Need to Rehome your pet?

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We Understand That Life Changes

Making the decision to find a new home for your pet can be difficult. Changes in housing, finances, heath, family circumstances, or a pet’s medical or behavioral needs can create situations where keeping a pet becomes challenging.

 

At Humane Society of Parkersburg, our goal is to help pets remain with their families whenever possible and to support responsible rehoming when it is not.

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Before considering surrendering your pet to a shelter, we encourage you to explore alternatives that may allow your pet to transition directly into another home.

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Why Try Rehoming First?

A direct placement from one home to another can often reduce stress for pets and may improve outcomes by allowing adopters to learn directly from the current owner.

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National animal welfare data continues to show that owner surrender remains one of the leading reasons pets enter shelters, making proactive rehoming efforts an important tool in reducing shelter crowding and helping more animals remain in homes.

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Steps to take to rehome your pet:

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Step 1: Create a Rehoming Profile

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You know your pet better than anyone.

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Click here to create a rehoming profile through our partner, Adopt A Pet.  While there is a small fee for listing your pet on this site, you can utilize coupon code HSOP183915 to receive a discount up to 90%.

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Include:

• Recent, clear photos

• Age, breed, and size information

• Vaccination and medical history

• Temperament and behavior details

• Information about children, dogs, cats, and household experience

• Favorite activities and routines​

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The more complete and accurate your profile is, the better the opportunity to find a successful match.

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Step 2: Explore Support Resources

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Many situations that lead to rehoming can sometimes be addressed with support.

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Be sure to consider whether any of these resources could help:

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• Spay and neuter assistance

• Veterinary care resources

• Training and behavior support

• Temporary pet food assistance

• Housing-related pet resources

• Short-term foster support through family or friends

 

The Humane Society of Parkersburg and our team may be able to provide guidance or referrals, feel free to reach out during business hours.

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Step 3: Reach Out to the Original Source of Adoption

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If your pet was adopted from a shelter, rescue, breeder, or other organization, review any adoption paperwork.

Some organizations require notification or may offer return assistance, temporary support, or placement help.

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Step 4: Ask People You Know

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Many successful rehoming placements happen through personal connections.

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Tell trusted friends, relatives, coworkers, neighbors, and community groups that your pet is looking for a home. People who already know your pet—or know you—may be more comfortable adopting.

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Step 5: Share Responsibly Online

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Social media can expand your reach and connect your pet with interested adopters.

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When posting:

• Use recent photos

• Describe your pet accurately

• Explain what type of home would be the best fit

• Request references when appropriate

• Meet adopters safely​

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Avoid “free to good home” language and screen interested adopters carefully.

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