Supported Self- Rehoming
Supported self-rehoming is a way for the Pet Resource Foundation to help people rehome their pets, without the pets having to enter the shelter system. In most cases, supported self-rehoming is easier on your pet and on you because it allows you to help select and potentially stay in touch with your pet's new family and it reduces the number of family pets that enter a shelter.
Approximately 36% of pets entering shelters come through an intake called "owner surrender". When shelters are overcrowded, owner surrendered pets are often the first to be euthanatized when space becomes a concern.
Many pet owners are willing to rehome their pets directly to another home, but are unaware of the resources available to help rehome your pet safely and successfully. We are here to help.
Supported Self-Rehoming Program
1) Prepare Your Pet For Adoption
When you decide to give up your pet, make sure that your pet is microchipped and spayed or neutered. This will not only increase the chances that your pet will be adopted, but it is a law within Lawton that to rehome your pet, they must be spayed or neutered. Please check with your local shelter for more information on city codes and rehoming your pet.
Be sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and consider getting your dog or cat groomed so they can look their very best.
2) Take a Picture
When looking for a new home for your pet, you'll want to use a picture that will capture your pet's personality. Adopters often tell us that they fell in love with their pet after seeing the pet's picture.
Petfinder shares some great tips on How to take great pictures of your pet. Things like lighting, where and how to hold the camera, timing and getting your pet's attention are things that contribute to a great shot of your pet.
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Take a clear photo of your pet with good lighting and free from distractions in the background.
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Capture their smile and personality. With cats, a simple picture of their face will do
If you do not want to give up your pet but are experiencing hard times and need medical, behavioral or pet supplies for your pet, we may be able to help! Email us. If you need food or supplies for your pet, visit us at our Pet Food and Supplies page for more information on how to receive food and supplies for your pet.
3) Write a Bio
Write an attention- grabbing first sentence. Starting with " two years old and is spayed and vaccinated" doesn't do much to grab someone's attention. But if you start with " Storm loves you already and she hasn't even met you yet!" will help to bring attention to your pet and encourage people to keep reading about her.
Or maybe a line like " Storm, at your service! Storm is happy to be anything you want her to be, except maybe a cat!".
4) Ask Your Friends and Family For Help Rehoming Your Pet
Talk with friends, neighbors, co-workers and others in your network. Let them know that you need to find a new home for your pet to see if they or someone they know is looking for a new family member.
5) Use Self-Rehoming Tools
Most people who want a new pet start out by doing research online. Help them find you by listing your pet for adoption using on of these rehoming websites. They are free, easy-to-use, and will get your pet's profile in front of thousands of potential adopters.
5) Reach Out to Other Organizations for Help
Petfinder offers a searchable database for animal shelters, humane societies and breed specific rescues in our area. These organizations serve our community by taking animals that need new homes and finding the right ones for them.
Our community Rescue Organizations are:
It can be very difficult to decide to give up your pet, but we are here to support you. As your pet's owner, you have the best chance of finding your pet a new home. If you do not know where to start, let us help you with these simple steps and tools that will connect you directly with people who are looking for pets just like yours!
The process may take some time to ensure that you find a loving home that is a good fit for your pet. Be patient and follow these guidelines.