Should I Rehome My Dog? A Guide to Making the Right Choice

Pet parenthood comes with so many good moments, and at times, incredibly difficult decisions. Sometimes that includes deciding if rehoming your dog is the right path. This is not a decision to make lightly, but in certain situations, finding a new home can be the most responsible and compassionate option.

Here we break down the differences between rehoming and surrendering your dog, along with the key questions to ask yourself before you consider rehoming. If you’re unsure — or if this path doesn't feel right for you — we also offer strategies and resources to help you keep working toward a solution.

Rehoming vs. surrendering: what’s the difference?

“Rehoming a dog means personally finding a new owner to take the dog into their home, while surrendering is giving your dog to an animal welfare organization to find them a new home,” Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, explains.

You may assume surrendering is the safest choice because shelter staff are experts in pet care and adoption. However, shelters are incredibly overcrowded. If a dog isn’t adopted quickly, they may be at risk of euthanasia simply because there isn’t enough space. 

There’s also the stress of the shelter itself to consider. The noise, constant activity, and separation from their family can be overwhelming for many dogs. Once you surrender a pet, you give up any say in where they go — and you usually won’t get updates about where they end up.

That’s why, Castle says, “pets in need of a new home have the best chance at success when they can transition directly from their current home to a new, loving home — bypassing the stress of a shelter stay whenever possible.” 

Rehoming on your own might take a little more effort, but it also gives you a say in where your best friend goes next. You get to choose a family you feel good about and help your dog move straight into a loving, stable home. You can also decide what feels right for you in terms of staying in touch, whether that’s saying your goodbyes and letting the new family take it from there, getting photos and updates, or even keeping the door open for visits down the road. Rehome by Adopt a Pet is a safe, simple way for people to rehome a pet.

Questions to ask yourself when considering rehoming

Before making a decision to rehome your pet, it can be helpful to ask yourself the following questions.

1. Am I facing a temporary hardship, or is this a long-term situation without a resolution in sight? 

If support with food, supplies, vet care, or housing could help you keep your dog until life stabilizes, scroll down to the “If you decide to keep trying” section. We list programs that help keep pets fed, medicated, and with their families. 

2. Is the issue behavioral, and if so, can training, medical care, or a change at home help?

• Is this behavior new, and could it be caused by stress, lack of structure, or medical pain?

• Have I tried evidence-based training methods or consulted a trainer, vet, or behaviorist?

• Do I have the financial resources, time, and emotional bandwidth to follow through with a medical and/or training plan?

If safety for children or other pets is at risk, rehoming may be the responsible choice.

3. Is this my lifestyle and my dog’s needs clashing? 

• Would adjusting my dog’s exercise routine, daycare schedule, or enrichment solve the issue?

• Is there someone who can help — such as a dog walker, friend, neighbor, or family member?

If you cannot meet your dog’s needs, rehoming to a better-matched caregiver may be the kinder option.

4. Is there someone who can foster short-term while I regroup?

A trusted family member, a friend who already knows your dog, or even a coworker or neighbor may be able to foster them for a few weeks or months as you get back on your feet. Unfortunately, most shelters cannot provide temporary foster care for animals who already have pet parents due to limited space and resources, but a few organizations do.

5. Have I explored community assistance that could allow me to keep my pet?

If your hardship is financial, medical, or housing-related, there may be resources available to you. Scroll to the “If you decide to keep trying” section, below, for tips on finding pet-friendly housing, a directory of pet food banks and low-cost veterinary care, as well as training resources.

Is rehoming or surrendering the right move?

Only you can answer this question, but we hope this guide has given you the tools to weigh your options, explore available resources, and decide whether rehoming or surrendering is the most compassionate path. If it is, you now know how to do it in a way that supports your needs, your dog’s needs, and their future adopter. 

And remember that you are not a bad pet parent for considering rehoming. Making such a heartbreaking decision for the welfare of your dog is one of the most courageous and humane things a pet parent can do.

Next steps when rehoming your dog

If you are considering rehoming your dog, here’s a how-to guide to help you get started. Each pet parent’s journey looks a little different. For some families, rehoming a dog is the most responsible and loving choice they can make. If you’re in that position, here is a step-by-step guide to help you find a safe, caring home where your dog can thrive.

1. Introduce your pup to the community

Start by getting the word out wherever dog lovers are likely to see it. Post your pet on online adoption sites such as Rehome by Adopt a Pet and share on your social media channels.

Be sure to include the essentials:

• A clear, recent photo

• Your dog’s name, age, breed, and size

• Spay-neuter status

• Personality highlights and what makes them special

• Any important notes or limitations (such as “needs a cat-free home” or “pulls on leash”)

• Your contact information

Also, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. “If you’re trying to place a dog, take them on walks, to pet supply stores, to the local park. Put a colorful bandana on the dog that says ‘Adopt me,’” Castle says. “The more your pet interacts with people, the more likely they will charm the right person.”

