Pet Rehoming - This Page is Under Construction
Sometimes, it is not possible to keep your pet, but before making the decision to surrender to a shelter, please consider all your options. Having a pet can sometimes present challenges and we are here to help you find solutions to those challenges.
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Behavior AssistanceIf your pet is experiencing a challenging behavior, we may be able to help you resolve the issue and keep your beloved pet. Check out our Behavior Resources Library. Keep in mind many behavioral problems can be improved by having your pet spayed or neutered. Visit our Spay/Neuter page to learn about our Low Cost Voucher Program.
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Can’t Afford Veterinary CareContact SPCA Florida's Medical Center.
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Can't afford pet foodSPCA Florida has a pet food assistance program.
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Moving?This page can help you find a pet-friendly rental.
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+ Behavior Assistance (Drop down)
If your pet is experiencing a challenging behavior, we may be able to help you resolve the issue and keep your beloved pet. Check out our Behavior Resources Library (linked to Library Page)
Keep in mind many behavioral problems can be improved by having your pet spayed or neutered. Visit our Spay/Neuter page to learn about our Low Cost Voucher Program.
+ Can’t Afford Veterinary Care (Drop Down)
List of low cost vets and vaccine clinics with phone numbers
+ Can’t Afford Food (Drop down)
Link to our food assistance program
+ Moving? (Drop Down)
Link to Pet Friendly renting
+ Domestic or Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Domestic Violence
Red Rover
Provides pet-related resources and financial assistance for victims of domestic violence
Foster homes for active and retired soldiers and veterans
Dogs on Deployment
A foster resource for active military
Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet
Assists and supports active duty service members, wounded soldiers, and veterans, and their companion animals or assistance service canines.
Homelessness
Senior Citizens
Low Cost Veterinary Care
+ Found an Animal
Found a cat or dog or have taken in a stray?
Please note that any un-owned (had been in your care for under 4 days) animal is considered a stray. All stray animals, cats, dogs, or kittens should go through Polk County Animal Services PCAS). PCAS will hold a stray for the appropriate time allowing an owner to find their lost pet. You can also search for an owner through Nextdoor or Facebook lost and found pages.
Found a Kitten or kittens – Link to separate page with info
Found injured wildlife – Link to separate page with info
Outdoor Cats or kittens –
Stray Animal?
Did you find a lost pet in Polk County? We encourage you to look for the owners, using these Jacksonville tips and resources. (Use this linked info)
Polk County Animal Services is responsible for the intake of strays in Polk County. Call 863-577-1762, email animalcontrol@polksheriff.org orhttps://www.polksheriff.org/animal-services
Did you find kittens? We have options for you.
I found kittens.
When we find a litter of kittens, our good-hearted instincts tell us to jump in and help. Please don’t! Thankfully, human intervention is typically not required. In fact, the best thing you can do is leave the kittens alone. Mom will likely return shortly, and it’s critical that the kittens remain in her care as she offers the best chance for survival. If you are extremely certain that the kittens are orphaned, you can then step in and help by caring for the kittens until they’re old enough to find homes.
The chart below will help you determine what steps to take if you’ve found kittens.
We also recommend consulting this chart from Operation Catnip to determine whether or not the kittens you found need help.
Heroes keep kittens OUT of shelters. For help caring with your kitten, please use our resource library.
I need help with outdoor cats.
Whether you want to help outdoor cats or find them a nuisance, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the solution. This involves using a humane trap to trap the cat, bringing it to a clinic, having it spayed or neutered, and then returning the cat to where they were trapped. The cat will receive an “ear tip” to indicate it has been fixed. If you see a cat with an ear tip, leave it where it is.
Having fixed cats in the area prevents the birth of unwanted kittens and will stop other unfixed cats from entering the area.
Sometimes, you have no option but to surrender your pet. Before surrendering to a shelter
+ Re-Home your pet yourself (Drop down)
Give yourself time to re-home your pet. It can often take weeks to months to find it the best home.
Writing about 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. Ask your friends, family and co-workers to help. Social media (Post to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor) can be a great place to share this information, in addition to neighborhood apps.
You can also use the Adopt-A-Pet re-homing tool, which gives pet owners the ability to be more involved, 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.
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? Have you established a relationship with a veterinarian? Do you have a fenced in yard? How many hours a day will the animal be left alone?)
