Finding a new home for your pet

Sometimes pet owners find themselves in situations where caring for a pet is no longer a possibility. Choosing to re-home a pet can be an incredibly difficult decision, Companion Animal Control is here to provide advice and resources for people who are searching for a new home for their pet. 

Things to keep in mind when attempting to re-home a pet:

  • Give yourself time to re-home your pet. It often takes weeks to months to find it the best home for your pet.

  • Increase your pet's adoptability by having it spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations.

  • Spread the word to start the search for the right home for your pet. Ask your friends, family and co-workers to help—social media can be a great place to spread the word that your pet is in need of a new home. Share your expectations for your pet’s new home. If you plan to keep in touch with your pet's new family, discuss this plan.

  • Consider using the Adopt-A-Pet re-homing tool, this provides pet owners more involvement. You can set up a pet profile and interested potential homes apply. Additionally, Adopt-A-Pet has staff who review posts to prevent abuse such as breeder sales — this makes it a much safer alternative to other online marketplaces, such as Craigslist.

  • Use caution when considering unknown individuals as your pet’s new home, have the initial meeting in a public place. If the potential new home already has resident animals, plan for your pet to meet the other animals in a neutral environment such as a park.

  • Ask screening questions to potential adopters:

    • Are there other pets in the home?

    • Are there young children in the home?

    • Do you have a fenced in yard?

    • Where will the animal be kept when you are not home?

    • Do you have a veterinarian you’ve established to care for current or new potential pets?

    • How long do you expect it will take for a new pet to adjust to a new home? (3 day, 3 week, 3 month rule)

    • What is your plan if this new potential animal is not the right fit for your home?

  • Contact a foster-based rescue groups

501c3 foster-based rescue groups accept animals to place in foster homes while searching for a new adoptive home. Rescues are generally operated by volunteers and do not have a facility for you to visit. To start the surrender process to a rescue, visit the rescue’s website to submit a surrender application. The rescue’s website will detail the process, keep in mind that the rescue volunteers often have full-time jobs and obligations so the surrender process can take several weeks.