Tips for Rehoming Your Pet
Before surrendering your pet to a shelter, please consider finding your dog or cat a home, before they ever leave your side. Doing this allows you to play a role in placing your pet with a new family, reduces stress of transition for your pet, and makes additional space available for other pets needing to enter the shelter.
Here Is How to Get Started:
- Make a Rehoming Poster – Use the poster included in this packet as a guideline. Make several photocopies of the poster. Bring one of your rehoming posters to San Diego Humane Society and it will be shared for people looking to adopt a pet to see.
Rehome Poster Template
- Photos – Take several color photos of your pet enjoying your home that showcase their looks, size, temperament, etc.
10 Tips for Taking Better Pet Photos
- Short Bio – Write a short description about your pet. This should include the reason why your pet needs a new home, the kind of home he or she would do well in, and some funny or interesting information — for example, your pet’s funniest behaviors, his/her favorite thing to do or the thing you love most about your pet. Many people write the story from the animal’s perspective, for example, “Hi, my name is Bella ...” Remember to be honest. You want this transition to be successful for your pet.
- Share with Everyone – Email friends, family members and co-workers. Post on social media sites such as Facebook, Nextdoor and Twitter. Hang your posters at your workplace, community centers, veterinary offices, pet supply stores and other locations where pet owners visit often.
- Foster and Rescue Groups – Talk to breed-specific rescue groups. These groups can provide a variety of opportunities for your pet, including the possibility of your pet staying in foster care until a new home is found.
Rescue Partners and Animal Welfare Organizations
- Advertise – Place an ad on Craigslist and in your local newspaper, listing the most important characteristics about your pet. Advertise with photos to get more attention.
Online Communities
Visit Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet and Home To Home to help find your pet a new home. These online communities directly connects people who need to give up a pet with people who want to adopt.