Step | Action | Description |
1. | Evaluate your reasons |
If you can find an alternative solution to whatever problem is
preventing you from keeping your pet, it will mean one less dog that
needs rescuing or rehoming. While organisations like ARF do their best,
there are always far too many dogs for us to rescue. Please seek advice
or help if you can. There is some good information available online.
See:Can We Help You Keep Your Pet |
2. | Try contacting the dog’s breeder |
If all the available alternatives fail, and your dog is a pure bred dog
from a reputable breeder, you should try to make contact with the
breeder to see if they are able to take the dog back for rehoming. |
3. | Contact rescue groups | If the breeder can not take the dog back, try to contact a breed-related rescue group.
See:Australian Dog Rescue links and ACT Canine Association |
4. | Try to rehome the pet yourself |
If you are unable to find an alternative solution or someone who can
take in your pet, then you need to try and find your pet a new home
yourself.
See:Finding a new home for your pet |
5. | Prepare your pet |
It is very important to desex your pet before you rehome them. Pet
overpopulation is an overwhelming problem and we all need to do what we
can to prevent more unwanted animals from being born. Update the dog’s
vaccinations and prepare a history of your pet. Include as much
information as possible about his/her likes and dislikes, current food
preferences, relationship to other animals, whether he/she likes to
play with certain types of toys etc. All this information will help
make the transition easier on the animal. Groom and bathe your pet so
that he/she looks their best. |
6. | Take a good photo |
A picture speaks a thousand words. When you take a photograph, use a
background that is in contrast to the animal in order to highlight
his/her best features. Keep it simple and clear with few background
distractions. Use a person, a hand or some other means to show
the scale of the pet. Take the time to get a calm relaxed photo that
does not present the pet as aggressive or scared. |
7. | Advertise | Place an advertisement in the Canberra Times and on Internet advertising boards such as: http://www.ozpets.com.au/cgi-bin/classifieds/classlist.pl http://www.dogmatch.com.au/ http://allclassifieds.com.au/c/ac?a=bc&i=41 http://www.petlink.com.au/Dogs/Finding_a_New_Dog/Advertising_Board/index.html Note:Do
not advertise your dog as free to good home. Ask a small fee to
discourage uncommitted and unscrupulous people from responding to your
advertisement. You can always donate the money to your favorite charity
if you feel uncomfortable about accepting money. Run the ad several
times. You are looking to reach a wide audience. |
8. | Prepare a good flyer |
Describe the appearance, size, and age of the animal. Describe his/her
nature and appealing qualities. Include the pet’s name. State that the
pet is desexed. Define any limitations, e.g. not good with cats/small
children/ other dogs/other cats. Use a good photograph. Be sure to put
in your phone number, and time you can be reached. |
9. | Network | Take your flyers everywhere: - To your veterinarian.
- To your work.
- To pet supply stores.
- To community bulletin boards.
- Show your family and friends.
|
10. | Interview potential new owners |
When someone responds to your flyer or advertisement, you have an
opportunity to interview them over the phone before introducing them to
the animal. Ask questions about the person’s home environment to help
you decide whether they can provide a suitable and loving permanent
secure home. Make sure you transfer registration and or microchip
details when you transfer ownership of your pet. |
11. | Take the dog to a pound or shelter |
If advertising on your own doesn't work, contact local pounds and
shelters and seek their advice on the adoption prospects of your dog.
Be aware that the RSPCA usually has a waiting list so make sure you
enquire with plenty of advance notice. Do not kid yourself. There is
the real possibility, often quite high, that not keeping your pet will
result in the pet's death, either directly at a shelter, or in not
finding a good enough permanent home. |
12. | Last resort |
Realistically, if your dog doesn’t stand much chance of being adopted,
take responsibility for your pet and take him or her to your own vet
for euthanasia. Stay with him or her to the end, as painful as that
might be for you. It will be the last great gift of love you can give. |
13. | Never abandon your pet |
Whatever you do, do not turn your pet loose in the street or out in the
country. This is one of the cruellest fates any domestic pet could
meet. The danger, fear, and suffering they will encounter is
heartbreaking even if they manage to survive at all. |
