*If you are surrendering because you and/or your pet is unsafe in a domestic violence situation, please see the Safe Haven program. Someone will temporarily foster your pet until you are able to care for them again.
REHOMING INFO
This is a judgment free zone. You are the expert on your own situation and if you think it's best to find a new home for your pet, then we'd like to help you do that in a safe way.
Something to Consider:Â
When pet guardians become overwhelmed and decide to rehome because of a behavioral issue, we have seen many times that even small tweaks and a little bit of training can make the home livable again. There are many resources out there for behavioral issues, financial issues, new babies etc. Feel free to reach out if you need assistance.
STEPS TO TAKE WHEN REHOMING YOUR PET
And what NOT to do
GET STARTED ASAP
We cannot stress this enough. When we have more time, we're better able to find a good and safe home. When it's a last minute situation, pets can often end up in less than ideal situations. This can mean an unsafe home, or a home where they'll just get rehomed again.
COMPILE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE
Multiple Photos
Name
Age
Sex
Breed
Weight
Spayed/Neutered/Intact?
Potty trained?
Crate trained?
Energy level
Their personality, things they like, don't like
How are they with dogs/cats/kids/strangers?
Health issues?
Behavioral issues?
WHAT IS THE REASON YOU'RE REHOMING THEM?
It's important to be as clear and honest as possible here. You want to make sure your pet's next family is the best fit possible, with the least amount of surprises.
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*If you are surrendering because you and/or your pet is unsafe in a domestic violence situation, please see the Safe Haven program. Someone will temporarily foster your pet until you are able to care for them again.
WILL THIS PET BE COMING WITH SUPPLIES?
It's ok if not. If yes, make sure to list those out.
CHECK WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
This is a really common way pets are rehomed, and this way it's someone you know and you can likely stay in touch.
REACH OUT TO LOCAL RESCUE GROUPS
Many rescues will post your pet as a "courtesy post" to help give them exposure to people looking to adopt. They can also help screen applicants.
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We work closely with and recommend:
Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue
Adopt a Homeless Animal Rescue
Laila's Legacy
Lovepaws PG Rescue
DO NOT POST YOUR DOG ON SITES LIKE CRAIGSLIST AND NEXTDOOR
Has this worked before? Sure. Is this also where many dog fighters and breeders will find free dogs to use for fighting and make money off? Absolutely. Just don't do it.
FACEBOOK IS A MAYBE
Not usually as bad as Craigslist and Nextdoor, not as good as a rescue organization. Please use your best judgment.
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Animals In Need of Forever Homes or Rescue MD, DC & VA.
INSTAGRAM DEFINITELY!
To be clear, it's not likely the best place to find an adopter directly. But it's a really great place to share and have other groups spread the word. Tag us @endpgbsl so we can share.
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You can use this template to create a flyer for your pet.
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TRY LISTING THEM HERE
COMPILE ANY PAPERWORK YOU HAVE
This includes vet visits, adoption paperwork, purchase paperwork, vaccinations, microchip information etc.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE POTENTIAL ADOPTER:
Is the pet for you or someone else?
Is it okay to have pets in your home/apartment/condo?
Have you had pets before?
Do you have children?
What do you plan to do if the pet does not work out for you?
How much are you prepared to spend to take care of this pet?
Is there anything that would make you absolutely not keep this pet?
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*sourced from HRA
GET THINGS IN WRITING
See this adoption contract. Also make sure to transfer your pet's microchip if they have one.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY FIND A NEW HOME FOR THEM, AND DECIDE IT'S TIME TO SURRENDER THEM TO THE SHELTER:
PLEASE make sure that you do not bring your dog to a county shelter that has a breed ban for your type of dog. For example, pit bulls are illegal in PG Co. MD. If you are rehoming a dog that even LOOKS like a pit bull, do not bring it to the PG Co. shelter.