S.C. Humane Society Recommendations on Re-homing Pets
by Eleanor Chiquoine, June 25, 2007
It happens. Sometimes even the most responsible pet owner finds s/he can no longer keep a pet due to illness, family problems, or
any one of a number of unavoidable situations.
If you have to get rid of a pet, please be responsible. Never abandon a pet. Letting a pet go is tantamount to a death
sentence. Vehicles, predators, starvation, and disease will kill the vast majority of pets “let go” to fend for themselves. Stray
pets, running on the highway, can also cause accidents that injure or kill humans. Opting for this “solution” to the need to re-home
a pet says volumes about a person – and none of it is good.
So, be responsible. Try to solve the problems that have made you consider re-homing your pet. Often people want to re-home pets
because of behavioral issues. When this is the case, we urge you: Try to solve the problem! You’ll feel great about
“fixing” the problem – and your pet will avoid the trauma of having to adjust to a new home. Here are places to get
help:
- Check out the many resources (books, videos/dvd’s, and audio cassettes) available through the public library on pet behaviors and training, or buy this sort of material at book and/or pet stores. Many annoying habits can be solved!
- Get a trainer! Call the Shelter for names (though we can’t vouch for specific people); do an internet search; or ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.
- Visit this website. From the “About Us” tab, go to “Services”, and then “Surrendering a pet”. We have some tips there on solving some common behavioral issues.
If you cannot correct the behavioral problem, then do the work to find a new home for your pet. Certainly, you are the best person to decide on the right home for the pet you know. And if your pet has major and/or dangerous behavioral issues or health issues, consider humane euthanasia. Do not camouflage or deny the existence of these problems when you seek a new home for this pet.
To find a new home for your pet, put up posters. Run ads in local newspapers. Talk to friends, family, and neighbors who might be interested. When interested people respond, talk with them. Make a list of questions beforehand to ask each person.
As a last resort, the Shelter does accept a limited number of “surrenders” – if there is room. The Shelter charges a $50.00 fee for this service, which rarely if ever covers the cost of doing the work necessary to re-home a pet. Additional donations are always appreciated.
Please be responsible about pet ownership, even when parting company with your pet. Remember - in most cases, you really wanted the pet when it was adopted or purchased. So do the right thing by this dependent animal - even if you find you must re-home it.
created by E. Chiquoine, updated 6/25/07