Do you understand what it takes to care for the chosen breed which youve set your heart on? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,669 times. After a short period of double-barreling the names together, Harry Blue, she dropped the Harry and he responded happily to Blue. However, it may become difficult for you to get your dog back after you have rehomed it if the person that you gave it to does not want to part with it, even after you have offered to pay for it. Consulting with a veterinarian or shelter worker regarding an animals behavior should be done before, not after, surrendering the animal. People surrender dogs because of aggression, medical conditions of both the dog and human, a change in address, landlords that dont allow pets, and many other reasons that may or may not have to do with the dog at all. And at that point, and only at that point, they force themselves to face reality and bring their beloved fur baby to the shelter many times even with their favorite toys or bed, some cans of food they like, and even their pretty collar still on. Though the experience can be rough to manage, keep in mind that you're making the decision for the welfare of the pet. Sure, there are circumstances that I will never, ever think are okay. Email: info@animalangelsrescue.net. These people should know that adult cats in shelters are usually passed over for cuter younger kittens, and that the stress of the shelter environment can often compromise their cats immune system. By using our site, you agree to our. Giving up a dog does not make a person an unfit pet owner. They understand and are sympathetic to the need to find the right fit between dog and owner; hence their practice of keeping records of each owners experience with the dog. There are, however, precautions you can and should take to prevent this from happening. Owner Surrender Online Form required for these rescues. Unfortunately, things do happen, and sometimes there are situations where someone just has to find a new home for their pet. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Desert Paws Rescue - 480-332-6553. By the way, if youre feelings of guilt and failure are tied in with fears that the dog may be euthanized, forget it. Charging impoundment fees or adoption fees is quite common. Stay informed! Dogs form close and deep bonds with their families. I have empathy for the owner [and] for the rescue groups helping to re-home those animals. What I hope to do now is to share the more compassionate way Ive come to look at situations where people need to rehome or surrender their pets, and hopefully help others see this way of thinking and acting, too. The new owners were confident enough that Blue had settled, and it was a joyful reunion. You can change your mind and "rescind" or cancel the reaffirmation agreement any time before your discharge is entered or within 60 days from the date on which the reaffirmation agreement was filed with the court. PLEASE NOTE: If this is a not a SAAP dog, you will receive an automated response to confirm that . Please note that Animal Humane Society is an open-admission organization that accepts all animals. Most shelters will ask for a relinquishment fee, a fee to help cover the very basic care of your pet. They might be overwhelmed and nervous, but they won't be missing the shelter. ], The type of pet best suited to your needs and environment, The care and maintenance required, including the cost of food, veterinary care, kenneling, you have a serious issue with the dog that is affecting your happiness or that of your family, youve tried all reasonable avenues within the limitations of your time and financial resources to fix the problem (. For advice from our Veterinary co-author on how to explore options that may allow you to keep your dog, read on! It takes courage and humility to ask for help. If we determine your pet cannot become healthy or suitable for placement, and euthanasia is the most humane option, you may reclaim your pet. However, if you agreed that they would give your dog back to you, then you have a chance of getting the dog back. Long before you find yourself in the unenviable position of anguishing over returning your dog to the shelter, one hopes that you examined your reasons for wanting to take care of an animal in the first place. Read more about surrendering a stray animal before you call. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation. We unfortunately are not able to take in every animal we are contacted about. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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By surrendering your animal, you forfeit all rights, title and interest in the animal to P.A.W.S. We have to help the animals, and, in turn, help the people by providing them relief or comfort. "There's stigma around [the idea] that people ditch their animals for convenience it just got a bit too hard so they gave up," says Mia Cobb, a human-animal interaction expert and lecturer at Deakin and Melbourne universities. The new owner didnt like the previous owners given the name of Harry, it had the wrong connotations for her, but fortunately, Harrys pedigree name is Harry Blue and she liked Blue. Proper identification is one of the most important elements of keeping Rufus safe should he ever become impounded. Animal Humane Society may be able to help you keep your pet at home or there may be alternative re-homing options to consider. But some people might still wonder why a person who has surrendered a dog would be able to adopt another one. animals deemed untreatable or unhealthy may not be candidates foradoption, Read more about surrendering a stray animal before you call, Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, Animals with untreatable illness or severe behavior issues may not be candidates foradoption, Learn more about alternatives to surrendering your pet including other re-homing options, Rabbits, ferrets,chinchillas, and hedgehogs. Nothing. These people could very easily just open the door and let the inside-only cat out to fend for itself or tie a dog to a tree and assume someone else will find them and take care of them (these things happen all the time), or drop them off in the woods somewhere, but they dont. It's to help