Deciding to rehome a pet is hard, and looking for the right next step shows how much you care. Enter your ZIP code to find shelters and rescues near you that may be able to help.
WeRescue does not take in or place pets ourselves, but we can point you to the local shelters and rescues that do.
If you adopted from a shelter or rescue, contact them first. Many will take the pet back or help find a new home, and some adoption contracts ask you to.
There are rescues just for rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and specific dog breeds. They often have waiting lists of adopters who want exactly your kind of pet.
Gather vet records, your pet's age, temperament, and any behavior notes. The more a shelter knows, the better the match they can make.
Many shelters accept surrenders by appointment only, and some keep a waiting list. A quick call saves a wasted trip.
Work with a shelter or rescue that screens adopters, starting with the one you adopted from if you have one. Be honest about your pet's health and behavior, share their records, and give yourself as much time as you can. A shelter or rescue can check that a new home is a good fit, which is hard to do when giving a pet to a stranger online.
Many shelters and rescues accept pets from owners, but it depends on their space, the kind of animal, and their intake rules. Most ask you to call or fill out a surrender form first, and some have a waiting list. City and county shelters are often open admission, while private rescues usually take pets only when they have room.
Call several shelters and rescues near you on the same day, explain your timeline, and ask who has space. If you adopted your pet, contact that organization first. Ask friends and family as well, and ask shelters whether they offer help such as pet food or vet care that could give you a little more time.
Yes, and a rescue that specializes in that animal is usually the best place to start. Rabbit, guinea pig, bird, and other small animal rescues often have adopters waiting. They appear in the ZIP code search on this page alongside general shelters.
No, WeRescue does not take in, place, or rehome animals. WeRescue is a free website and app that lists adoptable pets from more than 4,000 shelters and rescues. This page helps you find the ones near you so you can contact them directly.
Have your pet's vet records, age, temperament, and any behavior notes ready before you call. Shelters will also ask whether your pet is spayed or neutered, how they do with other animals and children, any medical needs, and why you are rehoming. Clear, honest answers help them find the right home faster.
Some shelters charge a surrender fee and others do not, so ask when you call. Where there is a fee, it helps cover your pet's care while they wait for a new home.
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