by Jules Roberts

Created on: November 07, 2008

Sometimes the biggest demonstration of love for our pet is when we admit that we cannot keep them. The pet may be in a situation where we can no longer provide for its needs, and keeping it may result in the pet suffering. It would be a wonderful world indeed if love was enough, but sadly our pets cannot happily live on our love alone. They must also have an adequate diet, suitable shelter, enough time and attention and medical care as well.

If you are in a situation where you are considering giving up a pet it is a very tough place to be. It may feel that there is no alternative. In some cases there may be other alternatives and in other cases there may not. So lets think it through;

1. Giving up a pet for financial reasons.

This depends on how severe the financial problems are. If you can no longer afford basic things vital to your pets survival (such as food or medical care) your pet will be more likely to suffer by remaining with you. However, if it is a one-off medical bill there may be help at hand. Ring around animal welfare charities and find out if they can help towards the cost or if they can recommend another agency that can. Some animal charities are keen to help the pet remain with the owner (rather than have the pet end up in their system) and so may help with bills. Its always worth a try.

2. Giving up a pet for behavioural problems.

Some pets can overcome their behavioural problems through advice and training. It might be worth asking the vet for advice and referral to a professional who specialises in pets behaviour problems. This is likely to cost you in money and time and effort, but the result may be a pet who overcomes their behaviour problem. Though there are no guarantees, at least your pet will have had the opportunity to improve. If you are going to re-home a pet with behavioural problems be sure to disclose the problems to whoever is taking them on.

3. Giving up a pet due to illness or allergy.

In some cases of illness it may be possible to pay for someone else to care for your pet. If you just need somebody to walk your dog, for example. In other cases it just may not be possible to keep the pet whatsoever. In cases of allergy, if the presence of the pet is seriously affecting another member of the household you are really left with no choice but to re-home the pet.

4. Giving up a pet due to bereavement.

Sometimes a death affecting the household can mean that the pet is left homeless and you may be trying to re-home a pet of a loved one who

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