No matter how long you have had your pet, it is a difficult decision to rehome them. We recognize that there are many different reasons that you may no longer be able to keep your pet and sometimes the pet simply isn't the best match for you or your family. If you find yourself in this situation, we recommend you rehome your pet on your own, after all you know the animal and will be the best advocate in finding them a new home. Here are a few recommendations on how to best market your animal and places to do it:
Contact the Breeder/Rescue/Shelter/Previous Owner
Many pet owners forget they may be under contract with the prior owner of their pet, so it is best to check with them. They may want the animal back or they may be the best resource in helping to rehome your animal.
Vet Your Pet
Most people want to adopt an animal that is already spayed/neutered, up to date on their vaccines and microchipped, but it is not necessary. If you need assistance with spay/neuter or microchipping please see our Veterinary Services page.
Create a Post & Share it Everywhere!
Write a cute description about your pet and add attractive photos in your home and with your family. Be sure to include their name, age, breed type and what they like or dont like (dogs, cats, children, thunderstorms, rides in the car, etc). Market them in a way that makes people want to ask more about them!
Once you have a description & photo collage made, share it on:
- Facebook (your own page as well as pet rehoming groups)
- Instagram
- Craigslist
- Adoptapet
- Print flyers & post them at vet offices
Interview prospective adopters! Ask them how they envision the animal living with their family, feel free to ask for vet references and/or ask to visit their home. Make sure you gather their name, address & phone number in case they forget to update the microchip or you need to reach back out to them for an update. You need to be assured that you pet is going into a loving permanent home!
We offer an adoption service for Tallahassee pet owners looking to rehome their animal and those looking to adopt, without the animal ever coming to the shelter! If you are interested in featuring your animal on our website, just email us at rehome@talgov.com and request to participate in the program. We will gladly initiate the process to feature the animal on our Rehome page. You will be required to complete an in-depth form and submit clear recent photos.
Reach out to Rescues
Rescues may be able to help you by listing the information on their website or social media pages. They may also be able to take your animal into their program or allow you to foster your own animal while they search for a permanent home for him. If you have a purebred dog, be sure to search for a breed rescue that may be able to help - breed rescues have fosters and contacts around the region, so don't be discouraged if you don't see one featured locally as they may still be able to help. Check out Petfinder.com to search for breed specific and general rescues in your area.
Surrendering to the Shelter
Surrendering your animal to the shelter should be the absolute last resort. It is exceedingly difficult to find good, permanent homes for adult animals in our care, and we cannot guarantee that any animal surrendered to the Animal Services will be adopted. Animals behave very differently under intense stress and being in the shelter regardless of the care we provide, will always be more stressful than your home. Once you surrender your pet to us, you will not be able to reclaim or adopt them. We only accept surrenders from Tallahassee residents; residents living outside of the county are encouraged to reach out to their local shelter & rescues. If you feel that surrendering is the only option, please call 850-891-2950 to schedule an appointment. There is no fee to surrender an animal.
Download and Complete the Owner Surrender Form
Euthanasia
For those animals that may not warrant rehoming due to degenerating health, severe aggression or major behavioral issues, we do offer humane euthanasia. Please see our Veterinary Services page for more information.