Finding A New Home For Your Furry Friend (2024)

If you're looking for a new home for your dog, there are several steps you can take to ensure they go to a safe and loving home. First, it's important to have your dog screened for health issues and ensure their vaccinations are up to date. You can then create an online profile for your dog on websites such as Adopt-a-Pet.com, Petfinder.com, Rescueme.org, or Home to Home. These websites can help guide you through the rehoming process, from setting up a profile to signing an adoption agreement. You can also spread the word within your personal network by telling friends, family, and colleagues, and by posting on social media. Additionally, you can create flyers to advertise your dog and post them in high-traffic areas, such as local veterinary offices, dog parks, and pet stores. When considering potential adopters, be transparent about your dog's personality, temperament, and any medical or behaviour issues. You can also ask for veterinary and personal references and, if possible, personally visit the potential adopter's home to ensure your dog will have a suitable living environment.

Online adoption websites

There are several online adoption websites that can help you post your dog for adoption. These websites provide a platform for owners to connect with potential adopters and find a suitable home for their furry friends. Here are some popular options:

• Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com: This website is dedicated to helping pets find their forever homes. They offer a simple and reliable program that guides you through the process of placing your pet directly with a new family. You can create a pet profile, including a description, temperament, and photos, to attract potential adopters. The Rehome team provides support throughout, including guidance on safe meetings with applicants and a template for the transfer of ownership. They also prioritise your privacy, ensuring your personal information is never shared publicly.
• RescueGroups.org: This website is a technology solution for pet adoptions. When you post your pet on RescueGroups.org, they can send your listing to various other pet adoption websites, giving you full control over where your pet's profile appears. This service is provided for free, and they work with numerous well-known organisations, such as Petfinder, Adopt A Dog NYC, ASPCA, and more.
• Petfinder: Petfinder is a popular platform with a network of over 14,500 shelters and rescues. You can create detailed pet listings, including photos and videos, to showcase your dog's personality and characteristics to potential adopters. They also offer functionality for long-distance adoptions, allowing you to list pets that can be transported to their new homes.
• Adopt A Dog NYC: While not exclusively an online platform, Adopt A Dog NYC is a well-known organisation that works with RescueGroups.org. They are dedicated to finding forever homes for dogs in the New York City area and work closely with adopters to ensure a good match.
• Other Options: In addition to the above, there are other websites worth considering, such as Rescueme.org, AllPaws, and Craigslist. Social media platforms can also be utilised to spread the word about your dog's availability for adoption.

When using online adoption websites, it is important to thoroughly screen potential adopters to ensure your dog finds a safe and loving home. You can set an adoption fee to protect your dog, ask for veterinary and personal references, and even visit the potential adopter's home if possible. Additionally, remember to be transparent about your dog's personality, temperament, and any medical or behavioural issues they may have.

Choose the Right Platform

Facebook is a popular choice for posting adoptable pets due to its wide reach and ease of use. You can create a post with a picture and description of your dog, and share it with your network. Facebook also offers features such as events and ad campaigns to increase visibility and drive traffic to your post. Additionally, Facebook business pages allow you to view analytics and connect with potential adopters.

Instagram is another visual platform that can be leveraged to broaden your reach. Using relevant hashtags can help your post appear in the feeds of people interested in adoption. You can also engage your audience using Instagram Stories, adding stickers, hashtags, and location tags to increase engagement and visibility.

While TikTok is a popular platform, it may not be the best choice for self-matching adoptions as it is tricky to initiate a conversation with potential adopters. However, it can still be used to create short, captivating videos to raise awareness and reach a new audience.

Create Compelling Content

When creating a post for your dog, it's important to include a clear and well-lit photo. The photo should showcase your dog's personality and help potential adopters connect with them. You can also include a video to show your dog's personality in a variety of environments outside of the shelter.

In the description, be sure to include basic information such as your dog's name, age, appearance, size, and temperament. It is important to be honest and accurate in your description, refraining from mislabelling your dog's breed or advertising them as a guard dog. You can also add a brief explanation of why you are rehoming your dog, keeping the tone positive.

Utilize Networks and Communities

Share your post with your friends and family, and ask them to share it within their networks as well. Join adoption groups on Facebook and post your dog's profile there. These groups often allow self-matching or promote self-matching, connecting you with expectant parents looking for adoptive families.

Additionally, consider posting on adoption websites such as Petfinder.com, Rescueme.org, or Adoptapet.com, which are specifically designed to connect adoptable pets with potential adopters.

