It's hard to let go of a pet you love. Maybe you have to give up your dog because a family member is allergic, or you're moving to a place where dogs aren't allowed. Whatever the reason, giving away a dog is a tough decision that must be made carefully for the good of all parties involved.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making a Decision
Step 1. Discuss the reasons
Take some time to think about why you decided to give up a pet dog. Remember that raising a dog is a big responsibility, but you should still keep as committed as an owner as possible. Talk to the householders and make sure everyone understands your reasons clearly and that giving a dog is the best solution.
Some other reasons to consider are allergies that family members have, restrictions on housing, aggressive dog behavior, or not having enough time to properly care for the dog
Step 2. Think of alternative solutions
If you feel bad about giving up your dog, try to find all other options before making a final decision. Brainstorm with family members what you can do to prevent the dog from needing to be handed over.
- If a family member has allergies, consider allergy medication.
- Try persuading landlords to exclude your pet dog. Maybe you can pay more as a pet fee.
- If your dog is behaving aggressively, take him to a dog training center. You can also lock your dog in his crate while you're away during the day as long as it's only for a few hours at a time.
- If you can't spend enough time with your dog, consider taking him to dog care while you work. You can also consider using the services of a dog sitter.
Step 3. Inform everyone involved
It's hard to give a pet dog, but sometimes the reasons you have to do it are very strong. Start by telling the kids (if any) that their dog should be handed over so they know what you're doing. The children will be disappointed, but they will have time to let go of the dog and deal with his grief before the day of surrender arrives.
- Tell your child or other family member that you don't want to give up the dog, but that there is no other option. Let them express their feelings and discuss the situation at hand.
- Try saying, “You know how much we love Fido, but sadly I have to give it up. The new landlord does not allow pets and we are unlikely to move anywhere else. It's sad, but we're going to find a new home for Fido to keep him happy."
Part 2 of 3: Finding a New Home for Dogs
Step 1. Ask
Take the time to ask friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers who knows they or someone they trust might be interested in adopting your dog. In essence, you will feel more at ease if you know your dog is given to someone who will take good care of it.
- Make sure this person has free time to pet the dog and enough room to house him in the house.
- You can also ask for a vet's recommendation. He may know someone who is interested in adopting a dog.
Step 2. Advertise your dog
Find a good and loving home for your dog by advertising it in a variety of ways. Send private messages on social media so only your friends can see them. Post flyers at the pet store or vet's office. Include a picture of the dog and information about its personality.
It's best not to advertise on the internet (unless it's only visible to your friends and acquaintances) because there are lots of scams and people looking to adopt dogs for pitting, resale, or other malicious reasons. It's best to avoid all of these
Step 3. Interview people who want to adopt your dog
When looking for someone to pet your dog (especially if you don't know him) it's a good idea to ask a few questions to make sure it's a good fit for your pet. You need to make sure that he gets a decent home and that the new owners will take good care of him.
- For example, if your dog doesn't get along with children, let the potential adopter know and make sure he doesn't have small children in the house.
- Be sure to ask if this potential new owner has time to walk the dog, train it, and groom the dog. If not, find another fan. Remember, it is your responsibility to find a suitable home for your dog.
Step 4. Determine the delivery day
Once you've found a worthy new owner, set a date to bring the dog home. Make sure you agree on a suitable time, or who will bring the dog.
Make sure you bring all of your dog's stuff to his new home. These items include toys, dinner plates, harnesses, and owned food bags
Step 5. Make animal shelters a last resort
Turning the dog over to an animal shelter should be a last resort. Dogs may not get the attention and care they deserve in shelters due to limited funds and personnel on a daily basis. There's also the possibility that the dog may hang in there for weeks before being adopted, if he's lucky.
Many animal shelters are euthanasia wards, which means they euthanize animals that have not been adopted for a certain period of time. Don't let this happen to your pet so check with the shelter's euthanasia policy before handing over your dog. Make sure the place doesn't euthanize the animal
Part 3 of 3: Coping With Grief
Step 1. Spend some time with the dog before handing him over
Get together with the family and pet and pamper the dogs in turns. State your reason for giving up your pet dog. Make sure everyone has a chance to say goodbye.
- Spending quality time with the dog before being handed over allows everyone to say goodbye and feel better about the situation.
- However, try not to overdo it during this process. If they are too emotional, the dog may sense something is wrong and become restless and disappointed.
Step 2. Treat your dog as usual
Don't forget that dogs don't deserve to be mistreated just because they're about to be handed over. You can be sad, but don't express it to your dog in a negative way. Explain to the family (especially if you have children) that the dog will have a new home, and it is important to be normal with the dog because until the time it is handed over, he is still your pet.
Until your dog leaves your home for his new home, he is still part of your family. Treat your dog with love and affection even if it's hard to do because you're sad to say goodbye to him
Step 3. Say goodbye
When it's time to say goodbye, be prepared. Take the time to say a decent goodbye. Happy he will get a new good family. Hug the dog and trust that you have done the right thing.
Give the new owner treats, toys, bedding, and other dog items to make it easier for him to adapt to his new environment
Step 4. Deal with your grief
It's natural to feel sad after giving up the dog. Try to work around this by spending time with friends and family, or with other animals in your life (such as a neighbor's pet).
You can also use a counseling service or group if the grief is very deep or ongoing
Tips
- Don't be in a hurry to make a decision.
- Take responsibility for what is best for your pet dog and for you.
