Options for Rehoming A Dog
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It can be a challenging proposition to rehome a dog, especially one with major health or behavior problems. Here are options to consider when you must give up your dog:

​1. Return to the breeder, shelter, or rescue group you acquired them from.

​​2. Place them with a trusted friend or family member. Well-loved, well-behaved, healthy dogs usually have a circle of admirers who would jump at the chance to adopt.

3. Advertise for someone to adopt them, however this can be risky in this day and age.

​​4. Take them to a good shelter or rescue. There are thousands of excellent dog adoption services around the country. Many provide medical treatment for at least some of the dogs in their care that owners couldn’t afford. The best have behavior departments or working relationships with qualified professionals to modify difficult behaviors in order to make dogs more likely to succeed in their next, hopefully final, homes. Not everything is fixable, and responsible groups still have to make difficult euthanasia decisions, but your dog might be one they can help.

​5. Have them euthanized / put to sleep. As painful as this, it may be the kindest thing you can do if your dog has significant health and/or behavior issues. It may not be realistic to ask someone else to care for such a dog, and she could be abused or neglected in the process. Dying peacefully in the arms of someone who loves her is better than dying neglected in someone’s backyard, or after spending weeks, months, or years in the stressful environment of a shelter.

​Of course No. 5 is a very last resort and for us never happens unless under the advise of our vet. There is always another way unless it means the dog will suffer mentally or physically to the point that its general welfare is at stake.