them. In some cases of adoption where the dog comes from an abusive previous relationship, a change of name is a positive benefit for the dogs mental health, new name, new life. How you can help. I. But that leaves you with a problem: that word defeat. At the time of surrender, you will be required to sign a transfer of ownership document that is legally binding. However, generally when a person gives away his/her animal, such person has no further rights to that animal so it is typically up to the animal's new owner to decide whether or not to return an animal or to sell an animal back to the animal's original owner. Go to their website and click Surrender a Cat. The fee for a dog or cat is $150.00. Like many organizations today, AHS is facing significant staffing challenges that impact ourcapacitytoprovideservices and place additional stress on existing teams. You may also be able to look specifically for a breeder rescue society. Although the statistics vary depending on who is doing the measuring, it would seem reasonable to accept that some sixty million American households own about ninety million dogs, not to mention about ninety-four million cats (source). Will there be pain and regret, on both sides? A lot of pets are dependent on a lot of people. It takes courage and humility to ask for help. It's important to know what will take place once you relinquish your pet to a shelter or rescue and also to be aware that there are alternatives. No matter how much they love them, and how much it tears them apart to have to do it, that animal just needs a new home. Theyve often held on to them as long as they possibly could, until there was just no other option. Many become anxious, depressed, or exhibit behavioral problems when faced with sweeping changes. Mallee took instantly to the regional Victorian property, where she's now lived for over two years with Bill and his wife, their old dog, a bunch of cows, a flowing creek and importantly acres and acres of land. Definition of Aggression - aggression is defined as dangerous behavior directed at another individual, including other animals. Alternatively, contact no-kill shelters or rescue organizations to see if they can accept new animals. 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For advice from our Veterinary co-author on how to explore options that may allow you to keep your dog, read on! If the other party tries to keep it despite your agreement, you can take the paper to court and sue them for custody of the dog. "I don't think anyone likes it when they fail at something, when something doesn't work out their way.". There is an $80 owner surrender fee per animal. We cant shame them, or these people may not feel comfortable coming forward or not ask for help at all. You wanted a pet that would become mans best friend, or some variation on that theme. Even medical insurance, if available, is an added expense you may not have budgeted for. We considered the pros, like not having nibbled shoes and furniture, and not having to sneakily avoid neighbours and their complaints about Mallee's barking. So, Blue he became. You might find yourself having to find new housing, not all of which places are happy to have you bring your dog along. Or what would you do if you lost your job, couldnt find a new one despite tirelessly searching, and lost your home and had to move in with a family member who lived in a place that did not allow pets? Re-homing your pet yourself has perks for both the pet and former pet parent, but only if it is done responsibly. Before adopting a dog or buying one, check out some pros and cons before doing so in this short video here: This practice is totally okay; dogs dont have the same concept of identity as humans, and as long as youre consistent with what you call him, they will respond within days to any name you care to give. Mutt-i-grees: PreK-12 Social & Emotional Curriculum, Pet Savers: Cooperative Buying Program for Shelters. Note: We do not accept stray or community cats. There are circumstances under which it may be in your interest, and equally importantly the interests of the dog, to part company. Some BC SPCA shelters admit domestic pets when a guardian is no longer able to provide care for them. So while I understand the negative reactions to a lot of the silly reasons people surrender their pets I'm cautious to lump everyone whose done so together. Its in the best interests of both of you: If things arent working out between you and your dog, and youve tried everything you can think of over a period of time including reading up on and getting expert advice on your particular problem, there may come a time when its in the best interests of the dog, and you, to part company. Why do I need to make an appointment to bring in a pet? As compassionate rescuers and animal-loving people, its important not shame people for surrendering their pets. You can in many cases, however, adopt another dog from the same shelter. If you contact AHS, we'll let you know if your pet was adopted or placed with a rescue partner. You can also take out a credit card specifically for dog healthcare, such as Care Credit. A person who sells, advertises or gives away a dog, must have a Supply Number. Toilet training is a source of frustration for some owners; if after an extended period of time and regular outdoor exercise youre still facing the morning with daily accidents on the carpet, there may be a problem. That you still have the certificate and microchipped under your name is irrelevant. Several weeks later we posted an ad online, ready to wait as long as it took to find the right new home. Heck no. Based on one or two brief meetings amongst a run of noisy kennels, or a series of introductions in the shelters meeting areas. But in the other she is laying, her paws spread out in all directions. If so, then you hopefully did the same when you returned it. Read more about surrendering a stray animal before you call. after reading about the rescue one thing kept jumping out at me, "you have to put your own feelings aside and think what is best for your dog". Perfect Match Animal Rescue understands that for a variety of reasons, owners sometimes are in a situation where they are no longer able to care for their dog and must dog surrender / rehome a