Engage with Potential Adopters

Be prepared to screen potential adopters and ask them relevant questions about their lifestyle and previous experience with pets. You can also request veterinary and personal references to ensure your dog will be placed in a safe and loving home. If possible, personally visit the homes of potential adopters to ensure your dog will have a suitable living environment.

By utilizing social media platforms and following these tips, you can increase the chances of finding a loving and responsible home for your dog.

Vet's office

Vets Office

If you are looking to post your dog for adoption, one of the first steps you should take is to bring your dog to the vet for a health screening and to ensure their vaccinations are up to date. This is a good opportunity to discuss the adoption process with a veterinary professional and ask for advice on the best course of action.

Your vet will be able to advise you on the next steps and may be able to put you in touch with local shelters or adoption agencies. They may also be able to recommend online platforms or forums where you can post your dog for adoption. For example, Petfinder.com, Rescueme.org, and Adoptapet.com are all websites that offer adoption services.

Additionally, your vet may suggest creating flyers to advertise your dog. These flyers can be posted in the vet's office and in other high-traffic areas, such as local dog parks and pet stores. The flyers should include a picture of your dog, a brief description, relevant information about their temperament, and a phone number for potential adopters to contact you.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your dog will find a suitable home and that the adoption process is handled safely and effectively. Remember to always follow the advice of veterinary professionals and reach out to animal rescue groups for guidance if needed.

Adoption fee

When posting your dog for adoption, it is important to set an adoption fee to protect your dog from people who may want to hurt them. This fee should be reasonable and will depend on the age and breed of your dog. Adoption fees can range from $50 to $200.

Some adoption websites, such as RescueGroups.org, will list your dog for free. However, other shelters and services will charge a fee. For example, LA Animal Services charges an adoption fee of $102 or $122 for dogs aged 4 months and older, and $150 for dogs under 4 months. This fee includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering surgery, microchipping, and the first-year license fee for dogs for LA City residents.

The Animal Humane Society uses a variable fee schedule that takes into account the animal's age, breed, and size. They also charge an administrative fee of between $5 and $22 for all adoptions, which covers processing costs and supports new initiatives.

When setting an adoption fee, consider the costs of caring for your dog while they are in your care. These costs can include veterinary care, food, and any other necessary expenses. By setting an adoption fee, you can help offset these costs and ensure your dog finds a suitable home.

It is also important to screen potential adopters and ensure they are committed to providing a loving and safe environment for your dog. Ask for relevant information about their lifestyle and previous experience with pets, and consider reaching out to animal rescue groups for advice on the type of questions to ask. Checking references and personally visiting the potential adopter's home can also help ensure your dog's well-being in their new living environment.

Pet's profile

Pet Profile

About Me

I'm a [breed], [colour/s], [age] years old, and my name is [name]. I'm looking for a new home and my current owner is helping me find the perfect family to join. I'm very friendly, and I love [likes/hobbies]. My favourite food is [food] and I love to play with [toy/s]. I'm very healthy and have been to the vet for a full check-up. I'm also up to date with all my vaccinations.

My Personality

I'm a very happy dog and I love to [behaviour/s]. I'm great with children and I'm used to living with a family, so I would suit a home with kids and a big garden to play in. I'm also very good with other animals and would be happy to live with cats or other dogs. I'm quite an active dog and would need a family who can take me on lots of walks and adventures. I know some tricks too! I can [tricks]. I'm also very well-behaved and know basic commands like sit, stay, and paw.

My Ideal Home

I would love to live with an active family who can give me lots of attention and love. I'm used to being around people, so I would prefer not to be left alone for long periods. I would be happy to live with other pets and I'm very good with children of all ages. I'm quite a big dog, so I would need a home with plenty of space for me to run and play. I would love a garden to play in, and maybe even a local park where I can go for walks and meet other dogs.

My Daily Routine

I'm used to going for a walk in the morning and then I like to play with my toys. I usually have breakfast around [time] and then I like to relax and nap during the day. I'm quite an independent dog and can be left alone for short periods. I love to play and am always up for a game of fetch! I'm also house-trained and know how to use a dog flap. I like to go for another walk in the evening, and then I have my dinner. I love to snuggle up on the sofa with my family and I usually go to bed around [time].

My Owner's Circumstances

Unfortunately, my current owner is no longer able to keep me due to [reason]. It has been a difficult decision to rehome me, but they want to make sure I go to a loving family who can give me the time and attention I need. They are happy to answer any questions and want to make sure I find the perfect match.

How to Get in Touch

If you think you could offer me my forever home, please get in touch with [contact details]. My owner is happy to arrange a meeting so you can see if we are a good match. They can also provide more photos and information if needed.

Frequently asked questions