Should I Get Rid Of My Dog Or Puppy ? and When ? And How ?
Accepting the reality of having to give up your pet is heartbreaking, but it's sometimes the best option for you and your pet. Our dogs frequently become our children, and it is our job to provide the greatest possible environment for them. Though it's difficult to contemplate your pet in a different home, major medical issues may occur, causing you to realise that your house is no longer the best place for him.
This resource is for seniors with Alzheimer's disease or other chronic conditions, people with mental or physical limitations that prohibit adequate pet care, terminally ill patients, and their carers who are faced with this painful issue. It will teach you how to recognise when it's time for a change, how to locate a new home for your pet, where to look for the ideal adoptive family, and how to make the transfer simpler. Though the process is never pleasant, knowing you did everything you could to find your pet the best home possible without resorting to a shelter surrender can give you some peace of mind.
Signs It May Be Time to Rehome Your Pet
You probably never considered finding your pet a new home because you adopted him with the goal of becoming his lifelong home. However, the consequences of your medical condition could not be limited to you. Some pets may even reflect their owners' failing health. Poor hygiene and deteriorating behaviour might indicate that your pet requires a change.
Other signals that it's time for your pet to find a new home include:
- Inability to effectively exercise him due to physical limitations
- Inability to buy food and supplies or take him to the vet without driving or taking public transportation
- While attempting to care for him, I sustained an injury.
- Energy depletion as a result of medical therapy, making it more difficult to give care.
- A physical or mental impairment that is increasing or developing, hindering effective care.
- Numerous large medical expenses can prevent you from providing care, especially if your pet has a serious medical problem that necessitates costly treatment.
- Your disease has drastically altered your lifestyle, and your pet is clearly unhappy as a result of a lack of attention, exercise, or other care.
Rehoming may be your best option if you or someone you care about meets any of these requirements. Even though it's tough to accept, don't put off making this decision. You'll want to locate a new home for your friend while you're still able.
Finding the Best Home for Your Pet
If your pet hasn't been spayed or neutered, schedule an appointment before trying to re-home him. Make sure he's up to date on his immunizations and vaccines, and that his veterinarian has given him a clean bill of health. This will give him a good start in his future home and will very certainly improve his prospects of adoption.
It's critical to address any potential behavioural issues your pet may have before rehoming. Speak with a trainer or a professional behaviourist if he has ever displayed major symptoms of aggressiveness or bitten someone. Even if a specialist is making remarkable progress, don't keep his new owners in the dark. Provide the trainer's contact information and warn the owner that the first few days in his new home will be a period of adjustment, so unusual behaviour may arise. Remember that unexpected displays of aggressiveness might lead to your pet's new owners returning him to you or, worse, surrendering him to an overcrowded, loud shelter.Make every effort to ensure that his new home is secure, pleasant, and permanent.
You may be compelled to return your pet to the same person or organisation if you signed an adoption contract when you initially obtained it. If you can't find the contract, contact the organisation. Some rescue groups require that an animal be returned regardless of how much time has elapsed.
Finally, requesting a family member or friend to adopt your pet is generally the best option, especially if he or she is already acquainted with him. Friends and relatives are also excellent resources for possible adopters, even if they are unable to take him in. They may know a friend or coworker who is interested and can serve as a useful reference.
Websites and Other Pet Rehoming Options
GetYourPet is a popular internet service that links pet owners with potential adopters. It cuts out the "middle man," allowing you to meet and interact with potential families to ensure a solid match.
Find out which animal rescue organisations in your region provide fostering programmes. If you can't keep your pet until the adoption is finalised (and no friends or relatives can help), a rescue-vetted foster home is the best choice. It's also worth noting that there are several breed-specific rescue groups.
Another important resource is veterinary clinics and trainers; they may not know of any possible adopters off the top of their heads, but they may volunteer to advertise in their offices.
PetFinder and Rescued! can both assist you find shelters and rescue organisations in your region. Is My Favorite Breed contains a large database of rescue groups for cats, dogs, horses, reptiles, birds, horses, and other animals around the country.
Another incentive to contact rescue groups is that, even if they do not have a foster family available to take in your pet, they may assist you in interviewing adoption applicants to find the appropriate fit. Being a part of the re-homing process and speaking with potential adopters is beneficial. It's one of the greatest ways to know that your pet will be loved and cared for by a caring family once you adopt them. Another reason we like GetYourPet's model is because of this.
Create posters and adverts to raise awareness about your stray pet. Include his name, current colour photographs, breed, and lovable personality features in his description. Take note of his training abilities and housebreaking status, as well as any recommendations for a new home (no small children, other pets, experienced dog owner, etc). Be open and honest about your pet's requirements and characteristics; even the best-intentioned "spins" on an unwanted personality or a complicated medical issue might lead to his adopters returning him to a shelter, which is the last thing you want.
