A few things to consider if you have decided your pet needs to be rehomed

[megansmomma]

In these tough economic times there are many people who are now facing the tough decision they are no longer able to keep their beloved pets. I've thought about how overwhelming it would be to face this decision knowing that you only want the very best for you pup after having received their unconditional love so I have put together a list of things to consider when trying to decide on a proper home.

If you are faced with this very hard decision, make sure to call your breeder to advice them of your intentions. Reputable breeders what to know there puppies are being properly taken care of and many have it written in their contracts to they MUST be contacted. This goes for any dog that was a former rescue or adopted from a shelter. They all have rehome clauses in their contracts.

Here are a few things that I think are very important when rehoming your pup:

1. Never offer to rehome your pup for free. It is very important that you ask for some type of REASONABLE fee. In this forum, the maximum amount if $350.

2. Do NOT allow you pup to leave your care without being spayed/neutered. There is no telling what someone's true intentions are when looking for a dog. There are plenty of accidental breedings or worse yet unreputable breeders willing to snatch up a cheap or FREE unaltered Yorkie. Spay/neuter is a MUST!

3. Make sure to ask for a vet reference and call the vet. Ask questions about the perspective new owners responsibility with their current or previous pets. This is a MUST DO as you want to make sure that they will take the very best care just like you have done.

4. Take time to visit the home to check things out and allow the owner to meet you and your dog. It will give you a very good idea of who they are. If they are really sincere about giving your dog a good home this should not be a problem.

5. Be honest about your dogs habits and behavior. You cannot hide the fact that he/she might have accidents in the house, is a barker or any other quirks they might have. If you are honest about these things and the perspective owner is accepting then you can feel more secure in your decision and you will accomplish finding a wonderful new home.

6. Always consider surrendering to a Reputable Rescue. A good rescue will take their time and work to find the very best fit for all of their fosters.


If there is something that I have left out please add it to this thread---I'm sure there are things that I have left out.

[Nancy1999]

Wonderful post, great suggestions, I would like to offer one more tip. Just because someone is a member of Yorkietalk and seems really nice, do not automatically assume their intentions are honest. Brokers who disguise themselves as loving pet owners are often on forums, such as Yorkietalk, and they will often seem personable, pleasant and helpful. You still should do the necessary reference checks and vet check, and ALWAYS do a spay or neuter before rehoming. Be especially suspicious if someone PM's you instead of answering your thread. Brokers don't want to let other members know how many dogs they are buying, so they aren't eager to answer your threads publicly. Do not believe those who say that they would rather have the dog spayed or neutered through their vet, they can sell the breeding dog for more, or use it themselves.

[maryeverett1]

Really REALLY great advice and educational. I'm printing this out just in case I run into anyone with any breed that needs to do this. Thank you!

[gemy]

Also would like to suggest: remember to talk about their exercise requirements. Are they crate trained? - pad trained?

[livingdustmops]

If you do not want to turn your dog over to a reputable rescue or they are full ask them if they know anything about the person who you might be thinking of rehoming your dog with.

Check with the local humane society, animal control etc to see if there have been any reported problems with these people..Have they been turning in dogs to the shelters etc.

Profile the people...don't let your need to be political correct cloud the issue..location where people live, crime rate etc.

and most of all

TRUST YOUR GUT...If something doesn't feel right walk away..Do not try to come up with why it is bothering you .. just accept the feeling and walk away with your dog. On this issue it is different because most good people have been conditioned to be polite. Your politeness could kill your dog. The older I get the more I trust my gut...I don't always know why I get a funny feeling but I listen now and I have found it has been right almost 100%. Maybe not in the way I was thinking but in the long run it turned out the situation was smelly.

[red98vett]

This should be a permanent thread here - It's got very good information not only for people here but the whole internet - lots of non members read this site.

It should be tagged also.

Nice job megansmomma and you guys

[brendah]

This is a great thread started. Great advice given here.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by red98vett

This should be a permanent thread here - It's got very good information not only for people here but the whole internet - lots of non members read this site.

