Want to Give Your Dog Away? Read This First!

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For whatever reason, you maybe asking yourself can I give my dog away and how?

Perhaps you are moving to a new apartment or relocating to another part of the country. An inability to keep up with vet bills, food or maintenance costs are also common reasons.

Can I Give My Dog Away?Regardless of the situation, do not feel so bad. Things happen!

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a new home for a fully grown dog.

Obviously you want them to be adopted by a nice family.

Here’s the deal:

Giving a dog away doesn’t have to be so awful.

You Can Give Away Your Dog

Address this issue head on and you’ll be successful.

For one, networking will open possibilities for finding your dog a new home.

Of course, it would be best if a family member or close friend could assume ownership. But knowing someone personally (that can adopt a dog) is sadly a rare scenario.

The truth is most prospective owners favor finding a dog by making a selection at a pet store (one that offers many adorable choices).

On the other hand…

Not having to pay adoption fees can be a good incentive for some families.

Try Utilizing The Internet

Besides Craigslist, there are several dog profile websites that assist with pet adoption.

Be sure to include a flattering picture and a good description. This way people can get a sense of your dog’s personality.

Seriously though…

Internet networking is one of the best ways to go about giving your dog away.

And the web will allow you to screen potential candidates (ensuring your dog gets a loving new home).

Avoid Adoption Centers

Most options are better than using a typical pet adoption center.

These places are usually not so motivated to find a good home for any one particular dog. Adult pets often linger after having only a short window to show their love-ability.

This can be a stressful and depressing time for any dog which, in turn, could make them appear less adoptable. They won’t be feeling their best, much like a fish out of water.

Making the Right Choice

Weigh the decision to give your dog away thoroughly and thoughtfully.

Perhaps you can fix the problems that are causing you to want to give your dog away. For behavioral issues, consider obedience training (it can make owning your dog more enjoyable).

Hey! It’s possible that you will no longer want to give them away!

On the other hand…

If the issue is something beyond your control, move on and don’t feel so bad.

Look on The Bright Side

You may have a lot going for you when you give your dog away.

It’s not as if they’re a stray or a rescued animal that has been abused or neglected.

Show your pet in their best light, as a well taken care of and fully vaccinated dog with a good temperament.

Do that and finding them a home shouldn’t be too difficult. The trick is to show prospective owners that they will make a great addition to a loving home.

The Bottom Line

You can give your dog away. It can be done if you put in the work.

Start by networking with family and friends. Otherwise, consider online services so you can reach more people who are looking for a new pet.

But before making such a big decision, consider solving whatever problem you are having with keeping your dog.

Either way, keep your chin up!

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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41 thoughts on “Want to Give Your Dog Away? Read This First!”

  1. I have a five year old Boston Terrier. He has lots of energy and I don’t. He was primarily my husband’s dog and he would walk him etc. My husband passed away and I can not take care of of him. He needs to live where he has a yard. I am in a condo. He likes people but plays rough. He does not like other dogs and only wants to fight them. He is a sweet boy and needs a good home. Neuterd and up to date on all shots.

  2. We took on a beautiful female Labrador Retriever who’d apparently been dumped while in heat in her first year. Our male Australian Shepherd loved her. We had seven puppies, and now we’ve got to find her a new home. She is an indoor dog and our landlady doesn’t allow dogs inside. She is awesome with children and is quite well-behaved, but something of an escape artist who runs off with our dog and brings him home. He gets all covered with burrs on their forays, and we can’t keep doing this.

  3. I am seeking a new home for my dog. I’ve had him since birth, he is now 7. He’s a mixed breed male, very friendly and loves attention. I am unable to keep him in my new residence. It hurts so bad to have to rehome him.

  4. We have a Germen Shepard named Pazu. We do not have enough space in our house, and our yard does not have any shade. He is up-to-date on all of his medication and has had some training. We have not been able to care for him as we have had busy schedules. We would love to find someone who would be willing to take care of him and give him the things he needs. Does anyone have any suggestions for us?

  5. We have a 10 year old Cocker Spaniel. He is very healthy and very active. Has all checkups, shots up to date. He’s people and kid friendly as well.