Request permission to publish posters at veterinarian clinics, pet training institutions, loved ones' workplaces, and rescue groups. Also, don't overlook one of your most valuable advertising assets: the Internet. Another fantastic option to spread your pet's photo and information is to create a Facebook page.
Fees, Questions, and Developing a Strategy
Although it is evident that your intention is not to earn a profit from your pet's adoption, you may choose not to give him away for free. This may attract the exact opposite type of individual you're seeking for: corporations searching for animals to test their goods on, dogfighting ring members, and other animal abusers. Even if you do give him away to a suitable adopter, people tend to regard things they get for free less. Your ideal applicant should be giddy with joy at the prospect of adopting your pet and willing to afford the costs.
Don't hurry to schedule visits or formal interviews with possible adoption prospects while you're speaking with them. Ask a few simple questions – What piques your interest? Do you have any additional animals? What type of living environment do you have? Do you have any references? — and then tell them you're still collecting names and will contact them. This will screen out impulse callers who aren't ready for a pet, as well as allow you a way out if you get a bad feeling about someone. When it comes to your cherished companion, trust your instincts; they're typically correct.
In your interviews, you'll want to address a few crucial topics. First, inquire about their experience and responsibilities with pets by asking the following questions:
- Have you ever had a pet before? What happened to him if you no longer have him? Look for responses such as it ran away, was hit by a car, died of a preventable disease, or was given to a shelter.
- What is the length of time you've owned your current pet?
- Is there anyone in the house who is allergic to animals or has a fear of them?
- Are you planning on relocating soon? Will the pet accompany you if that's the case?
- Do you know where your pet will stay if you leave on vacation?
- Are your present pets spayed or neutered, and do they have all of their immunizations and vaccines up to date? Other pets being fixed may not seem important if yours is already fixed, but it exhibits pet responsibility and eliminates risky backyard breeders from your selection of options.
- What is the frequency of cleaning the pet's waste place (litterbox, stall, or cage)?
- Do you own or rent your home?
- Do you have a fenced-in yard at your house? Although fenced yards aren't usually necessary, this inquiry might reveal how important exercising your pet is to the candidate.
- Will you agree to a house inspection?
- What sorts of pets are present in the house, and how big are they? Sibling pets should be comparable in size and species, although this is mostly determined by your pet's previous interactions with other animals.
Next, make sure your pet will be in a secure, loving home with the right family:
- What are your family's pet expectations? For example, if they want to go trekking with their dog, but yours has arthritis, it's not a good match.
- If there are little children in the house, do they have any previous experience with pets, and will the parents provide adequate supervision and accept the majority of the responsibility for the animal? Pets are an excellent method to teach children responsibility, but they should not be the primary carers. You also want to make certain that no damage comes to the animal or the youngster as a result of a lack of supervision.
- What will happen to the pet while you're at work?
- Do you intend to crate, and if so, for how long per day? Reasonable crate training can help a pet adjust to a new environment or habit. However, you don't want him to be confined for 12 hours a day, so use your best judgement.
- How long will the pet be left alone each day? Most older cats and dogs can survive being alone for 8-10 hours each day, but tiny pups and kittens should not be left alone for more than 4 hours per day.
- Would you be willing to adopt him over the weekend or during a work vacation to make the transition easier for him?
- Will the pet be allowed to go outside? Allowing a dog to be both indoor and outdoor is OK as long as he isn't left outdoors on a regular basis when the family is indoors or away from home, but cats should only be kept indoors.
Finally, assess your candidate's understanding of pet care, training, and discipline by asking the following questions:
- Do you know that cats can live for 20 years or longer, while dogs can live for 15 years or longer? This may seem self-evident, but not everyone recognises that owning a pet is a lifelong commitment.
- What kind of punishment will you administer if your pet has an accident? There are a variety of appropriate responses to this question, with patience and consistency being the most important. It also helps if you're experienced with pet training in general.
Request the following forms and documents if you think you've discovered the right candidate:
- A (redacted) bill confirming residency
- A valid picture I.D.
- A lease agreement stating that dogs are permitted in a rental house (the landlord can also act as a reference to verify this)
- All other pets' vaccinations and immunizations must be documented.
You should do a house check after the interview. Home inspections are crucial for validating the stated address and ensuring that any information provided by the adopter is correct and meets your expectations. If you are unable to conduct one, a caretaker, a loved one, or a representative from a rescue group can do it in your place. (Anyone doing a house visit should bring a friend; never do one alone!) Meet everyone who lives there now, including children and other animals. If the first visit fulfils your expectations, you may wish to schedule a second appointment to evaluate how your pet reacts.Everyone in the household should meet your pet before agreeing to the adoption, whether at the home visit or at a later time.
