Surrendering your dog

In addition to taking in dogs from high-kill shelters, Fetch works with individuals who have made the challenging decision to rehome their dog. For dogs that are a match for our foster program, we will take them into foster care until adoption. For dogs not suitable for our foster program, owners can list the dog's bio on our Dogs In the Community adoption page. We will interview and screen applicants for those dogs and owners will have the final decision regarding adoption. Owners - please consider our Dogs in the Community page before posting your dog on any public forums. There are bad people out there - let us help you rule them out. 

Please note that we do ask for a $50 donation for dogs we are able to take into foster care and adopt out through Fetch. This helps us offset a small portion of behavior and vetting costs associated with helping out local dogs.

A NOTE ABOUT SURRENDERING

We see a high volume of requests come through so before surrendering your dog, read through these common misconceptions we hear from others who have gone down the same path. Our goal is to help you understand all of your options, before making this tough decision.

  1. I've tried everything. We know it may get to a point where it seems like you've exhausted your options, but trust us, there's probably something we can help with that you haven't thought of yet. We have trainers with proven results that we can refer you to that will help you get results with your dog. Not only will they help you understand what your dog is thinking, but they'll also show you what you're doing to contribute to the issue. Often times it's the hoomans that need the work.

  2. I don't have the time to train my dog. Good news here - it's probably way less time than you think. Training your dog is less about dedicated time practicing each day, and more about adapting your behavior within the things you already do to be consistent for your dog. We have how-to videos, books, articles, and more so that you can do the work from the comfort of your own home.

  3. My dog would be better off with someone else who has time. Maybe, maybe not. A transition to a new home is hard on a dog, especially if they've been with you for years. Consider their view - they've been going about their life doing what they think you want them to do, relying on you for everything they need, and then one day they are dropped off in a new place only to have to start over and understand the world all over again. It's stressful. They don't process the world like we do. And remember, there are thousands of other people out there thinking someone like you would be perfect for their dog. The sad truth is that there are more dogs than homes.

  4. I can't give them the attention they need. Dogs don't need much on a daily basis. A walk, some pets, snuggles on the couch, maybe 5 min to practice some tricks. Most dog owners work full-time. If time is your biggest worry, try to incorporate your dog into your normal routine. Take a family walk to tire both dogs and kids out, have you and your kids hide treats around the house for your dog to sniff out, take a conference call outside with your dog by your side to get them some fresh air, let them ride along in the car with the window down while you're grabbing drive-through. These small things will go a long way to keeping their brain stimulated.

  5. My dog is unpredictable. We've worked with many trainers over the years and have found this to rarely be the case. While it's possible your pup truly is unpredictable, we recommend making a journal of the events leading that lead up to your dog acting out - you'll likely find some insightful patterns there. This will help you understand how to manage the situation so that behavior doesn't occur. All of us here at Fetch have dogs we manage. While it seems like work, it's an important part of owning an animal and building good habits around that. Remember that dogs don't understand language and context - we have to create the environment that doesn't require that.

  6. There’s another home out there that can give my dogs all the things I can’t. Simply not true. Nearly a million animals are euthanized in shelters each year*. We have a considerable shortage of good homes out there, especially those “without kids or other pets but with lots of room to run”. Spend some time thinking about how you can be a great home for your dog. The changes might not be as hard as you think.

You might be thinking - ok, I want to try to work with my dog - but I have some questions and I need help! - contact us. We'll help in any way we can! A dog that stays in their home is just as much of a win for rescue as one that gets placed in one. Thanks in advance for giving it a try - we're with you!

If you still feel like you can't do it, or circumstances are out of your control, and you want to have your dog considered for surrender to Fetch - please fill out the form below. This will allow us to get information about your dog, as well as help you understand your options regarding their rehoming. 

*Source - World Animal Foundation

Surrender of Ownership Form

Please complete this form if you’d like Fetch to consider taking your dog. Note that we are unable to take and/or post dogs with a history of bites or aggression.

All requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on available resources at the time of the request. Fetch cannot accommodate all requests that we get, but we will try our hardest to help you find the best option for your dog. As a foster home based rescue that does not have a shelter the ability to take any dog into Fetch’s care is also dependent on the availability of a foster home. Placement may take several weeks at a minimum.