How to rehome a pet without going through a shelter
You can help a pet in your community find the right home
You probably know someone who's had to — or will have to — rehome a dog or cat. And when that moment comes, what you know could be what that animal and their family needs.
Rehoming a pet is often the most responsible thing a family can do. Pets who move directly from one home to another skip the stress, health risks, and behavioral strain of a shelter stay.
The family rehoming the pet knows their animal better than anyone — their quirks, their routine, the kind of home that would be best for them. They might just need a neighbor who knows what to share.
What happens when communities like yours make rehoming easier
At Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Texas, people who need to give up their pets are walked through a checklist: Post the pet on a pet rehoming platform, share on social media, document the pet's personality. And more often than not, the shelter appointment to surrender the pet never happens because the family found a new home on their own.
"Nobody knows the needs of the next home for this pet better than they do. And probably nobody's going to care more about this pet going to a home that's a good fit than they do."
This means fewer pets in shelters, faster matches, and families who feel supported instead of judged. Last year, the Williamson County shelter saved 97% of the more than 7,000 pets who came through their doors, well above the 90% no-kill benchmark. Communities in
What you can do to help rehome pets in your community
Pet rehoming resources for you and your neighbors in your community
Common questions about rehoming a dog or cat
Is it cruel to rehome a dog or cat?
Rehoming a pet is often the most responsible choice a family can make when they find themselves unable to care for their pet. Pets thrive in stable home environments, and a thoughtful rehoming process helps find a good fit for the pet.
Should I rehome my dog or cat?
If your living situation, health, or finances have changed in ways that affect your pet's care and well-being, rehoming might be the right choice. But it's worth exhausting other options first, including behavior support, pet food assistance, and temporary fostering. Nobody knows your pet or your circumstances better than you do.
What is the best way to rehome a dog or cat?
Post on a free pet rehoming platform like adoptapet.com/rehome or home-home.org. Share on social media and local neighborhood groups. And write a detailed bio that captures your pet's personality, quirks, and ideal home. For a step-by-step guide, see Best Friends' full rehoming resource at bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/rehoming-pet-finding-good-new-home.
What is a rehoming fee for a dog?
A rehoming fee is charged to potential adopters to help offset costs like vaccines or veterinary care and to help ensure that the pet is going to someone committed to adopting a pet. It's not required, but many people find it helpful. Some shelters, including Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Texas, reduce their rehoming fee when people complete steps like posting on a rehoming platform or sharing on social media because those steps often lead to a match before the appointment to surrender the pet to the shelter even happens.
Shelters and rescue groups in your community need caring people like you to adopt, foster, donate, volunteer, and advocate to help save the lives of pets.
When you give us your email address, we'll send you a list of shelters where you live. We'll continue to share more about how you can help save the lives of homeless pets.