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.
Contact a breed specific rescue. Organized by people who have extensive knowledge of a specific breed, these groups provide a variety of opportunities for your pet, including the possibility of your pet staying in foster care until a new home is found. Petfinder.com
Create flyers and post them at church, your work, veterinary clinics, pet stores, coffee shops and other local shops. Make colorful and creative flyers highlighting special information about your pet.
• Be as descriptive as possible (name, weight, breed, gender, pet’s health, play habits, likes & dislikes)
• Tell a story – many write the story from the animal’s perspective.
• Include recent photo(s)
• Include your name and contact information (phone number / email address).
• Include the date you posted & date you need a home
https://www.postermywall.com/index.php/posters/search?s=pet
Describing Your Pet:
When writing a profile for your pet who needs a new home, you might be tempted to share all the reasons why you are rehoming your pet or share all the “negative” information up front. Don’t! Always be honest but always remain positive.
It’s important to remember that what might be negative to you may not matter to others. For example, a dog who does not like cats might make a perfect pet for someone with a cat allergy! Also, remember that the word “children” has a different meaning to everyone. Someone might consider an 18-year-old a “child” and see “no children” as a reason they cannot adopt, but your pet might only need a home without toddlers.
Use the profile to showcase your pet.
Remember that your pet’s personality is always a positive:
Instead of …
Try
Needs a lot of exercise
Will make a great running buddy
Is aggressive towards children
Needs a home without children
Needs a lot of attention
Loves people
Doesn’t get along with cats/dogs
Prefers to be your only pet
Don’t rule out adopters before they can contact you. You may think your dog would do best in a house with a yard, but what if someone lives in a condo with a dog park? Or someone who runs on the beach every day? Your cat might prefer someone who works from home – but what about someone who works part-time, or a house with lots of family members with someone usually at home? Be open-minded and encourage potential families to contact you.
Make sure you use an email address that you check regularly. The Rehome sites allows adopters to ask you questions using the platform and you should get an email to alert you. Don’t let questions go unanswered!
Here is an example of a positive description for a dog named Luna.
Luna needs a new home because she is not getting along with the three young children in the home. Her mom writes: Luna is a sweet and friendly dog who has lived with another dog and even a cat! She is very smart and would love an owner who can take her for walks and teach her tricks. She is housebroken and kennel trained. Luna is a very loyal dog. She is not pushy and will seek your affection on her own terms. Luna would prefer not to live in a home with small children. She is spayed, microchipped and up to date on her vaccines.
Most importantly – use quality pictures. The best profiles have a variety of pictures where you can clearly see the pet. We suggest at least four – one of the pet’s face, one of the pet with a family member or other pets, one that shows the pet’s size and a video if possible. Pictures should be in focus, colorful and without a filter.
+ Contact Other Shelters or rescues (Drop down)
As a managed admission shelter, we do fill up and may have to place your pet on a waiting list. If you do not have the time to wait, please see our Referral List of other no-kill shelters. Please take the time to reach out to all of them for help. All you need is one with a spot for your pet that can provide them a haven!
Page with list of local options
+ When all else fails
Our goal is to find a loving home for every healthy and treatable pet in our care. We achieve this by gathering information about the pets that come into our shelters during the pet surrender process, so please be prepared to share everything you know about the pet. Although we can’t guarantee placement for any pet, we do not euthanize for time or space, and we are proud to have placed more than 6,000 pets last year.
Owner Surrender:
Surrender form button
Surrender Form
If you have exhausted all your options and feel that you must surrender your pet complete the Surrender form/ Formulario de entrega (Link in Spanish and english)along with a current photo of each pet(s) you are looking to surrender and our team will contact you. We make appointments at leash 2 week out so that you have time to rehome or keep your pet with the resources we have available.
Prior to the appointment time we ask that you complete a Dog Personality (Air table link) or Cat Personality (Air table link) form so we can gather all the information we need and a future adopter might need about your pet. We also need a copy of your pet’s current vaccines, including their Rabies Certificate emailed to ERRA@
Our Personality Forms ask detailed information about your pet’s health, behavior, habits, likes, and dislikes. This is helpful for the people considering your pet for adoption and helps us decide what kind of home would be best for them. We also determine if your pet is a good candidate for our adoption program. Please be honest when answering these questions; let us know if your pet has a history of biting, refuses to use the litter box, has a serious or chronic medical condition, or any other problem. Know that we may not refuse an animal based on medical or behavioral issues, but we need to ensure we have the finances and ability to give your pet the care he/she needs and we will not place an animal for adoption that is ill or a danger to the community.
