Animal shelters are temporary homes to not only many lost and neglected dogs and cats, but also to pets whose owners have surrendered them for a variety of reasons in the hope that new homes will be found for them. While animal placements agencies do the very best that they can to find responsible homes for the animals in their care, the sheer numbers make it impossible for every shelter to be able to place every animal.
Owners who are thinking about giving up an animal due to a behavior problem should examine the severity of the problem, whether it can be corrected and whether it is reasonable to think that a new owner would be willing to either tolerate or work on correcting the problem.
A session with a trainer or behaviorist and the pet might be quite enlightening; often an owner will discover that the situation can be much improved using some simple, consistent techniques and with a little effort things will improve to the point that the idea of giving up the dog or cat is reconsidered. Try to have an open mind; sometimes owners find that while they were working diligently with their pets, they made a few very common mistakes and someone with more experience in training and behavior modification than we have can help them tremendously.
Dogs (and cats, too) with vicious or unpredictable temperaments and/or a history of biting are not good candidates for adoption; and, their owners bear a certain amount of liability when they knowingly pass an animal with such problems on to another person. Unfortunately, there are times when the right decision is the most painful one; at times the kindest thing that can be done for animals with dangerous temperament traits is to have them euthanized.
For some folks, life takes twists and turns necessitating the surrender of a pet even though he or she is much loved by his owners. There are several steps that an owner can take before making the decision to leave the dog or cat at a shelter. Many pet placement organizations offer listing services where owners can supply the photo and a short bio about their animals for a bulletin board or other type of posting which is available to potential adopters. Similar listings are also available at veterinary clinics and pet supply stores. The internet has several sites for animal lovers and listing can often be place there as well. If you are trying to place a pet be sure to be as honest as you can when describing the dog or cat and make an effort to keep him extra-specially cleaned and groomed so that he's attractive to potential adopters. Attempting to place your pet yourself not only gives you the opportunity to decide to whom you will give him or her, but helps the shelters if you are successful in locating a good home.
If you have exhausted all of the applicable options for correcting a behavior and/or for finding a new home for a dog or cat that you must give up, you will probably have to consider surrendering the pet to your local shelter. You should always call the agency first and discuss your situation and their procedures regarding animals that are surrender. Do not rely on secondhand information about any organization's policies as it may be incorrect or incomplete. Also try to keep in mind that an older pet's chance of adoption is lessened, especially during the spring and summer months when they are competing with the many puppies and kittens available. And, also remember that a dog or cat with a behavior problem that has influenced its owner's decision to surrender it is not as likely to be adopted as one which is well behaved and trained.
Hopefully, the pet you own now or any pet that you add to your family in the future will live out its life with you. But since you cannot be certain what the future will bring, it is always worth the time and effort to be sure that your animal is well trained and socialized. If at some time you are forced to look for a new home, the pet will have the best chance possible of being placed.
