Rehoming a Dog Responsibly: Common Reasons for Rehoming a Dog

Rehoming a dog can be a difficult, emotionally charged decision. Although pet parenthood is ideally a lifetime commitment, some pet parents find themselves in the tough position of asking themselves, “Should I rehome my dog?” In some cases, pet parents can keep their dog by making lifestyle adjustments, providing additional training, or even choosing new housing. Sometimes, though, the choice to rehome a dog is in the best interests of the family and the dog.

Common reasons for rehoming a dog

There are many reasons dogs are rehomed, often through no fault of their own. Still, rehoming can sometimes be the responsible decision for pet parents and the best option for the dog. Of course, in an ideal world, pet parents could resolve challenges so they can keep their beloved pets, but sometimes circumstances are beyond their control. Here are six common reasons for rehoming a dog:

Moving to dog-restricted housing

One of the most common reasons pets are rehomed is when pet parents move. In fact, relocation and landlord issues account for 25 percent of pets rehomed with Rehome by Adopt a Pet. It can be difficult to find dog-friendly housing that suits a family’s needs, falls within their financial means, and also allows dogs. For some families, it’s a choice between having a roof over their heads and keeping the family dog.

And an out-of-state or international move can make it extremely difficult to bring your pet with you. Some locations don’t allow certain breeds, such as Pit Bulls, and others require long and expensive quarantines. Sometimes, rehoming a dog before your move is the only scenario available.

Talk to your landlord. Offer an extra pet deposit, references, or proof that your dog is spayed, neutered, and vaccinated.

Incompatibility with other pets

Another common reason dogs are rehomed — around 10 percent of those listed with Rehome by Adopt a Pet — is incompatibility with other pets. In multi-pet households, animals might not get along. This can include squabbling over resources, bullying or ambushing another pet, or even dangerous behavior between pets. Rehoming is a responsible consideration whenever the physical safety of a dog or a human cannot be guaranteed.

If your dog is struggling to adjust to a new pet, take a step back and slow introductions to help them adjust and prevent fighting. A certified pet trainer or behavior consultant can offer guidance.

Destructive behaviors

While less common, five percent of pets rehomed with Rehome by Adopt a Pet are rehomed due to behavior issues. Dogs with behavioral issues — such as anxiety, stress, fear, or other issues — can be harder for inexperienced pet parents to manage. These challenges may lead to behaviors such as chewing up personal belongings, house-soiling, digging in the yard, or escaping the house. If pet parents work long hours outside the home and a dog doesn’t get enough training or exercise (or is left alone for long hours), these undesirable behaviors can escalate.

A certified pet trainer or behavior consultant can help and there are many low-cost or free online pet training resources. Consider consulting your vet first, as behavioral changes can indicate illness or pain.

Changes in physical or mental health

One reason some pets are rehomed is because of changes to a pet parent’s health. An illness such as cancer or dementia, or a serious injury or surgery, can make it impossible for people to continue caring for their pet. Mental health issues can be equally devastating for pet parents. Allergies to dogs can seemingly come out of nowhere — especially with young children who haven’t been exposed to many animals in their short lifetime. When people in the household develop allergies to the family dog, it can be difficult to live comfortably or safely.

Get support: line up a dog walker, sitter, or a trusted friend to help with walks, playtime or temporary care.

New child or pregnancy

Having a baby doesn’t automatically mean you have to give up your pets. Often, the transition is seamless, and the new family bonds well together. However, some new parents struggle to provide the attention, exercise, and training their dog needs — especially if the baby has special needs. In rare cases, a dog might display severe behavioral issues after a baby comes home. Sometimes, as babies grow into toddlers, it might become apparent that a dog doesn’t do well with kids. Keeping the dog in the home could stress the pet unfairly, or worst-case scenario: prove dangerous.

Connect with a trainer, behavioral consultant, or your vet for advice to ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared.

Changes in financial situation

When a family’s financial situation suddenly changes due to job loss, medical issues, or other reasons, they might not be able to pay all their bills and provide for their pet.

If you’re struggling with vet bills, ask your vet for a payment plan and look for low-cost appointments. Pet food help is also available through pet food banks.

How can I determine if rehoming my dog is the right decision?

In many cases, rehoming your dog does not need to be your first option. Often, the reasons for rehoming a dog can be addressed by providing the dog with more training and exercise, or recruiting help from family, friends, or neighbors during temporary challenges like short-term illness. Your community might offer services to offset financial difficulties, such as pet food banks and low-cost veterinary care. And if you have some extra time to look, you might even be able to find a suitable rental property that allows dogs.

However, if your efforts to keep your dog in your home are not successful, or if rehoming your dog is simply in the best interest of the dog and/or the rest of your family, rehoming might be the right decision.

How to rehome your dog, if everything else fails

If you’ve made the difficult choice to rehome your dog, you’ll want to do your best to ensure your dog is placed in a safe home where they will be well cared for and loved by a new family. Although it might be tempting to simply drop your dog off at your local animal shelter, this is not always the best option. Kennel environments are stressful for many animals, and the dog might spend a long time waiting to be adopted. If you do choose to bring your dog to an animal shelter, make sure the shelter or rescue is well-run so your pet’s life is not at risk.

Rehoming a pet yourself

If you have some time, a better option is rehoming your dog yourself. This allows you to screen prospective adopters before handing over your dog, and also keeps your beloved pet at home where they feel safe and loved until it’s time for them to go to their new family. A small rehoming fee can help filter out people who are not serious about adopting and also helps demonstrate that a potential adopter has the financial means to take care of a pet.

For a wider reach, consider listing your dog on Adopt a Pet’s Rehome, a free online service that helps you safely and privately find a new home for your pet.

Simply create a profile for your dog with a photo, review adoption applications, meet with potential adopters, and finalize your pet’s adoption using Rehome’s transfer-of-ownership template.

To give your pet the best chance, be honest

Responsible rehoming involves being transparent about any behavioral challenges your dog has. If your dog doesn’t do well with kids, pulls on the leash, or has anxiety struggles, be upfront about that. Doing so will ensure your dog ends up in the right home for them — and isn’t rehomed again.

No one wants to lose a pet, and feelings of guilt and sadness are natural when you set out to rehome them. However, finding a great new home where your dog can be happy and thrive will help make that tough decision a little bit easier.

Commonly asked questions

Do dogs miss their pet parents when rehomed?

Yes, dogs miss their pet parents when they are rehomed, especially in the beginning. Dogs might act anxious, confused, lethargic, or lose their appetites for a time. The good news is that, when well-matched, rehomed dogs will bond with their new families and adjust faster than you might expect.

Should I feel guilty for rehoming a dog?

No, you should not feel guilty for rehoming your dog, especially when circumstances are outside of your control, or when the safety or well-being of the dog or human family members is questionable. If you take your time to find a stable, loving new home for your dog, you’ll be able to rest easily knowing your dog is well cared for.

What do I do if I can’t afford veterinary care?

If you can’t afford veterinary care, talk to your vet about your financial circumstances. Your vet might be able to offer you a payment plan or financing. Your vet can also advise you about local resources, such as low-cost veterinary clinics or financial assistance offered through nonprofit organizations.