do NOT offer your dog for free and do not post him/her on Craigslist.
Set up an online profile for your pet. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com and Home to Home connect pets with people who are interested in adopting them. These free websites guide you through the rehoming process step by step, from setting up a profile to signing an adoption agreement.
Advertise through friends, neighbors and local veterinarians. Your personal network is the best pool of adopters for your pet. Ask your veterinarian if you can place a poster advertising your pet’s need for a new home. Place flyers promoting your pet at work, school, church and other public places you frequent. Include a good-quality photo and appealing description of your pet.
· Be transparent with potential adopters. Be prepared to share details about your pet's personality and how they get along with other pets and people. Share your pet’s favorite things and not-so-favorite things. And share any medical or behavior issues your pet is experiencing so that potential new owners will have the information they need to determine if your pet would be a good fit for their family.
· Get help from shelters and rescue groups. Some sheltering and rescue organizations, including Homes Fur Hounds, may post your pet’s picture and profile on their website as a courtesy listing, while your pet stays in your home.
Contact breed-specific Rescue Groups
Rescue groups that focus on caring for and helping families re-home a specific breed are available for almost any type of dog. Organized by people who have extensive knowledge of a specific breed, these groups provide a variety of opportunities for your pet, including the possibility of your pet staying in foster care until a new home is found.
Surrendering to Homes Fur Hounds
Please Note: Homes Fur Hounds, Inc. does not accept dogs with histories of harm towards humans, property, or animals.
We also only accept small breed dogs 25 pounds and under.
If you have decided surrendering your pet is your best option, please fill out the Surrender Form. Please provide us with all your pet’s records at the time of surrender. Donations of your pet’s crate, bedding, toys, and food are always helpful and will make the transition into a new home easier for your pet. Monetary donations are not required but are always appreciated.
Click here to access the online Surrender Form
Note: if you do not hear back from us within a day or two of submitting your surrender application, please let us know.
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