You will also need to send us a deposit to reserve your appointment.
The deposit is put towards the surrender fee when the animal is brought in for its scheduled appointment. Should you not show for your appointment, you will forfeit the deposit. Special accommodations will be considered based on circumstances. Surrender fees assist uncovering medical treatments and cost of care while the animal waits for its new home.
· Animals with medical records, $25 (or $45 for a litter)
· Animals with no medical records, $45 (or $75 for a litter)
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During your appointment staff will take a copy of your ID. If surrendering a dog our exam team and/or a canine team will assess your pet and aid us in deciding if we can or cannot take your pet in. If we can, we will collect any current medications, special food and collect the remainder of the surrender fee.
​Our team receives a high volumes of requests daily. We appreciate your patience. Calls and emails are returned in the order they were received. Thank you!
**Rehoming Assistance – If we are able to add a page to our website to help people? This is a page in which people can add their pets
If you feel that you are out of options and finding a new home is best for your pet, we encourage you to try rehoming your pet on your own rather than surrendering to our facility. We’re here to help! You can list your pet at no cost on the Community Pet Page of our website. It will be seen by the more than 30,000 visitors who come to our website each month.
To post your pet on our website, you will need to create a profile on Rehome.AdoptaPet.com. Through our unique partnership, all pets looking for new homes “by owner” will be featured on the JHS website. The Rehome website can help you handle the adoption process, provide access to safe meeting places at Petco stores and the adoption fee you charge can be donated to JHS so we can continue to help others.
View more tips on rehoming your pet.
Can we update something like this for us? Then link to the Found Kitten section and add our logo to the net one too
· Domestic or disaster situation
Families sometimes find themselves facing hardships that affect how and if they can continue to care for their pet. The resources listed below may help pet families address these challenges.
If you’re unable to find assistance through these resources and are no longer able to care for your pet, please review the process for surrendering your pet to SPCA Florida.
+Financial Assistance
My Pet Child
Lists national and local organizations that provide financial assistance for veterinary bills.
People and Pets Together
Provides pet food and basic supplies.
Rent Assistance by Zip Code:
https://www.rentassistance.us/
Low Income Housing:
https://www.publichousing.com/city/fl-lakeland
Are you facing eviction or at imminent risk of losing the place you’re staying? COMPLETE THE PRE-ASSESSMENT HERE
If you are experiencing homelessness (i.e. staying in your car, in a shelter, or sleeping outside) or are in a hotel PLEASE CALL HCPC AT 863-687-8386
Veterinary Partners
Organizations that provide financial assistance for veterinary bills.
+Domestic Violence
If you are in physical danger where you are staying or you are fleeing domestic violence PLEASE CALL THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE AT 863-413-2700
Red Rover
Provides pet-related resources and financial assistance for victims of domestic violence
+Foster homes for active and retired soldiers and veterans
Dogs on Deployment
A foster resource for active military
Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet
Assists and supports active duty service members, wounded soldiers, and veterans, and their companion animals or assistance service canines.
+Homelessness
Low Income Housing:
https://www.publichousing.com/city/fl-lakeland
Are you facing eviction or at imminent risk of losing the place you’re staying? COMPLETE THE PRE-ASSESSMENT HERE
If you are experiencing homelessness (i.e. staying in your car, in a shelter, or sleeping outside) or are in a hotel PLEASE CALL HCPC AT 863-687-8386
Homeless Children
https://polkschoolsfl.com/hearth/
https://www.petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/
+Senior Citizens
https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2016/08/pet-care-resources-for-low-income-seniors/
+Low-cost veterinary care
Local:
https://tlcpetsnip.org/lakeland
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/petvet
National:
Brown Dog Foundation
For qualified applicants that require life-saving treatment/medication
CareCredit
Provides financing options for treatments and procedures that typically are not covered by insurance
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program
Owner must be on Medicaid, Medicare, welfare or public assistance program, disability or unemployment
Frankie's Friends
Works directly with veterinarians, does not accept funding requests directly from pet families
My Pet Child
Lists additional national and local organizations that provide financial assistance for veterinary bills.
