Giving up a pet is a very difficult decision to make, but we are here to support you. The process may take a little bit of time to ensure you find a loving home that is a good fit for your pet.
Can You Help Me With Resources To Avoid Surrendering My Pet?
Yes, we believe in helping pets stay in loving homes or get re-homed safely without having to come into the shelter. Our team can help you with behavior concerns, resources for pet food/supplies, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination options, and other challenges you might be facing. Call DuPage County Animal Services at 630-407-2800 or email us at animalservices@dupagecounty.gov.
My Animal is From Another Shelter/Rescue. What Should I Do?
Many shelters and rescue organizations will take back an animal that is originally from the shelter if the owner is no longer able to care for them. Please reach out to the original adoption agency before contacting our shelter.
Can I Bring my Animal to a Different Shelter or Rescue?
Yes, there are many other animal shelters and rescues that can assist in re-homing your pet. Below is a link with the names and numbers to the locations within DuPage County and neighboring Counties.
Local Shelters Within Your County (PDF)
Steps for Rehoming Your Pet
In addition to local social media pages, there are several websites you can post your pet to try to find them a new home:
1. Prepare Your Pet for Adoption
To increase the chances of your pet finding a new home, make sure your pet is microchipped and spayed or neutered. Spaying/neutering your pet helps prevent unwanted behaviors, like humping or marking, in their new home. Check out low-cost veterinary care options in our area. If your pet has long hair, consider getting your pet groomed and bathed to look their very best.
2. Take a Photo and Write a Bio
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the same holds true for pets. When marketing your pet, you’ll want to use a picture that will capture adopters’ attention.
- Take a clear photo of your pet with good lighting and free from distractions in the background.
- Capture their smile and personality. With cats, a simple photo of just their face will do
Next, write a bio highlighting their best characteristics and personality.
- Do they like treats or toys?
- If you know how your pet interacts with other pets or children, include that information.
- If your pet has concerning behavior or special medical needs, save that information for a conversation with adopters instead of including it directly in the bio.
Check out Best Friend’s profile tips when looking for a new home for your pet.
3. Create an Online Profile
Create an online profile with Rehome.Adoptapet.com. It is free, easy to use, and will get your pet’s profile in front of thousands of potential adopters. Adopters who are searching for pets on adoptapet.com will see your pet’s profile in their search results.
Use the photo you took and bio you wrote in Step 2 on this profile. Rehome will ask you some additional questions about your pet for their profile. After creating your profile, bookmark the URL (you’ll use it later).
4. Market Your Pet
With your photo, bio, and Rehome link ready, share your pet with your friends, relatives, and co-workers. Post your pet on NextDoor, your neighborhood social media group and your social media accounts, and ask your friends and followers to share with their friends and followers. Ask veterinarians if you can post a rehoming flyer in their clinic.
Spread the word, and don’t be shy! You never know who may be looking to adopt their new pet. You can even take your dog out on walks with an “Adopt Me” harness or bandana to attract potential adopters. Be patient and don’t lose hope. The right family is out there!
5. Ask a Rescue Group for Help
A rescue group may be willing to take in your pet. Dog Lovers Digest has a list of animal rescue groups in Illinois. Many of these organizations are composed of volunteers with limited resources, so if possible offer a donation to help cover food, shelter, and especially medical expenses. Please be patient when waiting for a return call as it may take a few days.
Check out these additional rehoming resources from Best Friends Animal Society.
Bringing an Animal to DuPage County Animal Services
If you are unable to rehome your pet, DuPage County Animal Services accepts all domestic animals regardless of health, temperament, age, and/or space availability. While we do our best to re-home as many animals as possible, humane euthanasia is a possibility. We often receive animals other limited admission shelters turn away. We try our very best to re-home as many animals as possible, however we cannot make any guarantees. Each animal is unique and evaluated on a case-by-case basis when evaluating potential outcomes.
Call the main shelter line at 630-407-2800 to schedule an appointment for an Owner Surrender.
Incoming Animal Profiles
