We know that sometimes life happens and people find themselves unable to properly care for their animal. Our greatest fear is that someone will feel so desperate that they consider giving or selling their animal to a stranger. Without the required references and home checks performed by rescue groups, animals run the risk of being placed into unhealthy and abusive homes. We want to ensure your loved one gets the home they deserve.
Before you make the decision to surrender, give away, or sell your animal, we may be able to help you find solutions that will allow you to keep your animal as a member of the family. While we can't guarantee miracles, we do have extensive experience dealing with a multitude of issues and can certainly offer suggestions and alternatives to giving up your animal.
Found a Stray?
1. Check for ID – Look for a collar or tag and call the owner.
2. Scan for a Microchip – Visit a vet or shelter for a free scan.
3.Contact the Shelter – If unclaimed, shelters hold strays for a legal period before adoption. Ask about placing a hold if interested.
4. Keeping the Dog? – Follow the legal hold period (often 30 days) and post flyers, list online, and check with neighbors.
5. Need Help? – If the dog is unclaimed and friendly, contact us with photos and details. We’ll do our best to assist.
Courtesy Posts
As a trusted rescue, we use our wide reach to help dogs find new homes while they remain in their current care. Through our website and social media, we connect them with adopters and may assist with medical costs in special cases.
Rehoming Support and Advice
• Behavior & Training – If challenges stem from behavioral issues, a qualified trainer may help resolve them.
• Housing Issues – If rental restrictions are a concern, offer a refundable pet deposit, or work with pet-friendly realtors to find housing. Smaller landlords are often more flexible than large property management companies.
If rehoming is your only option, make your dog as appealing as possible:
• Take high-quality photos and write a compelling bio.
• Post on adoption websites, social media, and email networks.
• Use an “Adopt Me” bandana and introduce them in public places.
• Never list your dog as “free to a good home”—always screen potential adopters carefully.
Feel like you have exhausted all of our previous options and still need to surrender your dog?
We understand that surrendering your pet is a difficult and emotional decision. At Promise 4 Paws, our goal is to provide every pet with the best chance for a safe and loving future.
Due to the high number of animals in need at this present time and limited resources, we must prioritize which pets we are able to take into our care.
Our Intake Priorities
As a volunteer-based rescue, we prioritize:
1. Shelter pets at risk of euthanasia
2. Pets with urgent medical needs
3. Owner surrenders, based on our space and resources
Surrendering your pet to Promise 4 Paws is a permanent decision
If we are able to take your pet, you will be required to complete a legally binding surrender contract, transferring ownership to us. This allows us to provide necessary veterinary care and find them a well-matched, loving home.
Here at Promise 4 Paws we wish we could help every animal, but with more pets than ever being surrendered, abandoned, and rehomed, our ability to assist depends on available foster homes and community support.
We can only respond to surrender requests if we believe we are able to help.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to help as many animals as possible.
Complete the DOG PROFILE or CAT PROFILE Form.
Our Team will review the animal's form to determine if we have the resources to help.
If we believe we can help, we will reach out within 72 hours to discuss your situation. As a volunteer-based organization, we receive a high volume of applications and unfortunately we cannot respond to everyone individually. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
