Rehoming Your Pet

Due to current staffing and the overwhelming number of animals in need, we can only accept surrenders on a case by case basis, as space is available. We still offer guaranteed returns for animals adopted from us. If you need to return a pet that was adopted from one of our shelters, please call us directly at 707-542-0882 x267.

If you need to surrender a pet that was not adopted from our facility, please fill out this form. This form is monitored regularly, but it may be some time before we can respond to you. If you do not hear back from us within two weeks, it means we are unable to assist you at this time, and you are welcome to contact us again in 30 days.

 

Before You Rehome Your Pet

We know that sometimes re-homing your pet is unavoidable, and is always a difficult decision. By providing resources and assistance, we hope to help keep your pet with the family they know and love.  Before making the decision to surrender to a shelter, please consider all of your options.

Consider finding your pet another home instead of surrendering them to a shelter. It will be less stressful for your animal, allows you to play a part in uniting them with a new family, and makes additional space available for animals whose lives are immediately at risk in surrounding municipal shelters. Ask around to see if you know anyone (friends, family, co-workers, etc.) who is looking for a new pet, or take advantage of free resources such as the Adoptions by Owner page on our website. It is better for your pet if you are able to re-home him or her yourself. The shelter can be a very stressful environment.

Please utilize our Rehoming Packet and our free Adoptions by Owner service.

Surrender Application Form
Help with Behavioral Issues
Financial Assistance Resources
Rehome through HSSC Adoptions by Owner
Rehome through Adopt-a-Pet

Adoptions by Owner Resource Help

Help Find The Right Home Through Our Online Rehoming Service:

Please utilize our Rehoming Packet and our free Adoptions by Owner service.

Follow these guidelines. Be thorough and patient — finding the right home takes time, but it’s worth it for your sake and the sake of your pet.

Take several color photos of your pet. Show off your pet’s cutest and most endearing qualities.

Write a story about your pet. Include the reason your pet needs a new home, the kind of home he or she needs and would do well in, and some “human interest” information — for example, your pet’s funniest behaviors, his/her favorite things to do, or the thing you love most about your pet. Many people write the story from the animal’s perspective, for example, “Hi, my name is Midnight…”

Rehome your pet on our website through our “Adoptions by Owner” page. Submit a photo and a brief story of your pet at humanesocietysoco.org/adoptions-by-owner. Interested persons will contact you to learn more about your animal. Pets will remain on the website for at least 90 days. You will be responsible for contacting us at communications.shs@gmail.com once your pet has been adopted.

Email out to friends, family or co-workers. Give your photos, story and email address to everyone you know asking for their help. Advertise through your workplace or your community bulletin board. Placing your pet with someone you know will ease the transition for everyone.

Consider charging a fee. This will help to ensure you are receiving serious inquiries only. If you feel you have found the right home for your pet you can choose to waive the rehoming fee.

Advertise. Place an ad in your local newspaper or post on your social media pages. Advertisements with photos get more attention. You can also ask to post flyers at your local vet offices or pet stores. Many other shelters and rescues will also post your animal as available for adoption so reach out to them, too!

Helpful Hints On Evaluating Potential Adopters:

Interview potential adopters carefully. Make sure your pet fits into the lifestyle of the applicant’s family, and your pet is what they’re really looking for. You might consider the following in order to ascertain additional information (please note that with respect to some of these items, an open and honest discussion will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision regarding your pet’s placement):

  • Verify the name and address with a driver’s license.
  • Call the person’s landlord and make sure they has permission to have a pet.
  • Ask to see the person’s vet records on all their current or past pets
  • Get references and call to see if they can vouch for the person’s ability to care for animals.
  • Take the time to consider applicants. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into making a decision that you do not feel right about. Your judgment is your best guide.
  • Follow up. Call to see how your pet is doing in their new home.

The Rehoming Process

  • The Meetup: Arrange a time and public place to get together. Bring your pets favorite toys, bedding, carrier, litter box, and/or other items. If you have any remaining food to give to the new pet parent, bring that as well.
  • Records: Bring a copy of any and all veterinary records you have. To make the transfer smooth, offer to contact your veterinarian and have them send your pet’s records to the new owner’s preferred clinic. Let your veterinarian know about the new ownership as well.
  • Transfer of Ownership: Create a written document and record the transfer of ownership to the adopter. The document should be signed by both you and the adopter. Each of you should obtain a signed copy.
  • Update the Microchip: Contact the database where your pet’s microchip is registered and notify them of the change in ownership along with the new owner’s contact information.

Pet Behavior Help

Pet Behavior Help

For help with dog behavior issues and concerns, call our Public Dog Training staff at (707) 542-0882 ext. 247 or email dogtraining@humanesocietysoco.org. Visit humanesocietysoco.org/dog-training for a listing of classes offered by our Academy of Dog.

For help with cat behavior issues and concerns, please email catbehavior@humanesocietysoco.org.

Trained staff will contact you as soon as possible. Please allow up to one week.

Medical Care Resources

Community Veterinary Clinic

If you are considering surrendering your pet due to the inability to afford medical care, please contact our Community Veterinary Clinic at (707) 284-1198 or email at cvc@humanesocietysoco.org.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic

The Humane Society of Sonoma County’s low-cost spay and neuter clinic is subsidized by donations and is available for residents of Sonoma County. Our low-cost services are reserved for cats and dogs. Priority is given to Pit bulls and Chihuahuas. To schedule an appointment for your four-legged loved one, contact us at (707) 284-FIXX (3499).

Free Vaccine Clinic

Our free vaccination clinic is open on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at our Santa Rosa shelter, and every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at our Healdsburg shelter. Vaccines offered:

  • Feline HCP – rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia
  • Canine DAAP – distemper, adenovirus types 1 & 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus

Please note rabies vaccines are not available.

Visit our Medical Assistance Resource page

DOG AND CAT RESCUES

Private Rehoming Sites:

 

DOG SPECIFIC RESCUES

Special Needs and Senior Dog Rescues

All Breed Rescues

Breed Specific Resources

CAT SPECIFIC RESCUES

Special Needs or Cat Specific Rescues

Feral and Working Cat Resources: