REHOMING YOUR ANIMALS

HALF OF THE ANIMALS ADOPTED EACH YEAR ARE RETURNED FOR BEHAVIOR ISSUES.

Pet overpopulation is a serious problem in our country, but more than pet overpopulation we have a pet retention problem.  People are returning their newly adopted or purchased pets at alarming rates. They are also relinquishing their behaviorally challenged pets thinking that is the answer. We are here to tell you that is NOT the answer. If we could keep animals in their homes then the shelters and rescues would not be overflowing. 

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WE HAVE A PROBLEM.

But we must first admit we have a problem, before we can address the problem. The number one reason that animals are returned to rescues and shelters is behavior issues. And because humans are living with an entirely different species, we must learn how to live with this other species. We must educate ourselves on their physical, emotional and mental needs of our animals. Our pets give us so much we owe it to them to return the favor to 

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WE ARE LIVING WITH ANOTHER SPECIES.

In order to honor these animals we have chosen to share our homes with, we must first admit they are an entirely different species. And God created these creatures to do things other than just sit in our houses and wait for us to come home from work. We have to teach them how to live in a human society. Animals are not humans, but they do have feelings the same way humans have feelings. 

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ANIMALS ARE NOT HUMANS BUT HAVE FEELINGS.

To help these animals, people must understand that animals process their emotions the same way humans do. And we must also understand that our pets need guidance to understand how to live in this human world we have created. They experience trauma and life experiences the same way humans do and we need to learn how to communicate with them if we are going to save them. 

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ANIMALS ARE COMMUNICATING FEELINGS THROUGH BEHAVIOR.

Animals live by their own set of rules, social norms and boundaries within their pack or herd families. Just like humans have pack order in their families, they do to. Animals are only expressing their emotions and physical issues through their behaviors.  We see so many animals that are struggling physically that is coming out in behavior issues. 

YOUR PET NEEDS YOU TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM.

Your animals need you to figure out what they are trying to tell you with their behavior, whether that is physically or emotionally. And there is help out there if you are unable to figure this out on your own.  You must be a voice for your pet with family, friends, veterinarian and medical staff, groomers and the public. Your animal does not have a voice, the only way they can communicate is through their behavior. 

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THE BEST PLACE FOR YOUR PET IS WITH YOU.

Many times people think that rehoming their pet is the answer to their behavior issues, and sometimes this is the case. But most often it is not. Most often the pet you have chosen has come into your life for a reason and they need our help to get better. Most often the humans that created the problems for these animals are not the ones who end up helping them. 

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ANIMALS ARE OUR TEACHERS.

There are so many lessons we can learn from our pets that will make us better. They can make us be better leaders, communicators, more empathetic, more understanding, powerful, advocates, and they need someone to believe in them. They need someone to believe they are worth the work.  God gave us these amazing creatures for a reason and it is our job to look after them as the best stewards we can be. 

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THERE IS HELP OUT THERE.

When I was struggling with my own pets I felt helpless and that there was no help out there, no one was able to help us with the serious issues we were facing.  Which is why I started this organization so that people would understand they are not alone. We are a movement to change the way our systems are working, to join forces and help each other help more animals. Join us on our mission.  

1. Is it wrong to be selective when rehoming your pet? 

No, choosing a canine companion based on individual behavior and lifestyle compatibility is crucial to the success of the relationships between people and their dogs.

2. I’ve exhausted all my options trying to keep my pet, what do I do?

• Contact breed rescue groups: Discover numerous rescue groups that, by and large, specifically help your dog’s breed.
• Rehome the pet yourself: Speak with friends and family and in brief, advertise your intentions.
• Post Rehoming Ads:  Hang posters on local bulletin boards and on balance, post on social media.
• Make an internet profile: Ultimately, highlight your pet’s best features and behavioral qualities accordingly online.

3. How do I work with my local animal shelter or rescue group?
Generally speaking, surrender your dog to an animal shelter or a rescue organization.

4. How would you describe your dog’s optimal environment and home? 
To summarize, what kind of situation is best in its next home? In any event, is he okay with kids and other pets? On the whole, consider what type of people would suit his personality and energy. All things considered, create an idea of what your pet needs in its next home.

5. What would it take to get your dog to put his best foot forward towards a forever home?
Generally speaking, make sure the pet has recently had a wellness exam. Are his vaccinations are up-to-date? Now, create a pet profile online and describe the dog’s more exceptional qualities and its history. Doing so has more of a likelihood that the pet will make an impact online. All this ultimately helps adopters best understand your pet’s needs.

6. Are you able to be patient through the process?  
Straightaway, pet rehoming takes patience. Although, you may be in a rush in rehoming your dog. On the whole, finding a good fit for your pet does take time, love, and patience.

Avoid Stress: In a word, advise the new family to avoid anything stressful as long as the dog is settling into their new environment.
The Dog May Not Eat: Tell them not to worry if the dog won’t eat on the first day. Nonetheless, he’ll eat when he’s ready.
Assure New Owners: Acclimating a new pet to a new home takes time, patience, love and trust just like in any relationship.
Keep in touch: Tell the new owners to call you from time to time with any questions or problems.

Make a great match for both your pet and his future adoptive family. With this in mind, share any health concerns, without delays, such as medications, allergies, and diet. Also, discuss his energy, unique behaviors, and personal tendencies so there are no surprises.

• Have you ever had another pet? What happened to it?
  The best answer is “Yes; It died at age 17.” What you really don’t want to hear is that their last pet was hit by a car, died of preventable disease, ran away, or worse… was turned into a shelter.

