Information on relinquishing your pet
PLEASE KNOW OUR RESCUE IS CURRENTLY FULL.
We are unable to take in any pets into our rescue.
Should we agree to take a pet through relinquish, there is currently a 4 week waiting period due to us being at maximum capacity.
What to do if you've decided to give up your pet...
If you need to give up your pet, you may contact us via email - But know once you have relinquished your pet, it is now the property of the rescue and you no longer have a legal right to this pet. This is a big decision and should not be made lightly.
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If you're wondering if Half-Way Home Animal Rescue can take your pet, regardless of if your pet originally came from us - or not - Please keep in Mind the Following
Before you decide to give up your pet, ask yourself the real reasons you are doing it. Below you will find information and helpful tips for the most common circumstances.
Planning ahead will avoid your pet going to a high kill shelter and ending your pets life. Do not wait until the last minute. HWHAR and Most rescues do not have room on a moments notice. But given advance notice, you can be put on a waiting list if they are full. When space becomes available, your pet will be taken and given an opportunity to find a loving family.
If we are unable to take your pet - when it comes time to look into a shelter to relinquish your pet to, do not be afraid to ask animal rescue organizations specific questions about their shelter's policies,
If, in fact, they have a shelter. It is becoming more and more common for groups to house animals in foster homes until adopted.
When you relinquish your pet or donate to an animal rescue organization - Please make certain that their ethics are agreeable with yours.
Never assume. Always investigate. Ask questions.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE RELINQUISHING YOUR PET
"I'm moving and can't find a place that accepts pets." Click on the following links - They can help with this situation
If you need to find a rental that allows pets, try these helpful sites.
Do NOT Contact us and say - I am moving in 2 weeks and my new home doesn't allow pets.
"I just don't have the time for your pet. He deserves a home that can give him more attention."
We can't even tell you how often we hear this. But unfortunately your pet does not have a voice. He can't tell you that he would rather stay with the family he has known and loved all his life. Animals ask for so little in return for their unconditional love. We humans are not nearly so selfless. That must be why we crave the love of these wonderful creatures.
Now think about it... you took on the responsibility to care for your pet for its entire life when you adopted him/her, right? You must have 5 minutes in your schedule to play some ball or spend some time snuggling with your pet when you sit down to watch your favorite TV program. Isn't that why you adopted your pet to begin with? Dogs and cats have feelings, too... they go through psychological torment when they lose their family. Your pet deserves to stay with the family he/she loves.
"My dog is out of control, jumps on me and the kids and destroys my house, etc."
Okay, c'mon, we all went through an obnoxious teenage stage, right? Our parents didn't toss us out... thankfully! Every dog around 8 months old to 2 years old goes through a difficult period. Hey, guess what helps? Training! Now, you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Trust us, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just need better communication with your dog, and you both will get through it. And guess what your reward will be? A pet that will love you unconditionally for the rest of its life!
Not bad, huh?
"I'm pregnant and am not supposed to be around cats."
Okay, here's a common misconception. You can be around cats... you just aren't supposed to change their litter box anymore. So, here's a great idea...get that husband or boyfriend to do it! With all that you are about to go through for the next 9 months, it's the least they can do. And kitty will be so grateful!
"My dogs don't get along with each other."
Before you decide you need to separate the dynamic duo or trio or whatever, contact a behaviorist to evaluate the situation. It may not be as bad as you thought. Perhaps the problem can easily be solved and you can keep on loving your canine buddies.
"My dog is aggressive towards people or has recently become aggressive."
Once again, our suggestion is to contact a trainer or behaviorist that specializes in aggression. When something becomes inconvenient or the animal is more than you can handle, so many people just wish to pawn their problem off on to someone else. "Here, you want my dog that bites?" So often, however, the problem can be solved.
Owner Surrender:
Now, granted, there are special circumstances that require that some people give up their beloved pets. While we are dedicated to rescuing animals from shelters, sometimes we will have room for pets that are owner surrender, so if you feel there is nothing else you can do, you can email us and explain your situation.
When an owner surrenders their pet to us, ownership rights are relinquished to our organization. We’ll ask you to complete the surrender by making sure that your pet is 100% up to date on all vaccines and tested heart worm negative. If they are not - then there will be a minimum donation to cover the vaccines or any emergency expenses or medical care that may be required (Donation cost to cover all vaccines for a relinquished pet is $95.00) If Spaying or Neutering is required and additional $120.00 will also be required to pay for surgery))
And while you're doing that, make up flyers with your pet's information. A cute picture and story go a long way! Post those flyers in local vet offices and pet stores, place an ad in the newspaper... and network, network, network! It's up to YOU to find your pet a safe and loving home.
Things to remember...
When you adopted or bought your dog, you took on the responsibility of that dog for the rest of its life. Remember that a dog is an actual life - not a piece of furniture to be given away when it no longer fits. Dogs are such wonderful, compassionate, giving souls... we hope you find it in your heart to keep your pet.
If your pet has started to become problematic or aggressive - again the answer is always training. a Pet is a life-time commitment.
If you need to give up your pet, you may contact us via email - But know once you have relinquished your pet, it is now the property of the rescue and you no longer have a legal right to this pet. This is a big decision and should not be made lightly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're wondering if Half-Way Home Animal Rescue can take your pet, regardless of if your pet originally came from us - or not - Please keep in Mind the Following
- We are a Volunteer-Based, Foster-Home Based Rescue, so we have a very limited space and before we can rescue a pet, one of our current pets must find a home first.
- The moment a space opens up, we have already agreed to save another pet from a high-kill shelter and that pet is in danger of being euthanized.
