If behavior issues are leading you to contemplate rehoming your pet, please take a moment to explore our resources on the behavior and training tab, as effective training can often be less effort and more impactful than expected. It is better for your pet if you are able to rehome them yourself. The shelter can be a very stressful environment for any pet.
At Hill Country Humane Society, we are committed to finding loving forever homes for animals in need. However, as an organization contracted with seven entities, our resources are currently prioritized for animals that come through our contracted partners. Regrettably, at this time, we do not have the space to accept owner surrenders directly. We understand that rehoming your pet can be a difficult decision, and we want to offer guidance and support during this process. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing to rehome your pet, we encourage you to explore alternative options and local resources.
Here are a few ideas for re-homing your animal(s):
- On social media platforms such as Facebook, Next-door and Instagram you can find various groups and pages where you can post your animal for adoption. However, it’s essential to be cautious during the process. Consider asking for a vet reference and/or a small rehoming fee, even as little as $20. This precaution is necessary because some individuals may take free animals and put them in harmful situations, such as dog fighting rings and other unfavorable environments. Ensuring the safety and well-being of your pet should be a top priority throughout the rehoming process. Here are some Facebook groups you can post your pet:
Hill Country Lost, Found, Abandoned dogs needing homes
Hill Country Dogs
Lost and Found Pets of Llano
PASS Facebook group
Hill Country Scanner
- Create eye-catching flyers and distribute them at veterinarian offices and local feed stores. This simple but effective strategy will help spread the word about your available animals and increase the chances of finding them loving forever homes.
- Online Rehoming Platforms: There are various websites and apps dedicated to pet adoption and rehoming.
Petfinder
Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet
Getyourpet.com
- Breed-Specific Rescues: Some breeds have dedicated rescue organizations that specialize in rehoming specific breeds or types of pets.
Talk to Friends and Family: Reach out to friends, family, and coworkers to see if anyone is interested in adopting the pet or knows someone who might be. - Reach out to local rescues: These dedicated organizations are well-equipped to provide care and support for your animals,
Highland Lakes K-9
Living Grace K-9 ranch
Llano animal rescue
Humane Heros
For cats and kittens, you can try Hill Country Cats 830-265-9999 or Forgotten Felines 512-709-7020.
Once you have found the perfect new home for your pet, the adoption process can begin.
- Arrange the meetup. Arrange a time and public place for you and the adopter to meet up. A well-known spot and area is recommended for your safety. To help your pet transition into their new home, it is important to provide their favorite toys, bedding, carrier, kennel, litter box, and/or other familiar items. It is also nice to give the adopter any remaining pet food you have so they know what diet your pet is eating so they can either continue to provide the same food or successfully transition the pet onto a new diet.
- Transfer records. It is important to provide the new owner with copies of any and all veterinary records you have. To make the transfer easy, you should offer to contact your veterinarian to send the pet’s records directly to the new owner’s preferred veterinary clinic. You may need to provide this request in writing to your veterinarian. Be sure to alert your clinic of the new ownership in the process.
- Document the change of ownership. It is incredibly important that you create a written document and record the transfer of ownership to the adopter. The document should be signed by both you and the adopter and as the previous owner, you should retain a copy for your own personal records. Use the Transfer of Ownership Agreement.
- Update the microchip. If the pet is microchipped, it is important to update the information registered to the microchip. You can do this by contacting the database where the microchip is registered (such as Found Animals, Home Again, 24PetWatch) and notifying them of the change of ownership and the new owner’s contact information. Be sure to provide the new owner with the pet’s microchip information and remind them to keep their own contact information up-to-date on the registry. Microchips can be registered for free with Found Animals using their website at https://www.foundanimals.org/microchip-registry/
- Notify the shelter or rescue. If you adopted the pet from a local rescue or shelter, be sure to contact them and let them know that you have rehomed the animal and give them the new owner’s information so they can update their ownership records.
