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Rehoming a Pet

Making the decision to rehome a beloved pet is never easy. Whether you're facing financial hardship, housing challenges, behavioral concerns, or unexpected life changes, you're not alone.

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Before considering rehoming, we encourage you to explore the resources below. Many situations can be resolved with the right support, allowing pets to remain safely with the families they know and love.​

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Was Your Pet Adopted from OPH?

If your dog or cat was originally adopted from Operation Paws for Homes and you are no longer able to care for them, please do not complete the general owner surrender form. Contact our team at returns@ophrescue.org for assistance. We’ll work with you to determine the appropriate next steps for your OPH pet.

Veterinary Care & Financial Assistance

If the cost of veterinary care is making it difficult to keep your pet, there are organizations and programs that may be able to help.​

 

Resources may include:

  • Low-cost veterinary clinics

  • Affordable vaccination clinics

  • Low-cost spay/neuter programs

  • Financial assistance for emergency veterinary care

  • Prescription and medication assistance​

 

We'll continue adding local and national resources to help pet owners access affordable care.

Can You Rehome Your Pet Yourself?

If you have the time and ability, rehoming your pet yourself is often the least stressful option. Because your pet already knows you, you can help ensure they are placed in a home that is a good fit.

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Consider the following to help ensure a safe and responsible transition:

  • Reach out to your personal network (family, friends, coworkers, neighbors)

  • Share your pet on social media and community groups

  • Use reputable online rehoming platforms

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​Some tips for safely rehoming your pet:

  • Be honest about your pet's personality, medical history, and behavior.

  • Ask for veterinary references.

  • Meet potential adopters and ask questions about their home and lifestyle.

  • Charge a reasonable adoption fee to discourage unsafe placements.

  • Never give your pet away to the first person who asks.

  • Avoid listing pets as "free."

  • Create a written adoption agreement.

  • Provide veterinary records, medications, and favorite belongings to help your pet transition.

 

Take your time. Finding the right home is far more important than finding the fastest home.​

Try Rehome, Adopt a Pet's safe, reliable way to help pets find new homes without visiting a shelter.

 

Learn more at adoptapet.com/rehome. Use our code APFH79954 for 90% off the listing fee. 

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Need to Surrender Your Pet?

If after exploring the resources above, you are no longer able to care for them, we're here to help.

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Because OPH is a foster-based rescue and does not operate a shelter, every returning pet must have an available foster home before they can re-enter our program. Foster availability depends entirely on our volunteers, so we cannot guarantee immediate placement or placement in a specific location.

 

To begin the process, please complete the appropriate Owner Surrender Form:

Submitting a form does not guarantee immediate intake, but it allows our team to review your pet's information, determine next steps, and contact you as soon as we are able to assist.​

 

Our goal is always to help pets remain in loving homes whenever possible. When that isn't an option, we'll do everything we can to help them safely begin the next chapter of their journey.

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