How to rehome a dog safely
Updated November 8, 2026
Rehoming a dog yourself usually means less stress for the dog than a shelter stay, and you get to choose who takes them. It takes some preparation. Here's the order that works.
1. Be sure rehoming is the answer
Many dogs are given up over problems that can be solved: a landlord's rule, a vet bill, barking, pulling on the lead. Spend a day on the help that's out there before you decide. If you're rehoming because of aggression toward people, talk to your vet or a certified behaviour consultant first: you'll need to tell any adopter, and some dogs need a specialist rescue.
2. Get your dog ready
- Vet records: vaccines, spay or neuter, any conditions and medicines. Ask your vet's office for a printout.
- Microchip: note the number and registry, so you can transfer it at handover.
- Photos: daylight, eye level, a clear face shot, a full-body shot, and one doing what they love.
- A short video of your dog meeting a visitor or playing helps adopters picture them at home.
3. Write an honest profile
Say how they are with children, other dogs, cats and strangers, how much exercise they need, and anything that would surprise a new owner. An honest profile brings fewer enquiries, but they're the right ones. Our profile writer gets you started.
4. Start with people you know
Ask friends, family, coworkers, your vet, groomer and dog walker. A home you already know is the safest home, and you're more likely to hear how your dog is doing.
5. Post a listing
Choose a site that keeps your email and phone number private and screens messages for scams, such as The nØkill Network. Breed rescues are worth contacting too: they know the breed and have foster homes.
6. Screen adopters
Talk on the phone before you meet. Ask about their home and yard, who lives there, other pets, their landlord's pet policy, their past dogs and what they'd do if it didn't work out. Trust your instincts: you can say no to anyone.
Be careful with anyone who won't talk by phone, wants to send a courier, offers to pay more than you asked, or asks you to pay for shipping or insurance. Those are scams.
7. Meet, then hand over
Meet somewhere public, or at your home with someone else there. If it feels right, agree on a short trial and put the handover in writing: both names, the dog's details, and that the dog comes back to you if it doesn't work out. Many owners ask a modest rehoming fee, which puts off people looking for free dogs to resell; some give it to a rescue.
8. Make the first week easier
Send their food, bed, a toy that smells of home, their lead and records. Transfer the microchip to the new owner the same day. Then let them go: a clean goodbye is easier on your dog than repeated visits.