- If we agree to take in your pet - We need time to arrange for a foster home. We cannot take a pet back right away. We have a minimum wait-period of 4 weeks. (This is subject to change and can be longer depending on the pets needs).
- The pet needs to be up to date on all vaccines or a $95.00 fee will be assessed to vaccinate.
- If your pet is not spayed or neutered - you will also pay for that cost. $120.00 fee will be assessed for this surgery.
- We will answer all requests for surrender within 48 hours - If we have not - feel free to contact again.
Before you decide to give up your pet, ask yourself the real reasons you are doing it. Below you will find information and helpful tips for the most common circumstances.
Planning ahead will avoid your pet going to a high kill shelter and ending your pets life. Do not wait until the last minute. HWHAR and Most rescues do not have room on a moments notice. But given advance notice, you can be put on a waiting list if they are full. When space becomes available, your pet will be taken and given an opportunity to find a loving family.
If we are unable to take your pet - when it comes time to look into a shelter to relinquish your pet to, do not be afraid to ask animal rescue organizations specific questions about their shelter's policies,
If, in fact, they have a shelter. It is becoming more and more common for groups to house animals in foster homes until adopted.
When you relinquish your pet or donate to an animal rescue organization - Please make certain that their ethics are agreeable with yours.
Never assume. Always investigate. Ask questions.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE RELINQUISHING YOUR PET
"I'm moving and can't find a place that accepts pets." Click on the following links - They can help with this situation
- Tips on Moving With a Pet
- Pet Laws and Regulations When Moving With Your Pet
- How to Convince Your Landlord That Your Pet Is a Safe Bet
If you need to find a rental that allows pets, try these helpful sites.
Do NOT Contact us and say - I am moving in 2 weeks and my new home doesn't allow pets.
- We know you have know for more than 2 weeks that you are moving
- We know that there are many places that allow pets
- Your Pet has feelings and you made a commitment - THEY ARE NOT DISPOSABLE
- You will be judged by people for doing this. No we will not understand and neither will your pet
"I just don't have the time for your pet. He deserves a home that can give him more attention."
We can't even tell you how often we hear this. But unfortunately your pet does not have a voice. He can't tell you that he would rather stay with the family he has known and loved all his life. Animals ask for so little in return for their unconditional love. We humans are not nearly so selfless. That must be why we crave the love of these wonderful creatures.
Now think about it... you took on the responsibility to care for your pet for its entire life when you adopted him/her, right? You must have 5 minutes in your schedule to play some ball or spend some time snuggling with your pet when you sit down to watch your favorite TV program. Isn't that why you adopted your pet to begin with? Dogs and cats have feelings, too... they go through psychological torment when they lose their family. Your pet deserves to stay with the family he/she loves.
"My dog is out of control, jumps on me and the kids and destroys my house, etc."
Okay, c'mon, we all went through an obnoxious teenage stage, right? Our parents didn't toss us out... thankfully! Every dog around 8 months old to 2 years old goes through a difficult period. Hey, guess what helps? Training! Now, you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Trust us, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just need better communication with your dog, and you both will get through it. And guess what your reward will be? A pet that will love you unconditionally for the rest of its life!
Not bad, huh?
"I'm pregnant and am not supposed to be around cats."
Okay, here's a common misconception. You can be around cats... you just aren't supposed to change their litter box anymore. So, here's a great idea...get that husband or boyfriend to do it! With all that you are about to go through for the next 9 months, it's the least they can do. And kitty will be so grateful!
"My dogs don't get along with each other."
Before you decide you need to separate the dynamic duo or trio or whatever, contact a behaviorist to evaluate the situation. It may not be as bad as you thought. Perhaps the problem can easily be solved and you can keep on loving your canine buddies.
"My dog is aggressive towards people or has recently become aggressive."
Once again, our suggestion is to contact a trainer or behaviorist that specializes in aggression. When something becomes inconvenient or the animal is more than you can handle, so many people just wish to pawn their problem off on to someone else. "Here, you want my dog that bites?" So often, however, the problem can be solved.
Owner Surrender:
Now, granted, there are special circumstances that require that some people give up their beloved pets. While we are dedicated to rescuing animals from shelters, sometimes we will have room for pets that are owner surrender, so if you feel there is nothing else you can do, you can email us and explain your situation.
When an owner surrenders their pet to us, ownership rights are relinquished to our organization. We’ll ask you to complete the surrender by making sure that your pet is 100% up to date on all vaccines and tested heart worm negative. If they are not - then there will be a minimum donation to cover the vaccines or any emergency expenses or medical care that may be required (Donation cost to cover all vaccines for a relinquished pet is $95.00) If Spaying or Neutering is required and additional $120.00 will also be required to pay for surgery))
And while you're doing that, make up flyers with your pet's information. A cute picture and story go a long way! Post those flyers in local vet offices and pet stores, place an ad in the newspaper... and network, network, network! It's up to YOU to find your pet a safe and loving home.
Things to remember...
- There are 18,000 animals put to death in Chicago each year.
- Most shelters are full beyond capacity!
- A stray dog is generally given just 5 days to be adopted. If that dog is not adopted, it could be put to sleep, sometimes as soon as that first day. Your dog (an owner turn-in) could be euthanized at any time.
- The shelters are full of young and old dogs, purebred and mixed, sweet and shy... don't assume your dog will be easily placed just because he's cute or has a great personality.
When you adopted or bought your dog, you took on the responsibility of that dog for the rest of its life. Remember that a dog is an actual life - not a piece of furniture to be given away when it no longer fits. Dogs are such wonderful, compassionate, giving souls... we hope you find it in your heart to keep your pet.
If your pet has started to become problematic or aggressive - again the answer is always training. a Pet is a life-time commitment.