Thinking about giving up your pet?
We know there are times when circumstances change and people can no longer look after their pets. Taking action by contacting a rehoming charity like the NAWT is a responsible decision to make. Some of our centres occasionally run waiting lists dependent on space so always call first to discuss your situation.
We're here to help
If you've taken the responsible decision to contact us then we will be happy to talk through your circumstances in an impartial way. Please be free with your pet information. That way the better our chances of giving the animal a home most suited to his or her particular needs.
Before you make the difficult decision, please see below some topics that you may find useful.
Reasons for giving up your pet
- Dog Barking
- Cat Allergies
- Moving House
What is the process to rehome my pet?
Step 1 The first thing to do is to call your local centre for advice. Our friendly team are impartial and will be happy to talk you through the process. You can find all the details of each of our centres, here.
Step 2 We will need to ask you a selection of questions about your pet, in order to give them the best chance of finding a home that suits all of their needs. If you are relinquishing a dog then the team will need to carry out an initial assessment on the dog, which can take up to 20 minutes.
Step 3 Once we have taken your pets details and have a space in the centre to offer them, unless they are staying with you via the Home Direct Scheme, someone will call you to arrange an appointment for you to come in and hand your pet over.
Step 4 We completely understand that many people can find the visit to the centre an upsetting experience. This is why each of our centres strive to provide a safe environment, free from judgement, where an owner can say goodbye to their beloved pet in their own time.
Step 5 When you’re ready, there will be a small amount of paperwork to complete to pass over ownership of your pet to NAWT, and then someone from our animal care team will show them to their rehoming unit within the centre.
Step 6 The rehoming process will now begin. You are more than welcome to contact the centre for updates, but due to limited resources, we are unable to provide written or photographic updates when the animal has been rehomed.
Your questions answered
Can I keep my pet with me whilst you look for their new home?
Yes, you can. We operate our 'Home Direct Scheme' where your pet stays in your care whilst we search for a new home for them.
Can I receive updates on how my pet is getting on after I hand them over?
You are more than welcome to contact the centre to find out how your pet has settled in. However, due to limited resources, we are unable to provide written or photographic updates when the animal has been rehomed.
Is there a waiting list?
Our centres may have waiting lists so they might not be able to accept your pet immediately, but they will do their best to work with you to ensure a smooth process for both you and your pet.
Is there a fee to give up a pet to NAWT?
We understand that the decision to give up a beloved pet is an incredibly tough one. Therefore, we don’t charge a set fee. All we do ask is that you make a donation, if you are able to, which will go towards the animal’s future care costs whilst with us.
My pet has medical issues. Will you still take them?
We treat each animal as an individual case and want what is best for them. If your pet has a chance of living a happy life with the correct medical treatment, and if we’re able to provide that treatment, then we will still consider rehoming them.
What if I change my mind after I relinquish my pet?
If the animal is still in our care and available, and a change in your initial circumstances means you may be in a situation to take your animal back, then this is something you would need to discuss with us.
Giving up my pet
We know there are times when circumstances change and people can no longer look after their pets. Taking action by contacting a rehoming charity like the NAWT is a responsible decision to make. Some of our centres occasionally run waiting lists dependent on space so always call first to discuss your situation.
Here to help
If you've taken the responsible decision to contact us then we will be happy to talk through your circumstances in an impartial way. Please be free with your pet information. That way the better our chances of giving the animal a home most suited to his or her particular needs.
The process
You will be asked questions about your pet before hand over. Once in our care we will then start the process of finding a new home.
Contact us for advice
If you’d like to speak to someone about giving up your pet then contact your local centre.