In many cases, rehoming can be prevented. If a dog is misbehaving or not fully housetrained, training can solve the problem. If your cat cannot seem to hit the litterbox, there are ways of training your cat to use the litterbox. If your pet has not been taught something, it is not their fault for not knowing it, it's ours! If you have no time for your pet, make time or have people come visit your pet while you are away! Or maybe you are allergic to your pet, but first see if there is anything that could be done to prevent it. Make your best effort in trying to fix the problem, so that you can keep your beloved pet.

Rehoming can be prevented, however, in some cases, no matter how hard we try, we lose control over things and have no other option than to rehome our pets. But before you bring your pet to your local animal shelter...

Please! Please remember his or her chances of finding a home are slim, so make a diligent effort in rehoming your pet on your own or asking a local rescue group to help! It is easier than you might think...

Reasons why you shouldn't take the risk of surrendering your pet to a shelter:
You may think your pet will be adopted quickly if you drop him or her at the shelter. Wrong! There are pets just as lovely as yours at the shelter waiting to be adopted, but never do.
Many times, pets that are owner surrendered act very differently at a shelter than at home. The shelter is a very scary place for them with all new different types of smells and noises. This lowers their chances of being adopted or being given the opportunity to find a home.
Stray dogs are required to stay at shelters at least five days, however owner surrendered pets do not have a required stay period. This means your pet could be euthanized the same day he or she enters the shelter!

Steps in rehoming your pet on your own:
If you bought your dog or cat from a reputable breeder, they might take the pet back.
Call any friends or family members who might be interested in your pet.
Post flyers around town, at your local animal shelter, vet or rescue groups with information about your pet.
Post an ad in your local newspaper.
The internet is where you will get your most interest from! With a cute story and some photos, someone just might fall in love... You can post on www.petfinder.com, www.petharbor.com, www.pets911.com, www.craigslist.org or breed rescue sites.

How do I know what is a good home for my pet?
This is very important to check because you do not want your pet ending up at a shelter which you tried so hard to prevent in the first place or a home that will mistreat your pet.
Call their vet to see if they take care of their own pets or have in the past.
Visit the prospective home to see if their home will suit your pet.
Make sure everyone including pets are onboard with the adoption and present when meeting your pet.
Ask about their previous animal history. ex: Have they ever had to surrender a pet to a shelter? Have they ever put down a dog, if so why?
Having your pet spayed or neutered before sending him or her to another home is a good idea as it will stop irresponsible breeding, as well as see if the prospective home just wanted your pet for breeding or as a loving family companion.

By rehoming your pet, you will have saved his or her life, but also a life at your local animal shelter!