Onyx and Breezy Foundation
Medical treatment for hardship
Paws 4 a Cure
Provides financial assistance to qualified families throughout the United States
Red Rover
Provides emergency animal sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education
Shakespeare Animal Fund
Assistance for qualified applicants (elderly, disabled, below poverty guidelines) with pet emergencies
The Dog & Cat Cancer Fund
Grants for pets diagnosed with malignant cancer for qualified individuals
The Pet Fund
Dedicated to funding veterinary care for pet owners who can't afford it
The Magic Bullet
Cancer-specific assistance
The Mosby Foundation
Assists in the care of critically sick, injured, abused, and neglected dogs through financial support and public education
United Animal Nations LifeLine Grants
Personal disaster (flood, fire, domestic violence, etc.) and life-saving veterinary services
Pet-friendly housing From above link
Moving with pets can be a difficult process, but we can help! In addition to advice on moving with pets, we've compiled resources for people in search of pet-friendly housing.
Moving tips and pet-friendly housing resources
· Conducting a successful housing search
Conducting a successful housing search
It's important to do your research when looking for pet-friendly housing. Here are a few things to consider when searching for a new home for you and your pet(s):
· Give yourself enough time. If possible, start your search at least six weeks before you plan to move.
· Focus on places that allow pets. Look for a community with pet-keeping guidelines that specify resident obligations. It's good to know upfront what will be expected of you as a tenant. Find housing that allows pets.
· Get permission for all types of pets, not just dogs. Don't assume that indoor cats or caged pets will be okay. Trouble (and heartache) arises when tenants are found to have pets without permission. Many landlords place restrictions on what types of pets you can have.
· Create a pet resume. Documentation showing you're a responsible pet guardian can be helpful, or even required, as you search for a new place. Your pet's resume might include information about obedience training or references from veterinarians, dog trainers, pet sitters, neighbors, previous landlords, etc. You should also include a copy of your pet's vet records and a short write-up about you as a pet guardian.
· Be prepared with temporary housing plans for your pet. You might not be able to find pet-friendly housing right away — have a backup plan in place. Ask a good friend or a family member if they'd be willing to temporarily care for your pet until you can find housing that allows animals.
· Be willing to pay a little extra. You'll likely have to pay an extra security deposit to cover any property damages your pet might cause. Be sure to discuss deposits and monthly pet-related fees in advance.
· Get it in writing. Once you've obtained permission by a landlord, manager, or condominium committee to have a pet, get it and any financial agreements in writing. Comprehensive rental agreements protect people, property, and the pets themselves. If your lease has a no-pets clause, it should be removed from the lease (or crossed out and initialed) before you sign it.
· Be honest. Don't try to sneak your pet in to any rental property. If you do so, you may be subject to possible eviction or other legal action.
Pet Friendly Options
Search by desired city, then click on the All Filters option at the top of the page to filter by pets.
Compare pet-friendly rental housing that's ranked according to the best value for the neighborhood.
Search by neighborhood, size, price, or amenities. The pet friendly filter is already on, so start searching for a place that's best for you.
Search by neighborhood, price and size. Each property listing includes which pets are allowed.
Specializes in affordable apartments, including Section 8. Most listings specify if pets are allowed.
Search by desired city, then click on the Pet option from the menus at the top of the page.
My Pit Bull is Family is a 501c-3 non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a mission to keep families and their canine companions together through ending housing and insurance discrimination.
Shows pet restrictions right next to the apartment so you can easily see what size dogs they accept. The site also gives access to pet-friendly roommates if you are looking to rent or have a room for rent.
A decentralized apartment rentals platform that operates worldwide
Search pet-friendly apartments located throughout Minnesota.
A free, pet-friendly apartment finding service that includes a Pet Resume template.
Among the largest rental and real estate networks on the web.
* Information provided by other organizations, including links to external websites, does not constitute endorsement by Animal Humane Society of the opinions, information, products or services of that organization.
· Moving successfully with pets (Link to below) Probably better with info as a drop down)
Moving successfully with pets
Moving can be stressful, especially for some pets, which is why we've pulled together a list of things to consider as you transition from one place to the other.
Identification and documentation
· Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification (collar and tags) with your new address. If your pet has a microchip, remember to update your contact information on your account!