Come up with an adoption contract if the house visits go well, the references check out (preferably three, including a vet), and you have a confident sense that you've chosen the proper parent for your pet. You may write your own contract from start or adapt one like this to suit your needs. Come up with acceptable restrictions and stipulations with the adoptive family, and sign a copy for each of you to retain. Ask a loved one to co-sign and maintain a copy if you're coping with significant or fatal health difficulties.
When it's time to relinquish control, try your best to maintain a courageous demeanour. A lot of negative emotion might make your pet confused and agitated. It may even make him so anxious that he refuses to go with his new owner, regardless of how close they were before. As much as you can, smile through your emotions, remind him what a good child he is and how much you love him, and then let him go.
Taking the Next Step
Even though you'll give most of your pet's belongings to his adoption, such as his food and water dishes, favourite toys, and bed, preserve a souvenir that will serve as a reminder of him. It's possible that removing him totally from your life will aggravate the process. A blanket or collar will offer you with something physical to grasp onto on particularly lonely days, as well as act as a reminder of the loving home you given him for so long and the time you spent to find him a new one.
To obtain updates about your pet, talk to the adopter about keeping in touch by email or text messaging. Avoid making frequent trips to his new residence, despite the temptation. Though it may temporarily alleviate the discomfort, your pet will be more distressed when your visits abruptly end. The greatest strategy to limit your sadness is to move as fast as possible and give him time to acclimatise to his new surroundings without confusing him.
If you're having trouble making the change, send a letter to your pet. Putting your sentiments into words may be quite therapeutic and might help you to feel less guilty. Tell him how much you miss him and how much you wish you had been able to keep him. Reminisce over your fondest memories as a group. Tell him how tough it was to give him up, but that you did so to ensure that he had the best possible care and that you carefully selected his new family.
You can either give the letter to his new family or save it for yourself to read on particularly difficult days.
Make every effort to keep yourself occupied in the days and weeks after your pet's rehoming. Even if it's only a quick stroll around the block, get as much exercise as you can. Make it a point to stay sociable as much as possible, engaging in face-to-face interactions. Pick up a new interest or acquire a new skill, and take part in your favourite activities whenever you get the opportunity. Above all, make the most of every opportunity to laugh or grin.
If you're a caregiver for someone who has just had to give up a pet, try to be as understanding as possible. Provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, but don't allow your dependant to descend into depression. Fatigue, social disengagement, lack of appetite or weight loss, loss of interest in activities, and ignoring personal care are all signs of depression. Don't be scared to talk about your pet; while it may seem inappropriate, reminiscing may be beneficial to the mourning process. Even if it's simply a video conversation with a relative, schedule frequent social events and don't be discouraged if your dependant refuses.Insist on remaining active and sociable as much as possible, but don't push too hard too quickly.
Giving up your pet is a difficult decision, but when his and your health are at risk, it may be the best option for everyone. No one, no matter how many years pass, will ever be able to fill your place in his heart. Let go of your guilt and remember that, even if it shattered your heart, you provided him with the best chance for a long and happy life.
Some Alternative For Giving Up My Dog
It's essential to be a responsible dog owner when you decide to buy a dog. Unfortunately, not all dog owners are responsible, and some dump their pets when they become a nuisance. The most irresponsible dog owners will abandon their pets in an empty house or in a locked yard. This is both terrible and inexcusable. Furthermore, most locations have animal cruelty laws that make it unlawful to abandon your dog. It's not right to just throw your dog out. It is your obligation to ensure that your dog is properly cared for.
Life may be difficult at times, and we must make difficult decisions. In rare situations, this may entail the death of a cherished pet. Fortunately, there are several options for avoiding this. Please examine several options before deciding to get rid of your dog.
My new place does not allow dogs, therefore I'm moving.
Can you make an extra effort to discover a pet-friendly place to live? Anyone who has attempted to rent an apartment with a dog understands how difficult it can be. If you are persistent, you will most likely discover the correct location. Negotiate the terms with possible landlords and be prepared to spend a bit more money if necessary. If you need to relocate immediately and can't find a location that would accept your dog, talk to your friends and relatives. Someone you know could be willing to care for your dog for a period of time while you look for alternative options. The same is true if your relocation is only temporary and pets are not permitted.
Having a Child
Congratulations on your good fortune! However, because of the new baby, you do not have to give up your dog. Children benefit much from growing up with a dog. In fact, research shows that early contact to dogs might help youngsters avoid developing allergies. *
If managed properly, dogs and children may be a wonderful combo. Before your baby is born, your dog must be properly trained and exposed to newborns and little children. Then, make sure the infant is properly introduced to the dog. * It's also critical that you teach your children to respect dogs.
As many family activities, trips, and parties as feasible should include your dog. You may have a safer, more harmonious family unit if your dog understands his role in the family. Both your dog and your children must know how to behave with one another. Growing up with dogs might be one of the nicest gifts you can offer a child if done correctly.
My dog has uncontrollable health or behavioural issues.
Health issues do arise from time to time. It is your responsibility to assist your dog in managing a chronic condition. Find a veterinarian who is familiar with both you and your dog. Request a referral to a specialist or a second opinion if your present treatment isn't working. Inform your veterinarians that you've reached the end of your rope and want assistance. Of course, certain health issues are unavoidable and just add to the suffering of pets. In this instance, compassionate euthanasia may be a viable option.
Problems with behaviour can be quite aggravating. In general, our dogs act the way we taught them to act, thus dealing with behavioural issues is our duty. Of course, there are many dogs with behavioural issues that are the result of prior events or unknown causes. When you take on the responsibility of a dog, though, you must accept both the good and the bad. Consult your veterinarian to rule out a medical issue. Then look for a behaviourist or a trainer. If you can't afford it, teach yourself about dog training. Talk to anyone who will listen; you might meet someone else who has had a similar experience.
All of this being stated, some dogs have health or behavioural problems that cannot be rectified. When attempting to assist your dog, it is critical to exhaust all choices. It's never a good idea to dump a distressed dog on someone else. However, rehoming may be doable with care. Professionals may counsel you that euthanasia is the most compassionate option in some of the most severe circumstances. This is, of course, the final resort and should only be used after you've exhausted all other options.
I can't afford to keep my dog any longer.
Financial difficulties can strike anybody at any time, and it's understood that keeping your dog might become a challenge. Learn about the costs of owning a dog, then create a budget that covers all of your dog's essential expenses to see whether this is the case. You could discover that you can afford a dog after all, especially if you make smart decisions about dog care costs.
Do everything you can to keep your dog healthy in the long run to save money. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and preventative veterinarian care all contribute to lower future expenditures. Look for money-saving ideas to assist you in pinching pennies.
- Routine immunizations can be obtained at low-cost clinics. Contact the Humane Society or an animal shelter in your area. Alternatively, inquire at your local pet supply store.
- Avoid impulse purchases such as a new collar, dog bed, or treat bag. Make your own dog bed or get the aid of a friend. Instead than buying dog supplies, learn how to manufacture your own. You may also provide your dog with goodies such as carrots or apples, or prepare homemade treats.*
- Continue to provide heartworm and flea prevention. Instead, look for bargains by shopping around (but make sure the products are legitimate; ask your vet before you buy).
- Feeding generic/economy dog food to save money is not a good idea. Low-quality diets can lead to long-term health problems.* You don't need to spend money on premium dog food or a holistic/natural diet for your dog. Look for a diet that includes meat as the primary element. Grain-free diets aren't essential for the majority of dogs. Consider a homemade diet for your dog if you still want the highest quality components. Consult your veterinarian for suggestions. A healthy diet does not have to be costly.
I am unable to care for my dog due to illness or other physical limitations.
Although this is a legitimate cause for giving up your dog, there may be alternative solutions available. Seek assistance from your family and friends. It will be useful to have your dog around because he will most likely be a source of comfort to you during your illness. Some cities and municipalities have outreach programmes where volunteers come to ill people's homes and care for their dogs. For ideas, contact local animal rescue organisations.
Consider keeping the dog yourself or placing it with friends or relatives if you are the caretaker of a dog owner who must enter a nursing home or similar institution. Furthermore, an increasing number of care institutions recognise the good influence that dogs may have. Some facilities allow residents' pets to visit or even live with them.
I've exhausted all of my options and I'm afraid I won't be able to keep my dog.
It won't be easy, but giving up your dog is often the only option. Before you make a final decision, be sure you've thoroughly investigated all options. Overcrowding in shelters leads to the euthanasia of over 500,000 canines in the United States each year*, so try not to add to that number.
Abandonment is never acceptable (and often criminal). You are in charge of finding your dog the finest possible home. Ensure that you have all of your dog's medical records, as well as any other vital documents (like microchip information or breed papers).
Under specific conditions, several animal rescue organisations may accept dogs. In some situations, you may be required to pay a charge. Some organisations demand that dogs be up to date on immunizations and in excellent health. Make sure your dog has recently visited the veterinarian and that you are following the veterinarian's advice.
If you are unable to locate a suitable home, foster home, or rescue group for your dog, you may be forced to surrender your pet to the local public animal shelter or animal control. Be careful that many dogs at these shelters do not find homes and may be put to death. This should only be used as a last resort.