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Sunday, March 16, 2014

Re-homing Your Pet (Part I)

Sometimes life gets the best of everyone and one day you and your family are forced to make a very hard decision of having to re-home a beloved pet. Here are some tips on safely re-homing your pet or even better actually being able to keep your pet.

Do you really need to re-home your pet? Why do you need to re-home your pet?
Here is a list of reasons of why people decide to re-home their pet.

Behavior Issues
"My dog keeps peeing everywhere." "My dog keep knocking down or nipping at my small child." "My pet doesn't get along with other animals." "I can't handle my pet's extreme hyperness."

Your pet's behavior can be modified and managed to whatever your desirability if you put the time, effort and training into it. Bad animal behavior is not necessarily a deal breaker if you truly are committed to your pet. Find a certified pet trainer, take your pet to obedience classes, read up on books explaining dog behavior, surf the internet for tips and advice, etc. There are so many resources to help you with your pet's behavior issues. Unfortunately however if you feel you do not have the time nor resources to modify and manage a pet's behavior continuously than obviously the best thing to do is to re-home your pet to a appropriate home or animal rescue that can do so. A dog's or cat's breed often has something to do with certain behavior problems as well so make sure you do your research before considering a specific breed.

Moving or Housing Issues
"I can't find a rental that accepts pets." "My apartment has breed and weight restrictions." "I have to move to a place that does not allow pets because that is my only option." "My family will not allow me to move in with a pet due to allergies, other pets, etc."

Do your research on rental homes and apartments. There really are plenty of places that allow pets. There are websites you can go to to that provide a list of pet-friendly housing options. Check with your local humane society or animal shelter. They can provide a  list of pet-friendly housing options as well.
Make a resume for your pet to provide to your landlord. Assure them your pet will  not cause any problems.
Make sure your pet is acclimated to whatever dwelling you choose. In other words, if you have a Australian Shepard that is use to running in big open spaces and bouncing off the walls do not get a apartment. If you have a yappy or overly talkative pet try not to have close neighbors. Once again the breed of dog you have plays a huge role in whether or not they can adapt to a certain environment. Always check on any breed or weight restrictions your housing options may have. Example, you have a pit mix, but you consider your pet is predominately a Labrador but has pit bull characteristics, the landlord will have a right to call it a pit bull thus it is a restricted breed. Another example, if your housing option has a weight restriction of 15lbs do not bring a 50+lbs pet and expect it to be okay. Following rules to a tee is your best bet.

Consider asking a trusted friend or family member too look after your pet until you can find a place that accommodates both you and your pet. Board your pet at a kennel or veterinary clinic temporarily if you have the resources and no other options.

Time Restraints
"I work 8+ hours a day." "I got a new job." "Between taking the kids to school and cleaning house I have no time." "My pet requires to much attention."

Make a schedule, take a 20-minute walk or trip to the dog park before and after work, drop your pet off at a doggy day care once or twice a week or everyday if you have the finances, hire a dog walker/sitter, ask a trusted friend or family member to stop by for a visit, or give your pet a food-puzzle toy or any toy for that matter for enrichment. There are so many ways to deal with time restraints however if your feeling forced to leave your pet in a crate for 4+ hours a day please be my guest and re-home your pet to someone that can give that pet the time it deserves.

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