Change Of Circumstances: What To Do When You Can't Keep Your Dog

Taking  on any greyhound, or any animal for that matter, is a lifelong  commitment; dogs can live well into their teens, cats can live into  their twenties, rabbits can go until their twelve, and believe it or  not, some small animals like chinchillas can reach twenty years old!

Having  pets (greyhounds in particular, of course), is one of the greatest joys  we can have in life.  But no matter how much we prepare and plan,  intending to give our pets that lifelong commitment, there is no way to  100% know what the future holds.  

Unfortunately,  life isn’t always fair, and things happen that are often out of our  control…which can put some people off having pets in the first place!   

When the unexpected occurs, it can leave a family with no option but to surrender their pets.

This  may come around due to financial reasons (which is a big problem in the  current climate), relationship breakdowns, homelessness, unexpected  pregnancies, family emergencies, deterioration of health…there are  countless reasons…

But,  regardless of the reason, having to make the decision to surrender is  devastating and, for some, when they say goodbye to their pet the  feeling is akin to that animal dying.  They are so suddenly and wholly  cut from their lives, after being such a big part of the family, that  they grieve them as they would if they’d passed.  

It is not a nice feeling, and it can put people off ever having another pet in future, even when circumstances allow it.

When  things get tough, stress levels are high, depression or anxiety are  kicking you down or you are otherwise emotionally and situationally  struggling, it can be hard to think straight and consider that there are  other options available to you and your pets than going straight to  surrendering them.

Firstly, ask  for help.  Surrendering them doesn’t need to be the first choice.  For  instance, if it is a financial issue, such as struggling to afford to  feed your pet, there is support out there.

Up  and down the country, particularly since Covid, numerous pet food banks  have been established to help people struggling to support their pets.   These are sometimes already established within human food banks, or  separately, hosted by various animal charities or individuals.  If you  can find a pet food bank local to you, you may be able to get the  support you need to keep your pet at home until your financial situation  improves.

While some can be too  proud in themselves to seek out food banks, or don’t want to utilise  them because they feel others need it more, these services are available  to all and hold no judgement over who needs help.

In  a lot of situations, asking for help from friends, family, can see you  through the worst of the storm.  Whether they look after your pets  temporarily, provide some financial support, let you bunk in their spare  room if you’re really down on your luck.  

We  understand not everyone have such options available to them, but if you  do, reach out.  No one can expect you to do more than to at least ask.   Even if they can’t help in the above ways, they may be able to see your  situation from a different perspective and be able to offer practical  advice or options that you could seek to avoid surrendering.

In  situations such as unexpected pregnancies, the dog isn’t accepting of  the newborn or other such issues, seek out a qualified positive  behaviourist to assist.  Surrendering doesn’t need to be the immediate  or knee jerk reaction, although we appreciate difficulties between  children and dogs can be incredibly stressful and scary!  Sometimes the  professional observation and intervention. from a behaviourist, can help  identify the root of the problem, address it and result in the status  quo returning to normal!

If you  are struggling with juggling having a newborn, and your pets, you could  get a pet sitter/walker in to help take on some of the responsibility  while you focus on taking care of your child…and getting some  much-needed sleep!

But if surrendering your pet is your ultimate decision, here is what you should know and do.

Check  your adoption paperwork, or call the centre you adopted them from, as  many have it written into their adoption forms and policies that they  will accept the pet back into their care should you be unable to look  after them.

This is the swiftest  and best option, especially if it’s urgent situation, as they have an  assured place back at that centre.  Additionally, the pet will be  returning to a place and staff they are already familiar with.  

Even  if there is no clause written into your adoption form, call the centre  anyway and explain the situation, as they may still be able to help.  If  not, contact other reputable centres in your area for assistance.

In  an ideal world, you want to surrender your pet to a breed/species  specific centre.  For instance, if you are surrendering your greyhound  try and find a space for them in a greyhound rehoming centre.  

Due  to the financial crisis, and the overall state of the world at present,  there has been a knock-on effect with many animals landing themselves  back in rescues and rehoming centres…which means if you do need to  surrender your pet, you may struggle to find anyone with immediate  space.

A lot of the larger, particularly the national rescues, are in such high demand they have waiting lists…

You  may have to try and hold onto them for a short time, until space comes  available, depending on the urgency of your situation.  For instance, if  you know that you have a situation arising soon, such as losing your  current rental and the next one doesn’t allow pets, contact rescues and  rehoming centres in advance so they have you on their list and a  timescale to work within to be able to help you.

Though  if your situation is truly dire and your pet’s welfare is at risk, we  don’t know of a centre that wouldn’t find a way to make space to help  them.

The one thing you should  not do, under any circumstances, is rehome your pets privately.   Immediate friends and family aside (assuming you have 100% faith that  the pet will be looked after) you should not advertise or home your pets  privately…especially not ‘free to a good home’.

As  an individual, you have no power to assess someone’s suitability, know  if they’ve been banned from having animals, safely carry out home  checks, provide legally binding adoption contracts, or know for certain  that the person you are homing your animal to isn’t taking them simply  to make money out of them by backyard breeding, coursing, fighting or  otherwise…

While getting them  into a rehoming centre may not be as immediate as you want, in going  down that avenue, you are ensuring the safety of your pet, that they  will receive any veterinary care they need and their responsible  rehoming.

If you must surrender  your pet, regardless of the reason, this is the most responsible thing  you can do as a pet owner…and is the last kindness you can give them  before you say goodbye.

There  shouldn’t be any judgement passed on people that surrender their pets,  it is hard enough to have make the decision, let alone following through  with it, without others beating them down.