Rehoming
It is a sad but true fact that sometimes puppies need to be rehomed. Perhaps there's a crisis in the family that significantly affects their capacity to raise and care for a young dog. Perhaps puppy's needs exceed the family's ability and capacity to respond. These are only two of the situations that might result in rehoming puppy. Here is some information to support ethical and caring action to find puppy a safe and happy new home.
Rehoming Support and Options
1. Have an extenuating-circumstances plan before puppy joins your family.
Whenever a new puppy is joining your family (even if "family" is just you), have a plan for how you will provide for puppy in unforeseen and unpredictable circumstances. (Visit "Emergency Preparedness" and "Pet Trusts" on our Safety page.)
​
2. Have a backup plan, because we almost always need one.
Know your options if the need arises to rehome puppy. Of course no one wants to think about this, but it does happen. You may not think it will ever happen to you, but it might. Or it might arise for someone you know. We are not going to go into all the options available because there are terrific resources elsewhere on the Internet. So check these out.
​
Purebred puppies or other puppies obtained from a breeder
​
1. Contact your breeder first. Many breeders will take puppies for rehoming. Often, it's in the contract you signed.
​
2. Contact your breed's rescue group(s). Simply Google the name of the breed plus "rescue."
​
Shelters and rescue groups who adopt out puppies also may assist with rehoming. If this is how puppy came to you, contact that group or organization first. It's often part of your contract with them to do this.
Some Resources
-
"What If You Get the Wrong Dog?" (Whole Dog Journal)
-
"Dog Rehoming: When Is It the Right Decision?" (Whole Dog Journal)