I would like to start a discussion about owner surrenders involving dogs that were adopted from a rescue only a few months earlier.
As a rescue, we will always take one of our dogs back. We never want a dog we rescued and saved to be returned to the shelter system, placed in an overcrowded kennel, and potentially end up on a euthanasia list. However, what happens when the rescue is already at maximum capacity?
Today, I received a message from a family who adopted one of our dogs five months ago. We had several applications for this particular dog, and after careful consideration, we believed this family was the best fit. The adopter and her adult son seemed committed, and they even enrolled the dog in training classes and put time and effort into working with him.
Now, five months later, I am being told, "My son doesn't have time for the dog." The mother also explained that she is an indoor person, the dog likes to play in the mud, and she cannot keep up with cleaning the house every day.
This is extremely disheartening. These are not new or unexpected behaviors. Dogs require time, exercise, patience, cleaning, and a long-term commitment. Meanwhile, our rescue is full, but we also cannot allow one of our former dogs to be put back into a shelter where his life could be at risk.
How are other rescues handling situations like this? Do you require the adopter to foster the dog until another home is found? Do you place returned dogs on a waiting list while helping the family rehome responsibly? Do you charge a return or boarding fee when an adopter is unwilling to keep the dog temporarily?
We will always honor our commitment to our dogs but rescues also need a realistic process that protects the returned dog without placing every animal currently in care at risk.
#Rehoming------------------------------
Debi Olivas
Elle's House
Founder
Bakersfield, CA
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