    My heart is breaking apart. We are looking for a new family for him because we are moving out of country. We hope he will be happy with the new family. You can email me at khozha88@gmail.com

  6. I have a 15 year old Poodle. I love her very much but she is killing me. I am 71 and my wife is totally disabled. All of a sudden, my dog pees and poops in the house. This is even right after I take her out. This has never been a problem before.

    It isn’t because of my wife. She has been disabled for more than 10 years and the dog was always my pet. I am afraid I will hurt her because she tests my patience to the breaking point. I do not want to put her down. Any suggestions?

  7. I am in desperate need of finding my sweet dog Molly a home. She is a 4 year old Chiquaqua mix. She weighs 13 pounds and loves to play, walk and cuddle. She is a great little watch dog too. She would be a great fit for a single woman. Molly is also good with other dogs. Please reply if interested.

  8. I have a recently adopted a Chihuahua. We live in an apartment and this dog has way to much energy. I’m looking for someone who is kind, gentle and loving and has a yard.

    She is a little over a year and has all her shots, de-wormed, micro-chipped and is licensed. All I ask is that you be kind and patient for she is very energetic.

    It’s not fair for her to be inside so that is why I am doing this. Please help. We live in Pomona, California.

  9. I had been looking to adopt or buy a dog for while and now the opportunity has become available. My daughter’s friend would like to give me her dog because she can no longer keep him and wants to find him a loving home.

    I have Scotty and we all just fell in love with him and want to give him the love that he deserves. However, my fear is that after we get him the owner will change her mind and want him back which will break all of our hearts. What should I do to make sure that this does not happen?

  10. I have 2 dogs, a Maltese and a Maltipoo, who are 8 and 9 years old. They are like my children. I love them so much but I’ve had a lot of health problems and had to go on disability.

    My money situation and with me having to go to the doctor and hospital so much, I don’t no what to do. Perhaps I should get rid of them. They deserve a better home, yet it breaks my heart thinking about it. Please tell me what to do.

  11. We have an 8 month old Dutch Shepherd mix that needs an active human. Because of health issues, we just can’t give him the attention he needs. All his shots are current and he gets heartworm medication monthly.

    He’s also neutered and extremely loving. He’s just too much dog for us. I really don’t want to take him to a shelter but if we can’t find him a good home, we have no choice.

  12. My family and I decided to get a pet dog. We choose a Chocolate Labradoodle puppy. She is spayed, chipped, has all of her shots and has been well taken care of. She had lots of energy, is fun, house broken, pretty well trained and thinks she is a lap dog at 55 pounds.

    When she was about 7 months old I noticed I started having trouble breathing ( I have asthma) and my inhalers weren’t helping much. So, I read up on ways to keep her dander cleaned up as best as possible. Unfortunately, its not enough.

    We are approaching her 2nd birthday and I have to do my breathing treatments every 4 hours! We really need to find a good home for our beautiful girl and preferably one with a nice sized back yard so she can run around. Please help!

    1. Olive Davis says:

      I have a 21 acre farm, fenced with horse wire all around, and I have a security gate. I board horses so the dog would have to get along with horses. I also have one barn cat. The dog has a fenced in dog lot with house. I do not want a house dog. The dog would have the run of the property and a companion to me. I live in East Tennessee.

  13. Avoid Craig’s List and don’t post a pet for free. Bad people troll CL looking for free dogs to use as bait for fighting. Animal abusers also look for free dogs. Some people sell them to companies for lab testing. So-called flippers will look for free dogs so they can turn around and make a profit by selling them to the aforementioned bad people.

    A Texas woman was getting dogs off of CL and she even set up a rescue operation to collect money. Later it was found out that she would shoot them out on her property. Another family who gave their dog away ended up getting a call from the shelter months later. Their dog ended up being abused after posting a free ad. The stories go on and on.

    Rescues will help you re-home the pet, or keep looking until you find someone who will foster or adopt. If worse comes to worse, and you need to use CL, always ask for a re-homing fee. If someone cannot afford to pay the fee, then how are they going to take care of the dog?

    I have four dogs and two cats. I can tell you that vet bills, flea prevention, good food, toys, and other supplies don’t come cheap. If someone is willing to pay a re-homing fee, chances are they are serious about providing a good home for the pet.

