Rehoming a Pet

Pet abandonment is a significant issue all around the world, with high seasons in Germany typically occurring during the summer holiday period. Globally, the rate of pet abandonment has been steadily increasing, with a significant spike after the Covid pandemic restrictions were lifted and pet owners were required to return to in-office work. The four main reasons for relinquishing animals in Germany were revealed by the Deutscher Tierschutzbund to be:

• The animal is too demanding
• A lack of time
• Dog bite incidents
• Increased veterinary costs

Surrender to a Rescue or Shelter

In Germany and some other European countries, the good news is that all shelters are "no kill". However, according to a 2024 survey of 218 animal shelters in Germany by the Deutscher Tierschutzbund, 49% are full or overcrowded. Only 18% of shelters still have the capacity to take in animals. This includes the Berliner Tierheim which no longer accepts owner-surrendered dogs (only lost dogs, strays, or repossessions from the police). For other types of animals, you need to contact them to check they have capacity. A list of surrender fees are listed and a form to fill out can be found on the Berliner Tierheim's page.

If you are in the United States, finding a no-kill shelter can feel impossible. But organizations like; Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Best Friends Animal Society, and North Shore Animal League America are some of the leading sources on no-kill rescues/shelters and pet rehabilitation facilities in the US. The Best Friends Animal Society also maintains a map and dashboard to help find no-kill shelters in the US.

Rehome via Breeder

If you purchased your pet from an ethical breeder, you have the option of seeking out their help. Ethical breeders always have a return policy in place, either to take back your pet or to use their network to help find a suitable new home.

Never return your pet to an unethical breeder - they will probably be bred or sold to the first person who comes along and you won't be able to get any updates on whether they found a good home. If you're not sure whether you bought from an ethical breeder, check out this article.

Rehoming on Your Own

Rehoming or selling your pet on your own is also a viable option. This can be done through online platforms, social media, or local pet communities. However, it's essential to exercise caution when rehoming your pet privately. Some key considerations when rehoming your pet on your own include:

• Creating a detailed profile of your pet, including their breed, age, health, exercise needs and personality.
• Being honest and transparent about your pet's needs and any health or behavioral issues
• Asking for a reasonable adoption fee to deter potential scammers or irresponsible owners is often recommended.
• Meeting potential adopters for the first time in a neutral location to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for both you and your pet.
• Asking for veterinary references and / or doing a home check can quickly weed out any dodgy characters.
• Trusting your instincts and being prepared to say no to potential adopters who don't seem like a good fit.

Ultimately, rehoming a pet requires careful consideration and a commitment to proper screening of potential candidates. By exploring your options and being prepared, you can ensure a smooth transition and a happy outcome for both you and your pet.

Remember, you are not alone and if this feels overwhelming you can always reach out to the Paw ả Peau team for help with creating an adoption questionnaire, behaviour assessment (available for dogs and cats), or advertising your pet on our Facebook group and newsletter.