• Do you have a pet now?
  • Already having a pet is good. It demonstrates that they already know what is involved in pet ownership.
    • If yes, then how long have you had it? In general… the longer, the better.
    • What size is your current pet? The best answer is a size that is close to the one they are trying to adopt.
    • If a cat, has your cat been tested for FIV (feline AIDS) or FILV (feline Leukemia)? If either cat is positive for one of these diseases placing them together is disastrous. If a rescued cat is FIV or FILV positive, place it with another known cat with the same disease.

• If you have another dog/cat, is it altered? Will you be altering (spaying/neutering) the cat/dog when it reaches sexual maturity?
  • The good answer is yes: spay/neuter prevents unwanted pet births, decreasing the euthanasia happening in shelters because of too many companion animals and not enough companion homes. Also, spay/neuter prevents cancer and decreases the likelihood that a pet will run away from home or get into fights.

• Do you own your home or rent? Do you have a fenced yard?
  • Ask to see a copy of their lease allowing pets if they rent. Or ask to use their landlord as a reference. Fenced yards are best, but aren’t always possible. In some parts of the country, they aren’t always necessary (very rural farmland). Make sure the potential adopter is interested in exercising their new pet. Some dogs should get up to three or four miles of exercise a day. “My apartment doesn’t allow pets” is one of the top three reasons that pets are taken to shelters.

• Will you provide references?
  • Many organizations require three, one being a veterinarian. Sometimes they find the person had no record at the vet, a family member remarks about how much the potential adopter loves to travel abroad each month, or perhaps what really happened to their last pet. Although these situations are not the norm–with the time, money, and energy you are investing in this pet–be sure! You aren’t interested in an adopter who will not provide veterinary care for this pet.

• Will the pet be a member of your family or a gift for someone else?
  • It is important that everyone who will be living with the pet meet it first. This minimizes the chances of the pet being returned to you, winding up at a shelter, or being abused or neglected.

• Are you willing to allow a home check?
  • Some rescue groups always do a home check. This verifies the individual has given you a real address. You might consider taking your pet, to see his/her reaction to the home and the people. If one of the family members never gets off the couch or turns the TV down to meet you and your pet, it is probably not going to be the best home. Some organizations also go back to the home one week after adoption. This gives them an opportunity to see that the pet is happy. It also gives the adopter a chance to return the pet if there is a problem. NEVER DO A HOME CHECK ALONE! REMEMBER THE BUDDY SYSTEM!

• Do you plan on crating the dog? For how long each day?
  • Some people feel that crating is a good way to introduce a pet to its new routine and to avoid accidents due to confusion and perhaps depression. On the other hand, 12 hours a day alone in a crate would signal a neglectful situation. Use your judgment here.

• If the pet has an accident in the house, what type of correction do you plan to use?
  • Rubbing their nose in it and screaming “bad pet” is no longer accepted as an effective correction. Many training methods exist. An answer you’d like to hear is one that suggests patience, consistency, and perhaps even a hint that they’ve read a book (or would like to) about training. It is NEVER EVER appropriate to hit, spank, slap, poke, kick, or humiliate a pet that has had an accident. Many dogs in shelters exhibit urination shyness (they roll over and act submissive every time they urinate). This psychological damage is a result of ignorance on the part of an abusive owner who didn’t know how to housebreak a pet.

• How many hours per day will the pet be alone?
  • Think twice before you adopt a young puppy or kitten to a home where they will be alone for more than four hours a day. New owners should be willing to adopt on a weekend or on vacation time to allow the youngster to adjust to new conditions. Older dogs and cats can withstand being alone for a normal working day. Eight to 10 hours is possible but should be followed by good exercise/playtime, which is difficult for people that have themselves worked a 10 hour day.

• Do you have children? How old are they? Have they ever been around pets?
  • Children should not be expected to be responsible for the pet. If that is suggested, think red alert! Very young kids may be hurt by or may hurt the new pet. This is a personal issue, based mostly on the type of family you are talking to. Tread carefully, here. Some organizations have a strict policy regarding adoptions to families with children under five. Others judge on a one-on-one basis. This is where your people skills come in. Make sure you meet the kids!

• Will the pet be going outside at all?
  • Cats that go outside have a significantly reduced expected life-span, get hit by cars, poisoned intentionally, poisoned unintentionally, get feline aids for which there is no vaccine, get feline leukemia for which the vaccine is only 70% effective, get into fights, get fleas, get lost, etc. You want to hear that this will be an indoor cat (unless you are placing a vaccinated wild cat on a farm or in a rural area). Outdoor/indoor is okay for dogs, but remember, dogs are pack animals and want to be where you are. Leaving a dog outside when the rest of his family is inside may be a lonely experience for the dog.

• Will you be declawing the cat?
  • Declawed cats are more likely to become biters and/or forget litter box training. Many people are very opposed to declawing (or see it as a last resort) because of the gruesome nature of the surgery. At best, it should be done at the same time as altering.

• Do you realize that cats can live for more than 20 years? Do you realize that dogs can live for more than 15 years? This is a lifetime commitment.

Discuss a rehoming fee and determine whether they want to consider a trial period with your dog. At this time, discuss the worst-case scenario. For instance, if the arrangement doesn’t work out. For this reason, discuss the expectations for post-adoption communication.

In conclusion, there are a lot of resources when it comes to helping a pet parent keep a dog as well as when you’re ready to explore rehoming a dog. When you cannot keep your dog, then take steps to safely and responsibly rehome a pet. In the meantime, if you’d like to read more about adjusting to life with your new dog to make your adoption last, review Home Forever Home on Petfinder for helpful tips and information.

*Article courtesy of Petfinder.com