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You brought your dog home and planned to keep him forever, but sometimes things do not work out as planned. You are left with the tough choice of rehoming your dog. 

Despite feeling guilty, rehoming is a responsible thing to do when you can no longer care for your dog. 

Sometimes, it's crucial to take into account how your personal situation can affect your pet. For example, if you've recently had surgery like rhinoplasty or other facial procedures, it might impact your ability to give your dog the attention and care they need during the recovery phase.

In such instances, it's recommended to reach out to friends, family, or professional dog caregivers for support. They can help ease the extra responsibilities and ensure your dog's well-being.

How do you rehome a dog? How much does it cost to rehome a dog? What are the top reasons why owners rehome their dogs?   

This article discusses how to rehome your dog. It also explains how much it costs to rehome your dog and the top reasons why owners rehome their dogs.

How to Rehome a Dog?

Once you decide that rehoming is the best choice for your dog, it is time to look for its new home. Please list your dog's information, including its name, age, and weight. 

Mention your dog's temperament and personality when rehoming them. Be honest about how your dogs react around humans or other pets. 

Do not forget to mention your dog's likes and dislikes. You should also give a detailed description of your dog's personality to its new owners.

It is essential to mention why you are rehoming your dog and include a couple of pictures of it. Prepare your dog for rehoming by making sure its vaccinations are updated. 

Whether you are rehoming your dog because of changes in your accommodation or are going through financial hardship, here are ways to find a new home for your dog. 

Talk to Relatives and Friends

Talk with your relatives and friends and see if they are interested in taking care of your dog.

Ask your relative or friend if they can look after your dog. Just make sure you choose someone you can trust. 

The good thing about rehoming your dogs to relatives and friends is that you will be at peace. You would not give away your dog to someone you do not know, right?

Your friends and relatives can also let you see your dog as often as you want. 

Ask Around Social Media

If your relatives and friends cannot take your dog in, you can use social media to let other people know. 

Social media posts can help you connect with people seeking dogs as pets. Include some pictures of your dog and his description on your social media post. 

For your dog's safety, properly screen those who contact you on rehoming your dog. For instance, ask if your dog's potential adopters have other pets and how these pets behave around dogs. 

Make it clear in your social media posts that you are rehoming your dog and not selling it. 

Go to Local Centres

Entrusting your dog to local centers will ensure that it is safe. Organizations are willing to rehome your dog appropriately. 

For example, Best Friends: Save Them All is a non-profit charity promoting the welfare of animals. 

Contact your local animal centers and check if they can accept your dog into a rehoming program.

Contact Your Breeder

If your dog is from a breeder, check the paperwork and see if the breeder's policy allows you to return your dog. 

However, if your dog is from a rescue center, talk to the organization and ask if you can return your dog. 

It would be best to explain to the breeder or rescue group why you can no longer provide a home for your dog. Some breeders and rescue organizations may take your dog back even if it is not in their policy. 

How Much Is the Rehoming Fee for a Dog?

An average rehoming or adoption fee for a dog may depend on several factors like age and location. For instance, the standard adoption fee in RSPCA Victoria for puppies younger than six months is between $600 and $1,200, while fees for an adult dog are from $450.  

However, on August 20, 2022, RSPCA Victoria launched "Hundred Dollar Hounds" adoption promotion in which all dogs of various shapes and sizes were available for a flat fee of $100. 

Such a fee is in the dog's best interest, though it does not sit right with most people looking to adopt a dog. 

Willingness to pay for the rehoming fee shows your dog's interested adopters will take the adoption seriously. Meanwhile, asking for a rehoming fee discourages casual dog owners from adopting your dog. 

Paying the rehoming fee also demonstrates that the interested parties can meet your dog's medical needs in the future. 

Top 3 Reasons for Rehoming a Dog

As much as you love your dogs, some circumstances happen where you would have to give them up. Below are the top three reasons for rehoming dogs. 

Changes to Accommodation

One reason for rehoming dogs is a change in living conditions. 

Some pet owners may have to move to a rental property that does not allow pets. In this case, pet owners choose to find a new home for their pets.

Changes to Financial Situation

Another common reason for rehoming dogs is a financial struggle. 

Pet owners may lose their job. In this case, the pet owner can no longer afford to support the dog's needs and decide that rehoming is the best option. 

Many dog owners are also unaware of the financial burden of raising a dog as a pet. Some dog owners do not plan their dog's medical expenses, which can be very high. 

Pet Behavioral Problems

You are not alone if you are rehoming your dog because of its severe behavior. Behavior problems are one of the most common reasons for rehoming dogs. 

Some unwanted behaviors in rehomed dogs are house soiling, excessive barking, and aggression toward humans and other pets. Your dog's new owners must be willing to commit to training your dog.

The final say!

Rehoming a dog is a big decision that requires careful consideration and planning. By following the right steps and prioritizing the well-being of the dog, you can provide them with a loving and stable forever home. Remember, patience and understanding go a long way in creating a positive transition for your new four-legged companion.