How Do I Turn in a Dog for Adoption?

It can be difficult when you make the decision to find a new home for your dog. Some people can't keep their animals due to lack of time, allergies or newborn babies in the house. Whatever the reason may be, there are appropriate steps to take in order to turn your dog in for adoption. The following steps can help you find the most suitable forever home for your dog.

  1. Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

    • Contact your local Humane Society or local rescue groups, as they will try to find a home for your dog. Some shelters and rescue groups require that you make an appointment before you can bring the dog in for them to adopt out. In addition, you may want to provide the shelter or rescue group with money. Some organizations ask for a donation upon surrendering a dog for adoption. Although it's not usually required, this helps the organization care for your dog until they can find the dog a forever home. They will take any amount of money you are willing to give.

    Spay or Neuter

    • Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who are spayed or neutered have a better chance of being adopted. Some shelters and rescue groups require that all dogs placed through them are spayed or neutered before adoption. Therefore, if your dog is already spayed or neutered, he may find a forever home faster.

    Vaccinate

    • Vaccinate your dog. Make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations. Remember to bring all vaccination paperwork with you when you surrender the dog. If you don't have vaccination paperwork on hand, provide the shelter or rescue group with the name of your veterinarian. The organization can then contact your veterinarian for the vaccination history.

    Personality Profile

    • Write a personality summary of the dog. Include good and bad habits that the dog may have. The more information you give to a perspective adopter, the better the match will be. This will also give the organization that you are surrendering the dog to a better understanding of the dog.

    Network

    • Consider adopting the dog out on your own without the help of a shelter or rescue group. Contact appropriate friends or relatives. Make a flier with information on your dog and post copies at local veterinarian offices and pet stores. Interview prospective adopters until you feel confident that you have found a suitable forever home. However, don't give away the dog for free. Some people will take free dogs for use in research or dog fighting.