2. Screen potential adopters 

Castle recommends starting the screening process with a phone call. Some helpful screening questions include the following.

• What’s your experience with dogs?

• How would you describe your household?

• Do you have other pets? If so, what types, what are their ages, and are they vaccinated?

• Will other pets or animals regularly visit your home?

• Where will the dog live and spend most of their time?

• What kind of dog are you looking for?

• How quickly do you expect a dog to settle in?

3. Schedule a meet-and-greet

Once you’ve found a potential match, it’s time for a meet-and-greet. This is where you really get to see how your dog and the potential adopter connect.

“You have some choices about where to conduct the introduction,” Castle explains. If they have another dog, consider a neutral space, such as a park. “Wherever the meeting takes place, you will want to observe closely how the people relate to the pet and how the pet relates to them,” she says. 

4. Finalize the adoption

Reaching this step can feel bittersweet, but it’s time to make things official with an adopter who will love your dog just as much as you do.

Castle recommends using an adoption contract, which clearly outlines each party’s responsibilities, confirms the transfer of ownership, and ensures your dog’s new family understands their commitment. If you listed your dog using Rehome by Adopt a Pet, you’ll automatically receive a template adoption contract to make this part easier. Print and sign two copies: one for you and one for the adopter.

Before your pup heads off to their new home, gather everything they’ll need for the transition:

• Medical and vaccination records

• Any medications or supplements

• Their current food

• Favorite toys, bowls, and bedding

Packing up familiar items can certainly feel heartbreaking. But remember: You’re helping your dog transition to their next chapter, comforted by the things that smell and feel like home. 

If you decide to keep trying

Rehoming your beloved dog doesn’t have to be the only option. Castle recommends the following resources and strategies.

Finding pet-friendly housing

• Talk to the landlord before ruling out a rental. Some will make exceptions.

• Come prepared with references for your pet — from your vet, previous landlords, and neighbors. Even better, create a pet resume with your dog’s best qualities, medical history, and references. 

• Introduce your dog to the landlord.

• Offer to pay an additional pet deposit. 

• Purchase renters’ insurance that includes pet liability coverage.

Financial assistance 

• Pets.FindHelp.com: A directory of local pet food pantries and services 

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless: A database of pet food pantries, pet-friendly shelters, and free/basic vet services

• Alley Cat Rescue: A state-by-state list of pet food banks

• Feeding America: To search for a food bank near you (call to confirm pet supplies)

• CareCredit: Financing for vet care 

• Scratchpay: Payment plans for veterinary care

• RedRover: Financial aid for emergency vet care, natural disasters, and support for domestic violence survivors with pets

• The Pet Fund: Financial support for non-basic, non-urgent veterinary needs

• Paws 4 A Cure: Helps cover vet care for dogs and cats with illnesses or injuries

• Brown Dog Foundation: Financial help with emergencies and chronic conditions

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): To locate accredited vet schools, which may treat pets at a reduced cost 

• GoFundMe: Crowdfunding for pet medical expenses

• Furlanthropy: Crowdfunding specifically for pet care

For tips on making veterinary care more affordable, check out our guide on how to get help with vet bills. 

Behavioral challenges or lifestyle mismatches

• Explore free dog training resources, including Adopt a Pet’s expert dog behavioral advice. 

• Contact your shelter or rescue. Many offer free or low-cost post-adoption behavioral support.

• Look into local training classes through pet supply stores or community colleges, which tend to be affordable and great for socialization.

• Ask fellow dog parents for recommendations on trainers, as well as support while you and your dog are working through training. 

• If space is a limitation, spend more time at local dog parks, running trails. Or explore services such as Sniffspot, which lets you rent private dog parks. 

• Hire a dog walker, organize puppy play dates with friends and family, or enroll your pup in puppy kindergarten or daycare. 

Commonly asked questions

How do you know when it’s time to rehome your dog?

If your dog poses a safety risk to people or other pets in your home or community, rehoming may be the most responsible choice. If you are unable to provide for your dog’s basic needs — whether that’s veterinary care, food, or housing — you can first explore available resources. Ultimately, choosing to rehome your dog when you cannot meet their needs or manage safety concerns can be the kindest decision.

Can you get in trouble for surrendering a dog?

No, you will not face legal consequences for surrendering your dog to a shelter or rescue. That said, many experts encourage first trying to rehome a pet on your own. Shelters are often overcrowded and have limited resources, which can put your dog at risk of euthanasia if they aren’t adopted quickly.

What is the best way to rehome a dog?

The best way to rehome a dog is to start by sharing your dog with your community — online, in person, and through local networks — so potential adopters can meet them. Next, set up a screening call to learn about the adopter’s experience, home, and other pets, followed by a meet-and-greet. Once you’ve found the right match, finalize the adoption with a contract and provide the adopter with all of your dog’s records, belongings, and any special items that may provide comfort.