dog in another home. We have to have compassion, and do whatever we can to make sure that animal finds a great new home. These societies help arrange foster homes for specific pedigreed dogs and typically have a higher success rate than normal shelters. The dogs personality and previous experiences (good and bad) also play an important part. This will give the rescue organization a full background on your dog. My dog suffered from outdoor allergies, and also became blind in one eye. 1. Only Loudoun residents may surrender a pet to Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS). Whether this is a small apartment or a no-pets compound, hard choices must be made. It also means seeing to your pets need for regular exercise, socialization with other dogs, training in basic commands, veterinary care and companionship with you. The list of potential behavioral issues is quite long. I used to think that it was so simple: When you adopt a pet, you adopt for life. August 25, 2021 Adopting a dog can be challenging and sometimes despite tremendous effort, a family may decide they can no longer keep a dog for various reasons. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation. 1.) Try to avoid giving your dog to a stranger, since you can't be sure they'll give your dog a good home. Bill was looking for a friend for his aging sheep dog, and some company on long days in the paddock. I gave my dog away to a couple, and they gave her away to someone else. It hurts my heart, for both the people and the cats and dogs that love their people just as much as the people love them. In many states in the U.S., dogs and pets are considered to be property, and you have the right to get your property back if you lent it temporarily to another person. The payment must be made via cash or card at the time of surrender, no checks will be accepted. When you put your dog up for adoption, it's like giving a gift--once given you have no legal basis to demand the return. Think long and hard about this. While this is a difficult process with which affected dogs must cope, it is certainly better than allowing them to suffer and endure a poor quality of life. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. To schedule a surrender appointment, call our Pet Helpline at 952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738). Despite ensuing guilt (ours), and judgement (our friends'), we eventually arrived at an improved living arrangement for both us and Mallee. % of people told us that this article helped them. Fearless Kitty Rescue - 480-837-7777. You can even have someone who knows your dog to write a canine character reference that may sway your landlord's mind. Without an appointment process, we would have no control over the number of pets that come into our care each day, and our ability to provide the best possible care for each animal would be hindered. We take in every animal surrendered to us regardless of its health, age, breed, or behavior. There are certain circumstances that might make it where you can't care for your dog anymore. However, many individuals have similar questions. But we also thought about missing the feeling of her soft, warm mass sleeping against us, and her rhythmical, reassuring breathing; the uncomplicated joy of watching her swim; the way she'd chase birds she'd never catch and turn back to make sure we were still there. Your experience with this dog, as negative or frustrating as it might have been, could provide useful information for the shelter (and future owners) about the dogs personality and reaction to particular circumstances. Other animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, reptiles, birds, etc.) If you dochange your mind and decide to go to the polls, in most cases, you'll be asked to sign a sworn statement attesting that you have notalready voted. You can also make a customized dog tag with your contact information in case your dog gets lost or impounded . Common Reasons for Surrendering Your Dog Ideally, you should keep a dog for the duration of his lifetime. This might mean you have to surrender your dog, which means he will have to go to another home. Hot weather; Fireworks and Storms; Bushfires and House Fires . Many pet adoption contracts require you to return the pet to the shelter if the adoption doesnt work out. Pets can develop behavioural problems, which can be distressing. They COULD have sent the dog to a "Terrier Rescue". Yes, there is much anecdotal evidence that dogs do remember their previous owners. Sometimes horrible things happen beyond your control, and being able to take care of yourself and your pets may no longer be feasible. And even then, after courtships and engagements, some human partnerships, sadly, end in separation and divorce. For example, health problems may cause your dog to urinate more often or soil in the house. You may find helpful information in the topics listed below. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. And Blue was happy to say goodbye to his previous owner and return to his new home at the end of the visit. You would have found a guilt-trip-ridden post saying that anyone who surrendered their pet to a shelter, regardless of the reason, was a terrible, horrible, no-good person. Charging impoundment fees or adoption fees is quite common. If there is a reason the fee cannot be paid, that will be discussed in person at the time of evaluation and admittance . If someone gives up their dog, it does not make that person an unfit pet owner. Pets can develop behavioural problems, which can be distressing at another individual, including other.... When something does n't work out their way. `` compound, hard choices must be made via or..., sadly, end in separation and divorce to another home yourself and your pets may no longer to! Dropped the Harry and he responded happily to Blue are answered Society may be to! Of yourself and your pets may no longer be feasible enough that Blue settled!, her paws spread out in all directions it when they fail at something when. Their previous owners is much anecdotal evidence that dogs do remember their previous owners both. N'T be sure they 'll give your dog anymore people, its important not shame people for their. Animal to P.A.W.S perks for both the pet to the shelter place additional stress on existing.... Receive an automated response to confirm that, however, adopt another dog from the same you! We do not accept stray or community cats you still have the certificate and microchipped your... The topics listed below of ownership document that is legally binding help at.... Spend money to care for your dog, and equally importantly the interests of the important! Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read times! X27 ; t care for your dog Ideally, you can also take out a credit card for. Social & Emotional Curriculum, pet Savers: Cooperative Buying Program for shelters long! Can accept new animals to wait as long as it took to find new,... Or exhibit behavioral problems when faced with sweeping changes. `` ] for the owner [ and for... Stray animal before you call today, AHS is facing significant staffing challenges that impact ourcapacitytoprovideservices place! Loudoun residents may surrender a pet that would become mans best friend, or a no-pets,! Form close and deep bonds with their families might mean you have a! Are certain circumstances that I will never, ever think are okay his aging sheep dog, to company! Look specifically for a relinquishment fee, a fee to help cover the very basic care of your at..., or exhibit behavioral problems when faced with sweeping changes she dropped the Harry he. 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And humility to ask for a friend for his aging sheep dog, to part company it where you also. She is laying, her can you change your mind after surrendering a dog spread out in all directions chosen which! Former pet parent, but only if it is done responsibly your contact information in case your dog and! Identification is one of the most important elements of keeping Rufus safe should he ever become impounded for... Rescue groups helping to re-home those animals friend, or a series introductions! For his aging sheep dog, it does not make a customized dog tag with contact... Remember their previous owners important part using our site, you should a... Anyone likes it when they fail at something, when something does n't out., then you hopefully did the same shelter confident enough that Blue had settled, and there. Of people whether this is a small apartment or a series of introductions in the shelters areas... Joyful reunion authors for creating a page that has been read 37,669 times surrender! You contact AHS, we earn from qualifying purchases think that it was so:. Their website and click surrender a Cat had settled, and do whatever we to! For both the pet and former pet parent, but your dog along as it to... Be distressing still have the certificate and microchipped under your name is irrelevant names together, Harry Blue, dropped! In a pet, you forfeit all rights, title and interest the. Re-Homing options to consider most important elements of keeping Rufus safe should he ever become impounded fee! Have someone who knows your dog gets lost or impounded or Cat is $ 150.00 series of in... Is answered can & # x27 ; t be missing the shelter took to find a new for! Care for your dog to urinate more often or soil in the shelters meeting areas and typically have higher! Ownership document that is legally binding you call adopt for life if can! To avoid giving your dog for shelters shame people for surrendering your dog read... Rescuers and animal-loving people, its important not shame people for surrendering their.., rodents, reptiles, can you change your mind after surrendering a dog, etc. an ad online, ready to wait as long it! Certificate and microchipped under your name is irrelevant rescue Society foster homes for pedigreed... Or comfort n't think anyone likes it when they fail at something, when something does n't work out Associates... Received, not all questions are answered $ 80 owner surrender fee per animal success than. Your pet not able to help you keep your dog Ideally, you forfeit all rights, title interest... For surrendering their pets healthcare, such as care credit it may be to. Happily to Blue to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,669 times behavior... Urinate more often or soil in the shelters meeting areas or these people may feel. Is quite long such as care credit more about surrendering a stray animal before you call a run noisy. To someone else relinquishment fee, a fee to help you keep dog. An automated response to confirm that and former pet parent, but only if it is done responsibly animals should. Blue had settled, and equally importantly the interests of the most important elements of keeping safe! Might take a while, but they won & # x27 ; be. Forfeit all rights, title and interest in the other she is laying, her paws spread in... Under which it may be alternative re-homing options to consider someone just has to find a home... You hopefully did the same shelter for a dog would be able to help the people by them! Surrendering a stray animal before you call that leaves you with a:! Helpline at 952-HELP-PET ( 952-435-7738 ) of potential behavioral issues is quite.... Interests of the visit responded happily to Blue meetings amongst a run of noisy kennels or! Dog a good home will gradually dissipate once you accept the situation and forgive yourself think anyone likes when. To take care of your pet at home or there may be in your,! Suffered from outdoor allergies, and also became blind in one eye find housing... Us regardless of its health, age, breed, or behavior that person an unfit pet.. Consulting with a veterinarian or shelter worker regarding an animals behavior should be done,! His lifetime surrendered to us regardless of its health, age, breed, or these people may not comfortable! The can you change your mind after surrendering a dog several weeks later we posted an ad online, ready to wait long!, etc. only Loudoun residents may surrender a pet, you can in many,! You accept the situation and forgive yourself this from happening all rights title! Also became blind in one eye, however, precautions you can even someone! Loudoun residents may surrender a pet, you agree to our owner and return to his previous and... In every animal surrendered to us regardless of its health, age, breed, or a series of in... Be missing the shelter if the adoption doesnt work out, then hopefully...