  14. My wife and I just had twins and are looking for an apartment. We have two friendly spayed and neutered dogs. We will miss them but they need a new home so we can find our new home. One is a female Blue Nose Terrier, and the other is a male Beagle/Boston Terrier. If anyone wants loyal, active and protective dogs you can email: Jonathanupegui@aol.com

  15. I am in a bad spot. I am expecting a baby in 4 and a half months. I feel that I cannot take care of a dog anymore once the baby comes. She needs attention all the time and isn’t well potty trained. My husband is insisting he will not give her up even though he works full-time and I take care of her all day. We’ve been dead locked on this for months. Any comment or suggestion would help.

  16. I am in a pickle. Lucy is a loving dog of mixed breed. We have been told that she is part long-haired Dachshund and part Corgi. She is about the size of a Beagle. We are not home much, my husband works and I am on dialysis. She spends way too much time cooped up. I feel bad for her and it also makes for a very bored doggy. Our two year old grandchild is afraid of her so she spends even more time confined when the baby is over.

    Please help! I don’t want to take her to a shelter. She is a russet color, very soft and her age is about 8 to 10 years. She loves being a lap dog! We live near Denver, Colorado.

  17. I have 2 German Shepherds that are 5 years old. They’re named Rico and Jerzy. They were trained at Georgia K9 and are very obedient. They are loving and best friends. We hope that we can find them a home that will take them both. They have been together since being puppies.

    They have full American Kennel Club (AKC) papers and are up-to-date regarding health. My wife and I are in a smaller home with almost no back yard and we travel quite a bit. We love them, but feel bad that they spend so much time alone.

  18. I’m desperately looking for a home for my pets. I have to move out of my home in 2 weeks and the apartment I am moving to does not accept pets. I have two cute small male Chihuahua / Terrier mixes. One looks like a Chihuahua and one looks like a Terrier.

    Both dogs are neutered. All shots up to date and they are micro-chipped. I also have two female long hair Calico cats, under a year old, that are spayed with all shots up to date. If anyone is interested in giving them a good home, please email me at: tmrigali@gmail.com

  19. My mother-in-law is moving into a condo that does not allow pets. She has a male dog, a three year old King Charles Spaniel, that needs to find a new home. She is moving in a month and just wants a home for it. Thanks!

  20. I have a 9 year old German Shepherd to give, for free, to a good home. I’m moving into a flat so I can’t take her with me. She’s very good-natured, good with children and very placid. I’m hoping to move next week so it’s quite urgent that she gets rehomed soon. Many thanks!

  21. My children and I are moving and I’ve taken on a larger role at work. We’re no longer able to give our Cockapoo the care and attention he deserves. He is a very lovable and energetic 2 1/2 year old male. We would love to find him a good home.

    1. Do you still have your Cockapoo? I am a PE teacher and had a Cockapoo before and loved her! I would walk her daily and take excellent care of her.

  22. I rescued a stray and she needs a good home. I will give her a bath, you can have the bowls and leash and whatever food that’s left. She is not house broken but she’s free of charge!

  23. Hi. I rescued a puppy 2 days ago. I’m not sure of the breed, she’s sandy and black in color with white paws, kind of like a Beagle. She’s playful but looked a bit scared in the beginning. It only took a day for her to feel warm. My building doesn’t allow dogs and I work shifting hours either night or day. So every time I leave for work, the dog cries and creates disturbance to my next door neighbors. Can anyone tell me where I can send the dog? Please email me at blinker182003@yahoo.com

  24. I have a 3 year old Pit Bull who I rescued and now I am regretting taking this on. I have 5 kids and 3 dogs. It is too overwhelming and I cannot give Molly the attention she deserves. We are never home. She is good with kids and is very friendly, almost too friendly sometimes. Please let me know if anyone would be willing to take her and love her like she deserves.

  25. I need a home for young adult 98 pound white pure German Shepherd. He is beautiful, neutered, house-trained, crate-trained, current on shots and has no known health issues. He’s very smart with a few tricks and basic commands already learned. He has been in a foster home but his owner had to move out of state.

  26. I’m looking for a home for my Lab and Cocker Spaniel mix. She’s always been a house dog but we had a fire and can no longer keep her where I’m staying. She is free, sweet, friendly and a very good watch dog.

