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How to Rehome a Dog

By: Jane Pullen - Updated: 20 May 2021 | comments*Discuss
 
How To Rehome A Dog

Sadly, there are times when a much loved dog can no longer be cared for. There are many reasons why this might happen. A new baby or change of job means that there is no longer the time to look after a dog.

Sometimes a person may simply become too ill or infirm to be able to care for a dog properly. In situations like these, finding a permanent and loving home for the dog is the kindest solution. Keeping a dog when it cannot be looked after properly is unfair to all concerned.

Options for Rehoming a Dog

There are many options available for someone looking to rehome a dog. These include:
  • Private adoption – sometimes family or friends may be happy to adopt a dog. They will already know the dog and he will know them so this will make the process more straightforward. The original family will still be in touch and see the dog from time to time which is also a benefit of this arrangement.
  • Advertising – many pet shops offer advertising space in their windows and this can be a good way to advertise a dog. People who are looking at the adverts in pet shop windows are likely to be existing pet owners and as such can make knowledgeable and experienced owners for an adopted dog. Other advertising opportunities include local newspapers and even the vets. It is useful to include a photograph with the advertisement so people can get a good appreciation of the type of dog that is being offered for rehoming.
  • Rescue centres – this might be a last resort for many people, however rescue centres, such as the RSPCA, have an excellent reputation for caring and rehoming pets. There are large support networks attached to rescue centres and dogs who are awaiting rehoming will be given regular exercise and be in the company of other animals. When taking a dog to a rescue centre it is important to provide as much information as possible as this will help to find him a new home. Organisations such as the RSPCA will never put people under pressure to keep a dog that they can no longer cope with and are very understanding of the difficult decision that has been made.

Alternatives to Rehoming Dogs

There may be alternatives to rehoming dogs and sometimes a little extra help or support is all that is required for a person to be able to care for their dog.

Sometimes dogs are rehomed because an elderly or ill person is unable to give them the exercise that they require. Professional dog walkers offer an excellent service and this might be a good solution.

Grooming can be another problem for people. Colleges often welcome working with pet dogs. People learning dog grooming, for instance, require dogs to work with when practicing their skills.

This can be an excellent way of getting help with grooming for a person who can no longer cope. Asking for help can sometime produce surprising results.

Rehoming a dog is a difficult decision to make. Knowing that the dog is going to a new home that will give him much love and care will help people through this distressing and sad time.

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Hi I have a black and white staff what is about 8 or 9 I can't long look Arthur him no more seen the covid I have found it hard to feed he and walk him. He doesn't get on with over dogs and cats he he's attacked 2 dogs in the pass that's anthur reson I can no longer look Arthur him but he is a lovely dog when he is at home love's to play with a ball and rope
Enzo90 - 20-May-21 @ 12:15 AM
I was wondering if you have any spaces to rehome my 2 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Max.  My husband passed away 6 months ago and I am finding it difficult to cope with looking after him as he was my husband's dog. Max is a lovely dog and he is loving and deserves a home where someone can look after him better than me Regards Mrs Susan Taylor  Mobile no. 07462630657
Sue - 14-Aug-19 @ 8:56 AM
I was wondering if you have any spaces to rehome my 2 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Max.  My husband passed away 6 months ago and I am finding it difficult to cope with looking after him as he was my husband's dog. Max is a lovely dog and he is loving and deserves a home where someone can look after him better than me Regards Mrs Susan Taylor  Mobile no. 07462630657
Sue - 14-Aug-19 @ 8:52 AM
*UPDATE* I no longer have to re home Kaiser which I am over the moon about as it would have broke my heart!I hope every dog on here finds their forever homes as mine truly has his forever home!
Annie - 31-Oct-18 @ 8:34 PM
I have an 8 year old Siberian husky that I need to re home for reasons my oldest granddaughter who is 3 years old has been diagnosed with asthma , So am re homing him due to health reasons, This has been a very difficult decision to make but I have to, Kaiser is a lovely matured dog, Loves being made a fuss of, he can be wary of other dogs especially larger dogs and has lived with cats in the past. He has a very cheeky nature to him . Kaiser needs someone who can give him plenty of time and take him on lovely long walks. Kaiser can be very stubborn if he does not want to do something, When walking him I have always kept him on the leash due to his recall, He can be a bit of a thief pinching things that is not his and guarding them under the bed or where ever Kaiser is un neutered. Fully house trained. Who ever takes him on would have a dog that is willing to love in return for love and kindness
Annie - 31-Oct-18 @ 9:10 AM
I have just lost my boy he was a blue staff it killed me .he was 12 years old when he died of cancer. What you lot forget is that poor dog you have cared for for the last so many years is a part of your family.who relay on you and is more faithful than anybody you no . It’s no different than getting rid of a child I hope this makes some of you think about what you r doing. A dog is for life .thanks bill
Billygee - 23-Oct-18 @ 9:21 PM
Hi there i have a 12 year old staffi cross tan n white called george and due to a job change i need to rehome him sadly this has not been an easy choice ..he is micro chipped neuterd and is well behaived he is great with kids i have a teen and a 4 year old he is wery at first with other dogs as he was atracked by a sharpea 4 years ago n is shakey at first but then ok ... can any one help please.
Kuk - 10-Jun-17 @ 5:51 PM
Hi I have a 2and half year old Staffie called coco I need to rehome due to circumstances changing with partner, coco is absolutely brilliant never a dull moment with this dog, he's grew up around children and loves the two kids to death he's brilliant around other pets as he's always going to my friends farm who is also a dog trainer and taught him to socialise from when I got him ,he is well trained and his health is in very good physical condition,I really didn't wanna have to rehome him but I have no other choice as much as it kills me,he is light brindle coloured with beautiful white markings under neck and chest, such a loving dog very mardy at times when he doesn't get no attention but I believe that's a Staffies nature. I would love him to go to a loving home who can give the time like I did and give him lots of excersise if you are interested please please give me a call 07757332789 Lewis thankyou
Lewis - 2-Mar-17 @ 4:38 PM
Hi I have a beautiful 8 year old staffie that needs a new home due to my stepdaughter having a baby it's her dog but she doesn't want him anymore and his name is Tyson great with people not with other dogs he has been neutered and chipped we rescued him as he was going to be put down we have had him for 2yrs she cannot devote her time for him now he doesn't like being left on his own he was chipped in my name because when we took him my stepdaughter have any id I will be disappointed to see him go but would like help to regime him asap as my stepdaughter doesn't want him and family and friends don't know of anyone interested in taking him please help.
Jackie - 10-Jun-16 @ 9:56 AM
Hi I have a female staffie, she is approximately 12 years old, though vets think she acts a lot younger. I am no longer able to give her the care that she needs, due to extremely long working hours. She is a lovely, well behaved, affectionate and playful dog, who just needs someone who can give her the time and attention that she needs. She loves cuddles, long walks and her soft toys. She needs a home where she is preferably the only dog, as she is used to being the only animal at home.
Charlotte - 17-Oct-15 @ 4:16 PM
I have a dog but no longer can cope with her it is a sausage dog she is 2 year old gets on with other dogs but not good with cats
lizzy - 8-Sep-15 @ 1:22 PM
Hi I am a proud owner of a 4 year old shar-pei. She is 4 years old and is in need of a new home. Suki is a loyal and loving dog and loves children and adults! However she detests other dogs and cats. As her owner I am sad that I have to rehome her but work commitments for both myself and my husband have changed dramatically this year and I do not want Suki to suffer as a result! She loves company but also likes her own space chilling out.
Bex - 24-Aug-15 @ 2:17 PM
