Giving Up a Pet
Giving up a pet is a difficult decision. Homeward Trails believes in encouraging pet owners to do all things possible to address issues they may be having with their pet before deciding to give their pet up.
Giving up a pet is a difficult decision. Before coming to the conclusion that you need to give your pet up, please consider the following options and sources of support.
Shelters across the country are filled with animals who have been given up for a variety of reasons. Investing in positive training and keeping your animal current on vaccines and preventatives can go a long way to keep your pet happy and healthy in your home. Please scroll down for information we hope will be helpful.
Is Your Pet a Homeward Trails Pet?
Please remember that you are contractually obligated to contact Homeward Trails if you are no longer able to keep your adopted pet. Please contact your HT rep and complete the following application and someone will reach out to you.
Expensive Medical Issues
If your pet is facing a medical issue or an injury that you cannot afford, there are resources to help you so. Please contact the following organizations for assistance. If you are unable to secure assistance from these organizations, you may contact Homeward Trails.
Please note that our funds are very limited and in most cases limited to Homeward Trails animals only.
- Good Sam Fund – www.goodsamfund.org
- In Memory of Magic – www.imom.org (click on Financial Aid, click on Getting Started)
- Lab Med Rx for Rescued Labs – www.labmed.org (for Labs only)
- Pit Bull Rescue Central – www.pbrc.net (under Misc, click on Financial Aid)
- Doberman 911 – www.doberman911.org
- Corgi Aid – www.corgiaid.org (Corgis and Corgi mixes only)
- Westie Med – www.westiemed.org (Westie and Westie mixes adopted within last 6 months)
- Ortho Dogs Silver Lining – www.oslf.org (for orthopedic injuries/ailments only)
- United Animal Nations – www.uan.org (see Lifeline and Lifeline Rescue grants)
- Help A Pet – www.help-a-pet.org (for low-income individuals and families only)
- The Pet Fund – www.thepetfund.com
- Brown Dog Foundation – www.browndogfoundation.org
- Diabetic Pets Fund – www.petdiabetes.net (diabetic pets only)
Behavioral Issues
Many animals are given up each year due to behavioral issues that could and should have been addressed much earlier. Investing in positive training with your dog can set you both up for success.
See our helpful document on WHY YOU NEED TO TRAIN YOUR DOG
Visit our lists of trainers and behavior consultants.
Spay/Neuter
Spaying/neutering your pet can prevent negative behaviors and keeps your pet healthier. It is also a vital part of addressing the animal overpopulation and helping to end needless euthanasia. Click here to find low-cost spay/neuter vets in the DC area.
Rehoming a Pet
If you need to rehome your pet, the best option is for you to keep the animal in your home until another home can be found. This will reduce stress on your pet and help ensure a safe and lasting transfer. Please consider the following options when looking to rehome:
- If your pet is a purebred, use www.petfinder.org to locate a Breed Rescue in your area who may be able to help.
- If your pet is not a purebred, contact a local rescue group in your area (find them on www.petfinder.org) and ask if they will assist you by putting your pet’s info on their website, helping you with a contract, home visit and advice on finding a good home.
- Post flyers at your vet, doggie daycare, local coffee shop.
- Use your friends, family and colleagues to help you find a home. Social media can help a great deal!
- Consider creating a contract that your new pet’s owner must sign, obligating them to provide good care of your pet.
- Stay in touch with the person who takes your animal.
We recommend posting your pet on Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet, a free, nationwide rehoming site. Rehome allows you to safely review prospective adopters for your pet.
Relinquishing a Pet that is Not A CAT OR Dog
If the animal you are relinquishing is not a cat or dog, please contact these groups:
Rabbits
The House Rabbit Society
Maryland/ D.C./Northern Virginia Chapter
www.rabbitsinthehouse.org
House Rabbit Sanctuary
www.houserabbitsanctuary.org
Friends of Rabbits
P.O. Box 1112
Alexandria, Virginia 22313
tel: 703-548-6793
FriendsOfRabbits@Erols.com
Birds
RESCUE ME Avian Sanctuary
Post Office Box 534
Ark, VA 23003
804-693-5997
fax: 804-695-9475
Rescuemeinfo@aol.com
Tiny Wings In Need
tinywingsinneed@aol.com
2309 Apple Tree Crescent
Virginia Beach, VA
757-430-0475
Guinea Pigs, Gerbils, Rats, Hamsters and Ferrets
Small Angels Rescue
Guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and more
Frederick, MD 21703
301-668-0404
info@smallangelsrescue.org
The Ferret Inn Shelter and Rescue
410-531-4936
ferretpassion@comcast.net
Ferrets R #1 Shelter & Rescue
Falls Church, VA
703-998-3151
ferretsr1@aol.com
Rocky’s Ferret Rescue and Shelter
Vern Strahler, (410) 483-4919
Barbara Clay, (410) 329-6111
rocky_rrr@yahoo.com