· Keep your pet's documentation in a safe, accessible place. Documentation includes vaccination records, microchip and license numbers, spay/neuter certificate, your current vet's contact information, and a recent photo of your pet.
Health and safety
· Consult your vet to ensure your pet is in good health for traveling. Your vet may also be able to provide referral information if you're moving to a new city or town.
· Keep your pet properly secured while items are being packed and transported. Regardless of how well-adjusted they may be, your pet may get spooked or startled by all the noise and activity.
· Keep your pet in a secure kennel or crate, or place them in a room that's off-limits (make sure you tell everyone, especially movers). Or have a trusted family member or friend watch your pet off-site while you or a moving crew haul boxes.
Traveling with your pet
· Get your pet accustomed to car travel. Take short trips at first, then gradually increase the time. If your pet just doesn't seem comfortable, consult your vet who may be able to offer suggestions for reducing pet anxiety.
· If you must transport your pet on an airplane, give yourself ample time to research airline regulations. Consult with your vet, too, and take precautions to help ensure your pet's safety.
· If you're moving to a new city or town, make accommodation arrangements in advance for any overnight stops. When traveling with a pet, it's always best to call ahead and book pet-friendly lodging to ensure you both have a place to stay.
· Research pet regulations (such as health regulations, quarantines, or required documentation) for your new home city or town. This is especially important if you're moving across international borders.
* Information provided by other organizations, including links to external websites, does not constitute endorsement by SPCA FLorida of the opinions, information, products or services of that organization.
Behavior Library – Needs to be specific to SPCA FL
This online library contains tried-and-true methods for managing many common pet behavior problems as well as tools for evaluating situations that may require additional resources.
· AVSAB position statement on dominance
· AVSAB position statement on punishment
· Positive Reinforcement Spanish
· Playing with your dog Spanish
· Find the YES
· Decompress for Success
Dogs and Kids
Dog and Baby Safety Tips
Dog and Toddler Safety Tips
5 Types of Supervision
Success Stations
Introducing a new dog to a child
Safety Tips for Dogs and Children
Growling is Good
Dogs and cats
· How to introduce a dog and cat
· Fear Free Vet Visits
Events and Holiday planning
Summer celebration safety tips
Halloween safety tips
Holiday safety tips
Cats
What a cat needs
Cat Manners
Playing with your cat Playing with your cat - Spanish
A Well Mannered Cat
Healthy Feeding
Feline Anxiety
Essential Cat - Checklist
Preparing for a new cat
Perfect Scratching post
Litterboxes
Preventing and solving litter box problems
Litterbox ABC
Feline House Soiling
Feline House Soiling Handout
Behavior Problems
Petting-induced and play aggression in cats
Adding a second cat to your household
Excessive vocalization in cats
Training
Teach your cat to love their carrier
Trapping Community Cats
Stray vs feral Cats
What is TNVR
Local TNVR Polk No Kill Coalition
Dogs
For all dog owners
Crate training your dog or puppy
How to Greet a Dog How to Greet a Dog Spanish
What is a Chew Toy
Socializing your dog Socializing your dog Spanish
10 things to make a fear free vet visit
Dog Basics
Fear Free Vet visits
Bringing Home a new adult dog
Training nail trims
Misbehavior or Boredom
Misconceptions about dog muzzles
Preventing Separation Anxiety
Interacting with difficult dogs – Jumpy, mouthy
Why does my dog look like that
Don’t offer your hand dog
Your pet's Emotional Cup
Training
Leash Pulling and Reactivity
Loose leash training
Polite Behavior for the Door Bell
Clicker Training your pet
Training a "sit", "down" and "stand"
Muzzle Training
Potty Training
engage disengage or Look at That
Its your choice
Emergency Leash technique
Enrichment
Training as Enrichment
8 signs pet is bored
Dog enrichment
Dog parks and play
Dog Parks - the good, the bad, and the ugly
Appropriate Dog Play
Does my dog like other dogs?
Does my dog like other dogs, Spanish
Behavior
Destructive behavior in dogs
Submissive and excitement urination
Impulse Control
Early signs of resource guarding
Dealing-with-Resource-Guarding-in-the-Moment
Excessive Barking
Fear of People
Hyperdog
Rules of a reactive dog
Dog Body Language
What Fear looks like
Hyper arousal
What Stress looks like
Domestic or Financial Assistance
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