Hi I recently got a Staff cross and I am looking for another staff so my boy has some company I have a lot of experience with this breed as I grew up with them and is one of the only types I will trust around children they are not called the nanny dog for nothing anyway I saw the post about Blue and I could give him a lovely home if he has not already yet been adopted I have four children here so he will have a lot of attention which as I am sure you know they need so anyway please let me know and also please add your rough location if you are still trying to find him a home thank you
Dean - 17-Aug-15 @ 8:40 PM
I have a blue staffi called blue I need a loving home for my 4 year old im very reluctant to lose him the only reason is myself and partner work full time ive takenon a 2nd job my boy is so effectionate he he love cuddles very good off lead up woods and with other dogs he has been brought up with my 5 year old and recently our new baby grandchild he is excellent with them I need him to be with some one who has time for him to fuss and walk him its proving hard now as we are working all the time I was hoping for it not to come to this but I feel cruel leaving him all day I no he deserves to be with someone who can give him time he is chipped and up to date with all vacancies wormed and flead on time I love him very much so really need to no je is going to someone who will care for him can anyone help
Blue - 9-Aug-15 @ 10:29 PM
I have a12 year old staffythat I need to rehome asap if anyone can help us he is a very loving member of staff our family but due to my circumstances changing I need to rehome him he would need to be in a quiet friendly home as he is getting really old now
shell - 23-May-15 @ 3:35 PM
To add to my last post... Sorry I have no idea where to start with rehoming my rescued Thai Dog, and putting her into kennels I feel would only set her back as she is already very nervous with the tendency to growl and snap if felt trapped. I am a single female living on my own with the two dogs... I have tried dog training, behaviour specialist and there have been great improvements, however it is obvious that my other rescued dog that I brought back at the same time is suffering from Lantas (who I have to rehome) up and down personality, as it can be unpredictable and I sadly now have to admit that she would most likely be better suited being the only dog in the house hold. Please, any suggestions, or where to begin???
Robyn - 11-May-15 @ 5:38 PM
I am looking to find a good, secure home & owner for my rescue dog Lanta, who I rescued from The Animal Welfare Centre in Thailand Last June 2014. Lanta is a medium sized dog (near to a Collie), Female, age approx 3 years old, who is a loving, clever, obedient girl, who enjoys her food and walks. Once she has had these she is relaxed and enjoys cuddles and the occasional tug of war with an old sock. Her background was that she was found just outside of the forest on the island of Koh Lanta at 18months old, scavenging for food with her 2 sisters, who were then all brought to the Welfare Centre in Thailand. My reason for rehoming her is that due to her past she can be a nervous dog around new people, children and other pets. As I also rescued another older Male dog at the same time and it is now quite apparent that Lanta would most likely need to be the only dog in the household with either a strong experienced female owner or a male owner, a couple would be good but no children. Sadly I feel I can no longer give her what she needs as she still has some work to go... Lanta would require patience, love and nice walks in the park. She has never chewed anything in the household, is fully toilet trained, good off a lead and is more than happy to sleep downstairs in her bed in the kitchen. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me. This is a unique situation and I will not rehome her to un experienced dog owners.
robyn - 11-May-15 @ 5:33 PM
@samwass - I am sorry to hear this. But if you did not want to rehome him there are ways that you can train your dog not to suffer from separation anxiety. There are many helpful online websites that can give you tips and ideas, such as giving him a lot of exercise, hiring a dog walker in the day, please see Blue Cross link here. If you really can't keep him, then I suggest you have to just go with your instinct. Make sure you have a good chat to this man first. Perhaps you could even break your dog in gently and start asking him to take him for a few walks and get to know him. You'll know too how your dog reacts to him i.e if your dog starts growling every time you see him, then it's perhaps not the owner for him. I hope this helps.
SaveAPet - 17-Apr-15 @ 2:39 PM
Hi im rehoming my 3year old jack russell due to issue he has with been left alone it was my last option and im heart broken. I have a gentleman with previous dog experince who is very interested. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what i need to be looking for in this person and there home. I dont want to give him to someone who may not be right.
samwass - 16-Apr-15 @ 2:25 PM
I have a4 month old staffie who is loving and great fun. But unfortunately has become to boost rouse for my 6 year old Pom Maltese. Her name is coco and she is sandy and white.
Emma - 14-Jan-15 @ 6:45 PM
I’m hoping you can help me and my dogs. I need to rehome them due to my circumstances changing. I have two Staffies that have been together all their lives. So I am hoping to find someone who can look after them for me. I have mother and son, Gizmo is 12 Years old and Dozer is 9 Years old. Gizmo has been neutered but Dozer hasn’t. Do you think you could help? They will have to be together as they have never been parted. I am able to contribute to Vet bills and food and would be able to visit them if I am allowed to. They have been vaccinated regularly. Hoping you can help or perhaps you might know someone who can? Jan 07928 176 995 Midsomer Norton
Jan - 3-Jun-14 @ 8:15 PM
I want to rehome my staffy cross
cutebabe267 - 22-Apr-14 @ 2:36 PM
We have a lovely Shih Tzu that needs a loving home! He is 2 years old and vaccinated etc! Free to good home!
Muchell - 17-Feb-14 @ 1:47 PM
free to good home 6 month old staffy male
dawnie - 27-Nov-13 @ 10:50 PM
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