Alternatives to surrendering

We know that sometimes it’s just not possible to keep a pet. Before making the call to surrender your pet to a stressful shelter environment, we ask that you please consider all of the information below.

Finding your pet a new home

Nobody knows your pet better than you! You can provide the best description of their personality and pictures of them in a home setting for potential adopters. Additionally, you would be most knowledgeable when talking to a potential new owner about whether the animal would be a good fit for them. Rehoming your pet this way allows them to stay at home in comfortable surroundings while you select the home that you think will be the best for them. This also leaves one more opening at MAPS for those animals without someone to advocate for them.

Increase your pet’s adoptability and spread the word

The following are some tips to try to rehome your pet:

• Give yourself time to rehome your pet. It can often take weeks to months to find the best home for your pet.

• Increase your pet's adoptability by having it spayed or neutered and groomed. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations.

• Spread the word to increase your chances of finding the right home for your pet. Reach out to your friends, family and co-workers. Social media can be a great place to share this information, in addition to neighborhood apps like Nextdoor.

• You can also use the Adopt-A-Pet rehoming tool, which gives pet owners the ability to be more involved with the adoption, and it's simple to use! Set up a pet profile, and interested people apply. Adopt-A-Pet has staff who review posts to prevent abuse such as breeder sales — making it a safer alternative to other online marketplaces, such as Craigslist. We strongly encourage all owners to post their healthy, friendly pets on this site as a first step.

• Use caution when considering unknown individuals or families as your pet’s new owners. Hold the initial meeting in a public place and ask questions to screen potential adopters. (Are there other pets in the house? Are they spayed or neutered? Are there children in the home? Are other household members on board with getting a new pet?)

• Share your expectations for your pet’s new home. If you wish to stay in touch with your pet's new family, make that clear up front.

Never abandon your animal! MAPS is here to help. Call us! 715-486-5140

If you're unable to personally find a new home for your pet, contact us
to discuss your situation. Review our surrender process.