Adopt

Thinking Of Rehoming

THINKING OF REHOMING A PET

Before making the decision to rehome your pet, consider these questions:

  1. Could you and your pet stay together with help?
    • Evaluate your current situation and support network.
  2. Is there something wrong with your pet medically or behaviorally?
    • Assess your pet’s health and behavior issues.
  3. Check with the organization where you got your pet.
    • Review the adoption contract for return options.
  4. Would you be willing to take your pet back if your life circumstances change?
    • Consider your long-term commitment.
  5. Explore all options before bringing your pet to an animal care center.
    • Understand the stress of such a move on your pet.

Helpful Tips Before Rehoming:

If you’re considering rehoming due to financial difficulties or other issues, try these alternatives:

  1. Financial Assistance:
    • Look for pet food pantries and affordable veterinary care options. 
  2. Specialty Care:
    • Seek low-cost options for dental cleanings and surgeries.
  3. Monetary Donations:
    • Explore financial assistance for large medical procedures. Some organizations help with medical procedures.
  4. Spay/Neuter Services:
    • Check for low-cost spay/neuter services in your area.
  5. Training and Behavioral Support:
    • Seek professional help for behavioral issues. Talk to your veterinary for advice.
  6. Foster Services:
    • Consider temporary foster care if facing transitional challenges.
  7. Rehoming Efforts:
    • Utilize online platforms and breed-specific rescues.
  8. Spread the Word:
    • Engage friends and family in your rehoming efforts.
  9. Give Yourself Time:
    • Give yourself time to re-home your pet to find the best home. Your home is usually the best place for your pet while you find a new adopter.
  10. Safety Precautions:
    • Be cautious when rehoming to an unknown individual. Ask questions and meet in public.
  11. Adoptability Enhancement:
    • Ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered.

If you are no longer able to keep your pet, learn about how to turn your pet in and ways to increase your pet’s adoptability.

Suffolk Humane Society’s goal is to help companion pets remain in their homes with the families they love. We often see pets surrendered for behavior problems, a new baby, or because the owner is moving. Many of these situations can be managed, however! Before you surrender your pet, take a moment to review the information on the left to see if you can resolve the problem situation on your own. If you don’t see a topic that applies to you, please call us or your veterinarian for additional help.

If You Must Give Up Your Pet

Pets belonging to citizens of Suffolk can be surrendered at Suffolk Animal Care Center. There is no minimum or maximum number of days your pet can stay at their shelter; however, living at a shelter long-term is not a humane way to treat any pet. Since pet overpopulation is such a pervasive problem, not every pet that is surrendered will be adopted. Pets that are not adopted in a reasonable amount of time will be transferred to an approved facility, rescued by an approved organization or humanely euthanized.

Increasing Your Pet’s Chance of Adoption

Pets that are spayed/neutered, have their shots, have their vet records, and exhibit good behavior will be permitted to stay longer than those who are less healthy or exhibit less desirable behaviors. You certainly cannot control your pet’s behavior while it is staying at the shelter … and it is difficult to predict, given that your pet will be very scared and anxious. There are a couple of things you can do, however, to significantly increase your pet’s adoptability and decrease the chance he will be returned after adoption:

  1. Bring your pet’s complete vet records with him, as well as any medications he may need.
  2. Thoroughly document his likes, dislikes, behaviors, and temperament.
  3. Bathe and groom him before he arrives.
  4. Bring his favorite belongings, such as toys, blankets, beds, carriers, litter boxes, etc.
  5. Update his vaccinations and treat him for fleas.

Finding A New Home Yourself

We encourage pet owners to place their own animals if they are able. Some helpful information on this process is also to the left.

Local Organizations: 

Suffolk Humane Society – Low-cost spay/neuter, community assistance, and pet pantry.

Norfolk SPCA – Low-cost veterinary clinic, spay/neuter, and pet pantry.

Virginia Beach SPCA – Low-cost veterinary clinic, spay/neuter, and training.

Chesapeake Humane Society – Low-cost veterinary clinic, spay/neuter, Dental, medical funding, crisis boarding, and pet pantry.

PETA – Low-cost spay/neuter.

Beagles to the Rescue – Community assistance for Beagles in need.

Paws in Need – Medical assistance.

Animal Resources of Tidewater (ART) – Medical assistance.

Helping Hands Affordable Vet – Affordable surgery and dental,

Frankie’s Friend’s Funds – Financial assistance for emergency care, cancer, and eye care.

For Military Deployment: