How to Give Up a Dog You Can't Take Care Of

Sometimes things happen that make it necessary for you to give up your dog. Depending on your situation and the dog, finding a good new home generally takes time and searching. Before seeking to place your pet, make sure that you have no options for keeping it. Most dogs adjust better to apartments, smaller places and busier schedules than to rehoming.

Things You'll Need

  • Folder
  • Dog's photo
  • Flyers
  • Toys (optional)
  • Blankets (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the dog to the veterinarian for a health check, tattoo or microchip, shots, grooming and a copy of its medical files. Be sure your pet is neutered or spayed, advises the ASPCA.

    • 2

      Collect information, including the dog's medical or special needs, food type, and characteristics, including tricks, training and behaviors, suggests Chow Chow Welfare. Place all information into a file to go with the dog.

    • 3

      Contact the person or place where you got the dog if it came from a responsible breeder or rescue. They generally take dogs back or help with placement.

    • 4

      Call people you know to ask for help placing the dog. These placements make the process less stressful for you and the dog and allow you to visit your pet, according to Vetinfo.

    • 5

      Contact your local animal shelter for a list of rescues to help find your dog a home, advises Vetinfo. Choose the rescues that place dogs similar to yours, such as the same breed, size or even elderly dogs. Some groups may take your dog to foster, but they may ask for financial assistance to cover costs.

    • 6

      Print flyers with your dog's picture and information, including why it needs a new home, your contact information, good points about your dog, and its requirements, such as a fenced yard or no cats, suggests Chow Chow Welfare. Place the flyers in places such as veterinarian's offices, pet stores, dog parks and obedience schools. Advertise in local newspapers and online through Petfinders.

    • 7

      Arrange to interview prospective owners and their family members at your home. Take your dog to a neutral location to meet any other family pets to avoid territorialism. Make the next interview at the new home to inspect it.

    • 8

      Ask the new owner about previously owned pets. Check veterinary and personal references. Require landlord written approval for renters. Prepare a contract requiring notification for moving or rehoming the dog and a liability waiver, suggests Chow Chow Rescue.

    • 9

      Take your dog to a shelter only in an emergency. Shelters cause stress and place your dog at risk of euthanization, even if it is a purebred, according to the ASPCA. Find a no-kill shelter if possible.