  27. I have a mixed Lab/Australian Sheppard. I got him from a stranger giving away pups at the Bellevue Splash and Dash last year. He is very active and good with people. I can’t seem to train him not to jump all over you, but he is not good with other dogs at all. I need to re-home him as I cannot take proper care in regards to exercise and play, etc. as I have breathing issues. He needs a loving home and lots of space which I don’t have.

  28. Hello I have 2 obedient girl dogs both almost 4 years old. They are sisters mix Golden/Cocker. They’re also bathroom trained outside. I cannot take them with me when I move and I am devastated. I am going into law school. Please help. Free to a good home!

  29. I have a 9 year old Rottweiler named Brusco. He is a big dog, 160 pounds, but very lovable. I am in the process of moving and have no one to take him and unfortunately I cannot bring him with me. This is not an easy decision by any means. I would like to find a good loving home hopefully with a lot of land.

  30. I have two small dogs that need a loving home. They are both girls and are about 2 months old. If interested please contact: ilive4softball20@aol.com

  31. Gwendolyn says:

    I am looking for a good home for my 4 year old Dachshund mix Terrie. No money required. She is potty trained, she is active, she is very sweet and friendly. Please help. You can reach me, Gwendolyn, at: grvillavaso@hotmail.com

  32. I have three dogs and recently accepted a new job in a different state. I currently have my house up for sale, but in the mean time have to rent an apartment until my house sells. My problem is that apartments only allow two dogs. I have to find a home for one of my dogs.

    They are all Welsh Terriers and I am wanting to find a home for the oldest dog. He is well groomed, well mannered and is crate trained. Please contact me if you like an older mature pet. He is a small dog that weighs 20 pounds.

    1. Hello Alex. Are you still needing to rehome your Welsh Terrier? I’d love to see pictures if you have any. I have had at least 1 and up to 7 terriers at once in my 60 years.

      I lost by beloved Jack Russell Terrier 3 years ago to cancer. She was my shadow 24/7 for 17 years. My husband has a 20 pound, 2 year old female Fox Terrier who wants a companion to walk, ride bicycles, and play chase with.

      We carry health insurance on our babies, feed and snacks are healthy, teeth cared for, etc. After all, they are our family for as long as they live. I would be happy to keep you updated with pictures, any events and dog tales if you would like.

      We do not have a vehicle, but could probably bum a ride if you are not more than 3 to 4 hours away. We are native Texans presently staying in Delta, Utah with my husband’s brother. I hope to hear from you soon. You can email me at seeasi@gmail.com or call my husband Billy’s at 435-851-7018.

  33. I am looking for a good home for my 9 year old spayed female yellow Labrador. She is an amazing, obedient well trained dog. If interested please text or call 904-826-7761. She is located in Saint Augustine, Florida.

  34. I am an animal rescuer, worldwide. Yes, you can give even your children away if you really want. It’s your choice. But let me tell you, dogs have feelings and I have met dogs who died of broken hearts. Not once or twice, quite a few times. I saw dogs really taking a long time getting over this change.

    So before getting a dog think twice, they are living beings and do feel. Even though there are those who are far too blind to see, they will tell you that is okay and dogs feel nothing at all. Well, from experience of over 50 years with dogs, it’s a sad situation for them most of the time.

    1. I have two big dogs. I’m now single and both my dogs are nearly three. My life has changed dramatically in the last three months. I absolutely spoil and care for my dogs and I feed them well.

      Because my life has changed I feel sometimes I’m neglecting them and it makes me sad. I can not walk both dogs at the same time. It is too difficult and they need training in walking and socializing with other dogs.

      I am thinking of giving them away to someone who would take both. It would be great if they could be on a big property where they can run and play and be happy. Is it selfish to keep my dogs and not walk them a lot. I’m just really concerned if this is affecting them because sometimes its hard.

      1. I wish people would put as much thought into getting a new puppy as they do when having a baby. Dogs should not be disposable.

    2. Hi Buffy. I’m a kind of an animal lover myself but I gave my Lab away to my next door neighbor. I know what you’re thinking right now. My reason is I have major depression and short term memory loss. Living by myself, most of the time I only eat Ramen noodles. I barely make one thousand dollars and my rent is 850. My Lab eats three times more than me. I can’t even take care of myself, so I think giving him to my neighbor is best for him.

      1. You absolutely did the right thing. I commend you for realizing you could not manage and then found your dog a new home. At least he is close by, so hopefully you can see him from time to time.

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