It should be tagged also.

Nice job megansmomma and you guys

Good idea!

[miabellaamoure]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

If you do not want to turn your dog over to a reputable rescue or they are full ask them if they know anything about the person who you might be thinking of rehoming your dog with.

Check with the local humane society, animal control etc to see if there have been any reported problems with these people..Have they been turning in dogs to the shelters etc.

Profile the people...don't let your need to be political correct cloud the issue..location where people live, crime rate etc.

and most of all

TRUST YOUR GUT...If something doesn't feel right walk away..Do not try to come up with why it is bothering you .. just accept the feeling and walk away with your dog. On this issue it is different because most good people have been conditioned to be polite. Your politeness could kill your dog. The older I get the more I trust my gut...I don't always know why I get a funny feeling but I listen now and I have found it has been right almost 100%. Maybe not in the way I was thinking but in the long run it turned out the situation was smelly.

I'd also like to add to this by saying if the person sounds too good to be true...make every attempt to prove everything they have said is actually true. Now a days people are getting smart at knowing what a rescue wants to hear & even better at "fluffing up" their applications to adopt.

When asking prospective owners about their history of dog ownership, always ask where those dogs are now? You'll be surprised at how many will readily admit they ended up giving the dog to a relative or their child was allergic, etc, etc. If they could give up a dog before...they can do it again...and they will!

Also, do a home inspection including yard & garage! Look for crates in the garage, dog runs, etc. Check fences to make sure they are secure.

[megansmomma]

Let's keep those idea coming! I love the idea of a sticky. Maybe after we have a lot of suggestions added it could be compiled into on really good post. People tend not to read the entire thread after the first post.

[miabellaamoure]

If your dog is not already microchipped, microchip before rehoming with YOUR info as primary contact and always keep that info current! Should your dog become lost, you will be the first to know about it if it is located by AVID or whichever company. The new owners can add their info as secondary.

[TwoforFun]

I have a question why is it a good idea to ask for an adoption fee. Don't get me wrong a few extra bucks in my pocket sounds nice but why do you make it sound like a priority. Just me needing to know everything.
Here's my case my brother bought a 9 week mix puppy home (yes I know bad) had him for a week and couldn't handle him. He ask me if I could take him. My plan was to find him a good home. After two weeks I notice people were like oh I can't wait till he makes babies Ok so I decided to keep him till his neutered. I am getting attach but I know if the right person comes I will be happy for him. I don't know what I will think 3 months from now after his neutered if to keep him or keep looking for a home. But I want to be prepare in case he does find a good home.

To the OP thanks for the thread

[miabellaamoure]

Only give copies of your pet's paperwork and keep all originals. If the new owners decide to return your pet (if it doesn't work out) and have misplaced those documents, it'll be a lot of work to try and get copies.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by TwoforFun

I have a question why is it a good idea to ask for an adoption fee. Don't get me wrong a few extra bucks in my pocket sounds nice but why do you make it sound like a priority. Just me needing to know everything.
Here's my case my brother bought a 9 week mix puppy home (yes I know bad) had him for a week and couldn't handle him. He ask me if I could take him. My plan was to find him a good home. After two weeks I notice people were like oh I can't wait till he makes babies Ok so I decided to keep him till his neutered. I am getting attach but I know if the right person comes I will be happy for him. I don't know what I will think 3 months from now after his neutered if to keep him or keep looking for a home. But I want to be prepare in case he does find a good home.

To the OP thanks for the thread

There are a lot of good reasons to ask a fee when you rehome. First there are a lot of people that broker. If you are giving away a dog they could resell for a profit ie on CraigsList, for medical research , used for fighting "bait", cheap addition to a bad breeder, and of course as simple as paying to make a commitment. Even if you rehome on YT you NEVER know what the true intentions of others.

[michelew1560]

I just posted a thread and forgot to mention I will surrender him to a rescue group.