Keep Pets Out of Shelters

If You Must Re-Home Your Pet

When it seems your only option is to re-home your pet, first ensure that you have taken all possible measures. Remember that you have made a lifetime commitment to your pet, and your pet’s life may depend on your choices in this difficult situation.

Short-term issues? If the issues you face may resolve with time, consider finding a temporary foster placement. You can then visit your pet and bring your pet back home when you are able.

Behavioral issues? First consult your vet to determine whether the behavior may be rooted in a medical issue. If not, reach out to a trainer or behaviorist for help. Re-homing a pet with behavioral issues only passes that problem along without addressing the issue to help your pet.

Unsterilized? Spay or neuter can help with behavioral issues. The most affordable option is to schedule through one of Alabama’s nonprofit spay/neuter clinics and/or to seek out a local program that reduces the cost, such as these Blount County options. If you need financial assistance, ask your local shelter or call or text Peggy at Friends of Cats & Dogs Foundation, 205-243-9946.

Financial constraints? Shelters and rescue groups want you to be able to keep your pet and may be glad to provide free pet food or financial assistance for veterinary costs to help you through a difficult time. Local food pantries may offer pet food. Asking for pet food on social media is another option, and you can do so anonymously.

Escaping a fence? If your dog climbs fences, consider purchasing a Coyote Roller or installing a DIY roll bar fence. If your dog digs underneath, reinforce the base of your fence. See How to Dog-Proof a Fence from MasterClass.

Pet-friendly housing? Check Trulia for options in your area. Even if a landlord has a no pets policy, an exception may be made if you offer to pay a deposit or a slightly higher amount each month, provide a referral from a previous landlord, or simply explain the situation to the landlord.

Pet Parent Plans

If a car accident leaves you in unconscious, will a neighbor know to check on your cat? What if you move to an assisted living facility that does not allow pets? If you are incarcerated, incapacitated, or if you pass away, what will happen to the animals you love? Though it may seem morbid to make arrangements for your pets in the event that you are unable to care for them, doing so is the best assurance that your loved ones will be in good hands.

Foster Placement or Permanent Re-Homing

Ask those you know. A family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or another person you know such as through church or other organizations may open their home to your pet temporarily or permanently.

Pet-sitters, doggy daycare, or boarding facilities are additional options for temporary placement.

Rescue groups in Alabama are overwhelmed with animals. Some do help the public when they can. Prior to reaching out, gather good photographs of your pet and basic information, including veterinary records, microchip status, activity level, personality, and compatibility with other dogs or cats and children. Be prepared to openly and honestly talk about why you need help.

Re-homing with someone you don't know necessitates a thorough screening to discern the intentions of potential adopters and whether they can provide a good home to your pet. No Kill Pima County offers excellent suggestions on how to screen potential adopters.

Shelters should be an absolute last resort for your pet and may not be an available option: like rescues, shelters have no obligation to accept your pet. A shelter is an incredibly stressful place for animals, and some pets (over 50% at many Alabama ‘shelters’) do not survive the experience. Pets are routinely killed for space reasons, because they get sick, or because confusion and fear from the shelter environment lead to them being judged a safety risk. Instead, ask your shelter to assist you in re-homing your pet by sharing a photo and information. Shelters may also be able to help with expenses such as if your pet has not been sterilized.

If Your Pet is Lost or Stolen

If your pet is lost, try these tips from Paws4Change:

• Contact the microchip company through which you registered your chip. Ensure that your contact information is accurate and let them know that your pet is lost or stolen. Shelters, vets, and some animal control officers scan for chips.
• Go to local shelters to look for your pet. Even if shelters in your area list impounded dogs online, there is no substitute for physically going to shelter(s) to search for your pet. Bring a photo to leave with the staff so they can watch for your pet. You should return every couple days since your pet may be brought in anytime. Be aware that shelters are allowed to quickly euthanize in some circumstances, such as if the animal is suffering from untreatable injuries from a car accident.
• Look for your pet in your area. This is best done quietly and without assistance, since unfamiliar people may spook your pet.
• Utilize social media. Post about your pet in local Facebook groups in your community and the larger area. Ask local shelter(s) to share your post. Be sure to update if your pet makes it back home.
• Leave out bedding, food, and water. Some pets can travel long distances; others stay close to home.
• Post flyers in your area. Do not offer a reward, as doing so can encourage dog-napping. If your pet is found, remove or update the fliers to share the happy news with your neighbors. You can create a flyer at PetFBI.
• Contact locals. Vet offices, mail carriers, bus drivers, and animal control or law enforcement agencies may have seen your pet. A local newspaper may run an ad with your pet’s photo for free or a nominal fee. If you believe your pet has been stolen, file a police report — pets are considered property.

Some pets are never found. Others are found after being missing for months. If you and your pet are reunited, we encourage you to microchip your pet, secure your fencing, and take any and all steps to keep your pet at home.