Rehoming Your Pet: A Compassionate Guide for Pet Owners

At Metro East Humane Society (MEHS), we know that surrendering or rehoming a pet is one of the most difficult decisions a family can make. Sometimes, life circumstances, such as a move, financial strain, health challenges, or a change in family dynamics, create situations where keeping a beloved animal is no longer possible. We want you to know that you’re not alone. Our team is here to help guide you through this process with compassion and care, ensuring that every pet has the best possible chance at a safe and loving future.

Before You Surrender Your Pet: Explore Every Option 

Before moving forward with surrendering your pet, it’s worth exploring whether there might be other solutions that allow you to keep your companion at home.

• Behavioral or training challenges? MEHS can connect you with local trainers who specialize in positive reinforcement and behavior modification.

• Financial struggles? MEHS offers several programs that can help:

  • Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Program

  • Low-Cost Vaccine & Microchip Clinic

  • MEHS Pet Food Pantry

We also encourage you to explore pet-friendly housing options before giving up your pet. The National Dog Inclusive Rental Database provides a list of pet-friendly properties nationwide.

If your housing does not allow pets, remember that fair housing laws require landlords to accommodate emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals when proper documentation is presented. To learn more about qualifying for an ESA letter, visit Paws for Patrick or Pettable.

Responsible Pet Rehoming Options 

If you’ve determined that rehoming is the best path forward, there are safe and effective ways to find your pet a new home:

• Use Adopt-a-Pet’s Rehome Program. This free resource allows you to create a profile for your pet on the same platform MEHS uses for adoptions, connecting you with potential adopters you can vet yourself.

• List your pet on Home to Home. This site helps you safely rehome your pet directly to another loving family.

• Share your story. Social media can be a powerful tool. Ask friends, family, and your community to share your post to help find your pet a new loving home.

• Reach out to your pet’s original rescue or shelter. Most rescues include a return policy and will take animals back if rehoming becomes necessary. If your pet is adopted from Metro East Humane Society, we will ask that you exhaust all other options before requesting a return.
  

When Surrendering Your Pet to MEHS

If rehoming independently isn’t possible, MEHS can accept owner surrenders as space allows. Please note:

• MEHS cannot accept animals with a reported history of aggression.

• As a small, limited-admission shelter, we prioritize animals at risk of euthanasia in local animal control facilities.

• There is a surrender fee to help cover the cost of care, housing, and veterinary services:

  • Adult Cat (4+ months): $100

    • Reduced to $75 with proof of rehoming efforts

    • Reduced to $25 if you’re willing to foster until adoption

  • Adult Dog (4+ months): $150

    • Reduced to $100 with proof of rehoming efforts

    • Reduced to $50 if you’re willing to foster until adoption

  • Puppy or Kitten Litter (2 or more): $200

    • Reduced to $150 with proof of rehoming efforts

    • Reduced to $100 if you’re willing to foster until adoption

    • Fee covers the cost of spaying the mother

Once you submit a surrender form, you can expect an email response from the MEHS team within three business days while we evaluate your request and available space. To begin the surrender request process, visit: https://www.mehs.org/surrender.   

Compassion Above All 

We understand this is an incredibly emotional decision. Rehoming your pet does not mean you’ve failed. It means you’re making the most responsible and compassionate choice for your pet’s future. At MEHS, we are committed to supporting both pets and their people. Whether you need advice, resources, or a safe place for your pet to land, our team is here to help guide you through the process with care and understanding.

If you’d like to help other animals in need, consider donating, volunteering, or fostering. Every act of kindness helps us continue improving the lives of people and pets in our community.