by Brenda Nelson

Created on: March 27, 2009

It is something none of us ever want to think of doing, but for some people situations occur that do not allow them to keep their pet. If this person is you, and you now find yourself in the terrible spot of having to give up, or get rid of, a beloved pet, you need to read this information.

1. Make an honest assessment of your pet. An old large breed dog, who does not tolerate strangers, will not likely find a home. An unfixed male cat, beyond the age of a few years, who tends not to use the litter box, is not very adoptable. The pets who are most likely to get a home are the young ones, or with dogs, smaller, non-shedding breeds, or animals of some unique quality. If you are honest about your pets chances in the shelter, you may come to the conclusion that it is more humane to have a veterinarian euthanize the pet while it is still in your care rather than placing the burden on to the shelter. Once in the shelter, you pet may become severely stressed while waiting for "the inevitable" to happen. Giving away as "free to good home" might not see your pet going to an actual good home.

2. Consider all Options. You may have a family member, or friend, who wants the pet. If your problem is landlord approval, you may select to move (and can keep the pet in a kennel until you can do so). If the problem is allergies, talk to a doctor about better allergy medications. One caution is that (as mentioned above) many of the "good homes" are not so good after all. Unless you are willing to check out the home in question, never give the pet away to a stranger.

3. Call the Shelter in Advance. Many shelters keep waiting lists for people looking for specific types of animals. If your pet is an unusual breed, or species, it may be that the shelter has somebody waiting who they can put you in touch with. Most shelters only do this if the pet is spayed or neutered. When you call the shelter in advance, they can suggest a good time or day for you to bring the pet. Most shelters will accept pets at any time, but certainly would prefer some notice. No-Kill shelters typically have "waiting lists" for admitting pets, and only accept pets when they have room.

4. Help Your Pet. A pet who is spayed or neutered and vaccinated will not cause additional expense on the shelter, so if it is friendly and gentle it can usually go up for adoption quickly. When shelters pick what pets to keep, with all things being equal, pets who are already medically up to date, will be given preference over one

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