At PetBridge, we support animal shelters across the country with software designed to simplify intake, improve outcomes, and keep pets in loving homes whenever possible. That mission extends to pet owners, too, especially those facing difficult choices.
If you’re thinking about surrendering your pet due to financial stress, housing issues, or other life changes, you’re not alone. Before you make that decision, there may be support systems and solutions available to help keep your pet safe and by your side.
This guide provides practical steps, resources, and options for pet owners because sometimes a little help can make all the difference.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Many pet owners face the same obstacles. The good news is, there may be local or national support available for:
Housing Changes or Restrictions
- Talk with landlords about pet deposits, references, or breed-specific policies.
- Call your area humane society or rescue and ask them if they have temporary foster programs for people with housing changes, or if they can direct you to an area resource that does.
Financial Stress or Job Loss
- Many shelters and nonprofits offer free or low-cost pet food, vaccines, and vet care.
- Short-term assistance is often available for emergencies or transitional periods.
Behavior or Training Issues
- Many rescues offer behavioral consults or referrals for support, reach out to your area animal welfare league or rescue group to ask if they provide training opportunities for pet owners.
- Your pet’s behavior may improve with low-cost or even free online training sessions.
Community Resources That May Help
While national programs exist, local support is often the most helpful. Here are a few places to start:
- Pet Food Pantries – Many shelters and churches offer free supplies.
- Low-Cost Veterinary Clinics – You can search a trusted national directory of financially-friendly veterinary clinics and pet services via Pet Help Finder to locate affordable options near you.
- Temporary Foster Networks – Some rescue groups can help by placing pets in temporary foster care while owners get back on their feet.
Tip: Try searching “pet assistance [your city/state]” or contact your local shelter to discover what is available in your area.
How to Find a Temporary Home for Your Pet
Sometimes, what you need most is time. If you’re looking for someone to care for your pet temporarily:
- Ask trusted friends, family, or coworkers.
- Post in local Facebook pet or neighborhood groups like NextDoor.
- Contact local rescues, as many have emergency fostering programs.
Be honest about your situation, your timeline, and your pet’s needs. A clear plan makes it easier for others to help.
How Shelters Can Help Keep Pets with Their People
At PetBridge, we believe prevention is just as important as intervention. That’s why we encourage shelters and animal welfare organizations to:
- Provide clear information about community resources
- Promote surrender prevention on their websites and social media
- Use tools like PetBridge to track intakes, connect people with help, and reduce unnecessary surrenders.
When Surrender Is Still the Right Option
If you’ve explored every other option and still feel that surrendering your pet is the most responsible choice, you're not alone. There are steps you can take to help ensure your pet lands somewhere safe and supported.
Here are a few ways to begin the process:
- Contact Local Shelters Directly – Many accept surrenders by appointment or on a limited basis. Call ahead to ask about their process, waitlists, or alternate suggestions.
- Reach Out to Breed-Specific or Foster-Based Rescues – Some organizations focus on specific breeds or types of pets and may be better equipped to take in your animal or help you rehome them.
- Ask Your Vet or Local Humane Society for Referrals – Veterinarians and shelter staff often have relationships with rescues, foster networks, or pet placement services that aren’t widely advertised.
- Use Trusted Rehoming Platforms – Sites like Rehome, by Adopt-a-Pet, allow you to create a profile for your pet and match them with a new home safely, with guidance and support throughout the process.
- Be Honest and Detailed in Any Outreach – When reaching out to rescues or potential adopters, sharing your pet’s medical history, personality, and any challenges upfront helps set them up for long-term success.
You're Not Alone in This Decision
We encourage you to visit our Surrender Status Map regularly to see current shelter participation. This tool is growing and will soon offer more real-time availability to reduce stress and guesswork for pet owners in need.
Across the country, animal shelters and rescue organizations are facing unprecedented levels of overcrowding, with many operating at or beyond capacity. At the same time, pet owners are navigating increasingly complex challenges—rising housing costs, limited pet-friendly rentals, economic instability, and personal health issues—that can make it difficult to keep a beloved pet at home. For some, the heartbreaking decision to surrender or rehome a pet feels like the only option. It’s important to recognize that these struggles are not uncommon, and pet owners facing them are not alone. Responsible pet ownership isn’t just about keeping a pet under your roof—it’s also about exploring every avenue to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being, even in difficult times.
Surrendering a pet is never easy but being informed and intentional about the process makes a difference for both you and your pet.
