REHOMING YOUR PET

Hello,

We kindly ask you to take a moment to read this entire message, as it addresses a critical and challenging situation that all rescues and shelters are currently facing.

A Crisis in Animal Welfare

Right now, animal welfare organizations across the country are experiencing an unprecedented crisis. Our shelters and rescues are completely full and operating well beyond capacity. While adoptions are at an all-time low, the number of animals being surrendered or displaced is rising rapidly. This surge has led to a human-caused overpopulation crisis, where the number of unwanted animals far surpasses the resources available to help them all. Sadly, this means we cannot assist every animal in need, no matter how much we wish we could.

The Root of the Problem

This situation isn’t about rescues or shelters being unwilling to help. Instead, it stems from a lack of proactive and responsible pet ownership. Many individuals are not planning for the lifelong commitment that comes with having a pet. Additionally, the failure to spay or neuter pets contributes to unwanted litters, and the support of breeders who prioritize profit over animal welfare exacerbates the overpopulation issue. These factors combined have created a crisis that no single organization can manage alone.

The Impact of Behavioral Issues

If your dog is exhibiting behavioral issues, it’s important to understand that this adds another layer of difficulty for shelters and rescues. These organizations are already struggling to support animals without such challenges, and addressing behavioral problems like aggression or reactivity requires significant time, resources, and expertise. Taking on animals with behavioral issues often means that resources are diverted away from helping multiple other animals who are ready for safe and immediate adoption. This heartbreaking reality forces shelters and rescues to make tough decisions about where to focus their efforts.

How You Can Help

The solution begins with each of us taking responsibility and being proactive in our approach to pet ownership. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you’re prepared for the lifelong journey of caring for a pet:

Have Honest Conversations: Discuss with yourself and everyone in your household to ensure you are ready to commit to a pet’s lifetime needs—emotional, physical, and financial.
Research Thoroughly: Before choosing a breed, understand their specific requirements, energy levels, and any breed-specific health or behavioral concerns.
Spay and Neuter: Always spay or neuter your pets to prevent unwanted litters. Currently, 4,110 dogs and cats are euthanized every day in the U.S. due to homelessness and lack of resources, and 171 animals die every hour because of overpopulation caused by human irresponsibility.
Keep Pets Vaccinated: Ensure your pets are fully vaccinated to protect both them and the community.
Train and Socialize: Invest time in training and socializing your pets to help them become well-adjusted members of your family.
Financial Preparedness: Be prepared for both routine and unexpected veterinary expenses to ensure you can provide the necessary care for your pet.
Address Behavioral Issues Early: If your pet exhibits behavioral problems, seek help from a professional trainer or utilize available resources immediately. Delaying can lead to more severe issues that are harder to manage.
Have a Backup Plan: Prepare for any changes in your life, health, or living situation to ensure your pet will always have a safe and loving home.

Supporting Pet Owners

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes challenges arise that make it difficult to care for your pet. If you’re facing behavioral difficulties with your dog, please reach out to us by emailing animals@rescue4all.org. We have compiled a comprehensive list of resources, including both free and paid training options, to help you address these challenges and strengthen your bond with your dog. Our goal is to support responsible pet owners in finding solutions before considering rehoming.

Rehoming Responsibly

If you must rehome your pet, please take responsibility for ensuring they are healthy and ready for a new family. This includes making sure they are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped before placing them in a new home. You can create a profile for your pet on the Home to Home website at https://home-home.org, which is a valuable resource for finding a responsible new home for your animal.

A Collective Effort

We deeply appreciate your understanding and support during these challenging times. Together, by making informed and compassionate choices, we can work towards alleviating the crisis and ensuring that every animal has a safe, loving, and permanent home.

Thank you for doing your part to help us navigate this human-caused animal overpopulation crisis. Your commitment and responsibility are vital in making a difference for countless animals in need.

-R4A