Pet SURRENDER
Surrendering a pet can be a difficult decision. Our goal is to keep pets in their loving homes whenever possible. Below are some alternative options that you can consider before surrendering your pet.
Pet Behavior Modification
Many times, pets are surrendered to animal shelters due to undesirable behaviors that can be managed in their current household. Below are some common issues that pets may face in their home and resources to help you work on these issues.
+ Aggression
Any animal demonstrating aggressive behaviors including snapping, snarling, or biting should meet with a professional to implement a training plan.
We recommend reputable organizations that ensure some level of certification or adherence to science-based training methods. These include: Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA), International Association of Animal Behaviorist Consultants (ACDBC, CDBC), Pet Professional Guild, Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC), or Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP).
A few of the Bay Area trainers we recommend are:
+ General Manners and Leash Reactivity
Most dogs can benefit from general training classes to build a good foundation for future training. These classes can help you resolve common issues like leash reactivity, jumping up, leash manners, and general obedience.
Some training facilities we recommend are:
+ In-Home Manners
Some organizations provide free resources for pet owners who are struggling with certain behavioral issues in the household. The topics covered include, but are not limited to, housetraining, socialization, destructive chewing, separation anxiety, excessive barking, resource guarding, and desensitization.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Below are some options for adjustments pet owners can make in the home to acclimate their pets to these changes.
+ Welcoming a New Family Member
Welcoming a new family member into the home is exciting but can also be a lot of change for your pet. We recommend looking at the resources below on how to acclimate pets to the new arrival(s). It takes time, but most pets and children can live together with supervision and management.
+ Pet Allergies
When you or someone in your household develops or has pet allergies, solutions may be available through your doctor. Some people may be eligible for allergy shots that make living with a four-legged family member a possibility. We recommend reaching out to your primary care physician to see if that is an option for you.
+ Financial Constraints
If you have fallen on hard times or need help to keep your pet, we offer pet care assistance to those who qualify. We offer assistance with veterinary care, preventative care, and pet food.
+ Finding Pet Friendly Housing
If you are looking into pet-friendly housing, we recommend resources like aparmentguide.com or apartments.com.
Alternatively, you can reach out to your current landlord to see if an exception can be made for your pet(s).
When looking for a rental, print a pet resume for your beloved family member. It is helpful to have a previous landlord or veterinarian that can vouch for your well-behaved pet. Click here to see how you can create a resume for your pet.
+ Spending More Time Away from Home
If you are not home as often anymore, consider looking into dog boarding, doggy daycare, or dog walkers. It is important to read through the reviews and ensure that the place or person is a good fit for your pet and their needs.
+ Pet Guardian Passed Away
If you pass away during the lifetime of your pet, they can be left without anyone to properly care for them. Through our Legacy Society (planned giving program), we offer a PIN Guardian Program which allows us to care for your pets at the time of your passing.
Learn more about how you can join our Legacy Society and enroll your pet in our Guardian Program.
Rehoming options
If you have tried the resources above and are still unable to keep your pet, we recommend looking into these rehoming options before going to your public shelter.
+ Friends or Family
We recommend rehoming your pet to friends or family when possible. By reaching out to loved ones or posting on your personal social media or NextDoor, you may find someone in your network who can take your pet. If it is not possible, please take a look at the resources below.
Here is some important information you should know before placing your dog into a new home.
+ Your Community
Reaching out to members of your community on rehoming websites is a great option for those looking to rehome. Below are some options:
Here is some important information you should know before placing your dog into a new home.
+ Breed-Specific Rescues
Another option for rehoming your pet is through breed-specific rescues. Check out this website for a full list of breed-specific and local rescues. These rescues will not only be familiar with breed temperament, but will also have the network to find your pet a loving home.
- California Chihuahua Rescue
- Bay Area German Shepherds
- Bay Area Siberian Huskies
- Free Spirit Siberian Rescue
- Pit bull-type breeds
+ Species-Specific Rescues
Species-specific rescues will be experts in how to properly care for your pet until they find a new home. Below are just a a few in the Bay Area.
Cats
- Feral Cat Foundation
- Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue
- Homeless Cat Network
- Island Cat Resources and Adoption
- Jakes Place Cat Rescue
- Nine Lives Foundation
- Toni's Kitty Rescue
- 13th Street Cat Rescue
Guinea Pigs
Rabbits
Rats
Surrendering to Pets In Need
If you adopted your pet from Pets In Need and need to surrender the pet back to the shelter, click here.
If you are a resident of Palo Alto, Los Altos, or Los Altos Hills and wish to surrender your pet or an animal you have found and are caring for, click here.
If you are not a resident of one of these communities and need to surrender a pet, please find and reach out to your local shelter here.
If you have any questions, please contact Michelle at msuarez@petsinneed.org.