Surrendering or rehoming your pet

Take a moment to check the current legislative requiremnets for rehoming including the inclusion of details like a Breeder Identification Number (BIN).

That could be a breeder, previous owner, or animal shelter.

Responsible breeders will either assist you in finding a new home, or take the pet back to rehome themselves. Many rescue groups also state in their adoption agreements that they will take back an animal that they rehomed.

Your local vet will know your pet from your previous visits and sometimes assist in rehoming pets through their own rehoming program. Some vets can also help by displaying your pet’s rehoming information for you in their clinic.

Be cautious when using social media to rehome your pets and follow our screening tips below if you choose this option. Some Rescue Groups can facilitate private rehoming through their social media pages on your behalf.

Some of the best homes are with people who already know and like your pet. Friends and family may be willing to offer your pet a new home or offer to mind your pet for a temporary stay while you find new accommodation and arrangements for your pet. It pays to ask around your immediate circle first before surrendering your pet.

There are many reputable Rescue Groups that you can contact about rehoming your pet and some rescue groups offer assistance to rehome breed specific animals.

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This can help when you are sharing your pet’s details with potential adopters. The more information you can provide about your pet’s personality, the easier it will be to find them a family that matches.

• Include the pet's name, a good photograph and details about their size and age
• Your pet’s health status – vet checks, microchipped, vaccination status and if they’re desexed
• Describe your pet’s nature and appealing qualities
• Define any limitations your pet might have (e.g. not good with cats or small children)
• Don't forget your phone number and the times you can be reached

Many local Councils have a surrender and rehoming service. Research and reach out to your local Council for more information.

If you’ve exhausted all other options and need to surrender your pet to the, please fill out our surrender form. This will help our team understand your pet’s needs. Our team will get back to you with surrender availability to book in a surrender appointment.

Surrender your pet

We recommend taking your pet to your vet for a general check up in preparation for rehoming. This means that you and the new owner of your pet can be rest assured that their new pet is healthy and has been seen recently by a vet. Need help with veterinary bills? Companies like VetPay might be a helpful option.

Learn more about VetPay

Getting your pet desexed can help prevent any unexpected litters in their next home. Need help with desexing? RSPCA runs Operation Wanted - 20% off cat and dog desexing between June and August - at participating vets in Queensland. You can also talk to our Community Outreach team for options near you.

Learn more about desexing

If your pet is microchipped, update their details, council registration and change of ownership papers with the new owner's details once the adoption/rehoming process is finalised. Unsure if your pet is microchipped? Ask your vet, they can scan your pet for a microchip and provide you with their number. You can then update your pet’s microchip details by visiting Pet Address.

Learn more about microchipping

A bathed pet with trimmed nails, clean ears and a well-groomed coat is much more desirable to potential adopters. Need to find a hydrobath to wash your dog?

View RSPCA hydrobath locations

Your pet will be more comfortable going to a new home with their favourite toys, regular pet food, blankets and items they love. This will help them feel more at home during their first few weeks in their new home.

Once you've chosen a family (or families) that you feel are good candidates, arrange two meetings with the potential new owners - the first appointment for them to meet the pet, and the second for you to see their home.

We strongly advise that you do not hand over your pet until you've seen the adopters living arrangements. It's all too easy for people to tell you what you want to hear, rather than how it actually is. By seeing their home you’ll be able to gauge their suitability as an owner.

You have every right to screen all potential new owners who enquire about your pet. Don't let anyone rush or intimidate you. Think of it as an adoption, not a sale. Choose the person you think will make the best companion for your pet.

If someone responds to your advertisement, you should screen them over the phone before introducing them to the animal. This will help you rule out any unsuitable adopters early on.

To start, you might say: 'This dog/cat is very special to me, and I am looking for just the right home for him/her. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions about yourself and your home?'

Let all applicants know you will be checking references and need to speak to their vet (if they've had pets before).