By Susan Spisak
Even the most devoted pet owners may face the painful decision to rehome their dog. Common reasons include divorce, financial hardship, a baby, newly developed allergies, serious illness, a move to assisted living or a nursing home, a job change requiring longer hours, and mismatched energy levels for the home.
For many families, surrendering a beloved pet is a tearful, deeply emotional decision. Kasey Bielecki, Marketing and Public Relations Manager for Pope Memorial Humane Society (PMHS) in Thomaston shared her insight from a shelter perspective: “Choosing to surrender a pet does not mean people have stopped caring. In many cases, it means they care enough to recognize that their pet needs something they can no longer provide.”
Many owners hesitate to surrender their dog to a shelter, fearing long days in a crate or kennel. So, they may turn to reluctant relatives, sometimes with poor results. In one case I know of, a family member left the dog in the elderly owner’s home during his long-term rehabilitation, stopping only once a day to feed and walk. The relative wasn’t looking out for the pet, and the owner had no idea. The dog was eventually surrendered to a rescue in poor condition, where it was groomed, fully vetted, and was matched to a loving home.
Many owners also turn to social media sights like Craigslist or Facebook, offering their beloved dog as “Free to a Good Home” or charging a small adoption fee to place him. This can be risky, and there are more than a few reasons why not to utilize social media.
Without the careful screening used by shelters and rescues, they may not know whether a potential adopter can afford routine or emergency veterinary care. Casual online inquiries can lead to impulse adoptions by those who do not fully understand the responsibility of caring for a dog. Even someone who sounds trustworthy may not be the right fit. For example, a kind-sounding grandmother could quickly decide the dog is too much to handle and post another ad to rehome your treasured pet.
Other dangers are even more alarming. Criminals search online for free or inexpensive animals to use in illegal dogfighting rings. Animal hoarders seek out pets to add to their collections. Class B dealers look for low-cost animals to resell to testing laboratories. You do not want your companion to end up in a traumatic or unsafe situation.
A reputable, trusted shelter or rescue is in your dog’s best interest. The staff and volunteers ensure he’ll get proper vetting, training, nourishment, socialization, and exercise. They are animal champions and will protect him until they find the best home. To do this, most criteria include an application process, background search, and reference checks.
Kasey wants to reassure those who aren’t confident that a shelter is the best option, “Our staff and volunteers [at PMHS] understand how difficult that decision can be, and there is no judgment. Our goal is to meet every person and pet with kindness. We care for every animal as if he were our own while working hard to find the home that is the right fit for him.”
Most shelters also require a thorough application before accepting a dog. If they do not, consider it a red flag and look elsewhere. At PMHS, the Animal Admissions program includes having relinquishers complete necessary forms to sign over ownership. They require an in-person appointment so staffers can learn as much as possible about the dog. These appointments help the shelter manage its population, prevent overcrowding, and ensure it has the resources to meet each animal’s needs.
A reputable rescue that also thoroughly screens relinquishing owners and has available foster homes can be an excellent option. This allows your dog to move directly into another caring household after seeing the veterinarian. Remember, if you adopted your pet through a rescue or shelter, check if they have return-to-rescue policies or alumni-support programs.
Whichever animal welfare organization you choose, your dog will receive attention and kindness from the staff and volunteers. Your dog may struggle at first but will adjust and thrive over time. Although saying goodbye is difficult, rehoming through a reputable shelter or rescue is often the safest, most responsible choice.
Google “Rescues in Maine” to search the many nonprofits that may be able to provide a new home for your dog. You can also find a comprehensive list of Maine rescues and shelters in petMAINE at www.petmaine.com. To find the shelter or humane society that serves your county, maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_welfare/animal_control_officers.shtml.