When circumstances make it impossible for you to keep your pet, deciding what to do next can be incredibly difficult. While contacting a shelter might seem like the first step, self-rehoming – finding a new home for your pet directly – is often the best solution for everyone involved, including your pet. At AWLA, we encourage pet owners to consider self-rehoming. We can offer guidance to help with this process.
Why Self-Rehoming is a Good Option
When pets enter shelters, even the most caring environments can be stressful. The unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds can be overwhelming, and the longer pets stay in a shelter, the higher the chance of illness or changes in behavior.By finding a new home for your pet directly, you can:
- Reduce Stress for Your Dog: They stay in a home environment instead of a shelter.
- Ensure a Smooth Transition: You can provide the new owner with detailed information about your pet’s habits, preferences, and medical history.
- Free Up Shelter Resources: This allows shelters to focus on animals in urgent need, such as strays, injured, compromised, or ill animals.
Addressing Misconceptions About Self-Rehoming.
Unfortunately, self-rehoming is sometimes discouraged on social media platforms or by well-meaning friends. You might hear comments like, “You can’t trust people on the internet,” or “You should never post your pet on Facebook.” However, with the right precautions, self-rehoming can be a successful process. It’s also more common than you might think! There are excellent resources designed to help you connect with adopters that are the right fit for your pet.
How to Rehome Your Pet
If you’ve decided to self-rehome your pet, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and secure process:
1. Use Trusted Platforms
There are several reputable websites designed for pet rehoming:
- Home To Home: A user-friendly platform connecting pet owners with adopters.
- Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet: Another excellent option that provides guidance and helps you create a profile for your pet.
These platforms screen adopters and provide tools to help ensure a good match.
2. Share on Local Networks
Posting about your pet on community Facebook groups or neighborhood forums like Nextdoor can be a great way to find a local adopter. Include clear photos and an honest description of your dog’s personality, habits, and needs. Be upfront about any medical or behavioral concerns.
3. Screen Potential Adopters
To ensure your dog goes to a safe and loving home, take the time to:
- Ask Questions: Find out about their experience with pets, living situation, and why they want to adopt.
- Request References: Ask for a veterinarian or personal reference.
- Facilitate the Meeting arrange a meeting to observe how they interact with your pet. Depending on the pet and people this may occur in a home, virtually or at another location like a local park, etc..
4. Provide Necessary Information
Share important details with the new owner, including:
- Veterinary records
- Your pet’s routine and favorite activities
- Behavioral quirks and training tips
5. Stay Involved (If Possible)
If the new owner is open to it, you might arrange for updates or photos of your pet in their new home. This can provide peace of mind and ensure the transition is successful.
A Compassionate Choice
Choosing to re-home your pet is never easy, but self-rehoming can be a positive solution that minimizes stress for your pet and gives you peace of mind. By using trusted platforms, taking the right precautions, and being open about your pet’s needs, you can help your pet transition to a new loving home—while making room in shelters for pets in urgent need.
If you have questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at mail@awla.org. We’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way.
