It’s not just cats and dogs that need homes. Most rescue shelters are full and have waiting lists for people wanting to give up rabbits and small animals.
If you need to give up your pet, it’s not a decision that you will have made lightly. Our circumstances can change and inevitably some pets will need to be rehomed.
However, there is help available and options to try, before contacting your local animal shelter.
If your issues can’t be resolved always contact a registered animal charity. If they are full ask to go on a waiting list and ask for advice while you wait. Never show your pet for rehoming on social media or on a pet selling site. Cruel people don’t always look cruel and cats and dogs can be used for dog fighting, or as bait, or for breeding.
A rescue shelter will always do home checks and follow ups to make sure your pet and the family that have adopted him are happy and well. If you rehome to a stranger you have no idea what their background or intention is. They can use a false name and address and you will never know what has happened to your pet.
Other options
BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES
Get your pet seen by a vet to make sure his behaviour is not due to discomfort or pain. With treatment the unwanted behaviours could stop. Your vet will also be able to recommend pet behaviourists or trainers in your area, or you can look on this website for a list of qualified behaviourists and trainers near you.
https://abtc.org.uk/
VETS BILLS
A number of charities will help with the cost of vet treatments. Help is available for people on lower incomes or benefits. Contact these organisations:
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/veterinary
https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/care/financial
https://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/financial-assistance
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/our-services
https://www.dogstrusthopeproject.org.uk/help-with-vet-care/introduction
Take out pet insurance to avoid large payouts for vet treatments in the future.
STRUGGLING TO CARE FOR YOUR PET DUE TO HEALTH PROBLEMS OR TERMINAL ILLNESS
Dogs Trust offer help for people fleeing domestic violence and for people in homing crisis.
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/freedom-project
https://www.dogstrusthopeproject.org.uk/about/about-our-hope-project
And the Cinnamon Trust can offer support for people who are poorly or terminally ill.
RENTING
Dogs Trust also offer free advice about renting a property with pets.
https://www.letswithpets.org.uk
NO TIME
Don’t have time to walk the dog, or have to spend too much time away from home? Consider the help of a dog walker or pet sitter. Make sure you check they have references and are insured to walk with or take care of your pet, ask your vet for a local recommendation.
HELP WITH PET FOOD BILLS
To see Blue Cross food banks click here:
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/find-us?location_type=pet-food-bank
And to se pet food banks in Wales click here: