There are many options available to families that are looking to find a new home for their pet.

Increase its adoptability and spread the word
The following are a few simple tips to try and re-home your pet before bringing it to a shelter:

• Give yourself time to re-home your pet. It can often take weeks to months to find it the best home.
• Increase its adoptability by having it spayed or neutered, groomed, and up-to-date on its vaccinations.
• The more people that know your pet needs a new home will increase its chances of finding the right one. Tell your friends, family and co-workers and ask them to do the same.
• Advertise in the local newspaper or online, but use caution when considering unknown individuals or families as your pet’s new owners. Hold the initial meeting in a public place and ask questions to screen potential adopters. Share your expectations for your pet’s new home and require an adoption fee to deter unscrupulous individuals. When you find a family that meets your and your pet’s needs, ask for identification and contact information to follow up on how your pet is doing in its new home.
• Never abandon your animal. Animal Humane Society is an open-admission organization and will accept any animal for any reason.
• For additional tips, please contact our animal admissions staff at (763) 412-4969.

Talk with 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.    

Find groups near you to learn what they have to offer by reviewing our list of animal welfare partners or visiting Petfinder.com.

In the event these alternative resources don’t address the circumstances you are experiencing with your pet, please review how to surrender your pet to Animal Humane Society. We are an open-admission animal welfare organization and will accept any animal for any reason.

* Information provided by other organizations, including links to external websites, does not constitute endorsement by Animal Humane Society of the opinions, information, products or services of that organization.