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Owner Surrender & Rehoming Resources
Finding the Right Path for You and Your Pet
Before you decide to rehome your pet, take time to explore all your options. Could a friend or family member help? Are there community resources available? Is your situation temporary or permanent?
We encourage pet owners to use shelters only as a last resort. Even the best shelters can be stressful for animals and may lead to anxiety, illness or behavior changes that make adoption harder. Believe it or not, you may be your pet’s best chance at finding a new home. You know your pet best—and that means you can share helpful details, focus on their needs and choose the right fit.
If rehoming is your only option, we’re here to help. With the right support, you can be your pet’s strongest advocate and help them find a safe, loving home.
Helping Your Pet Find the Right Home
You want your pet to be safe, happy and loved. If you’re considering rehoming, take the time to find the right match, and set your pet up for success.
Start with People You Know
Before posting your pet online, reach out to family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. Many people are willing to help or even adopt, but simply don’t know the pet needs a new home. A loving family might be just one conversation away.
Be Honest and Thorough
When you talk with potential adopters, be honest about your pet’s needs and personality. Don’t leave out any behaviors or quirks, even if you’re afraid they might be deal-breakers. The goal is to find the right fit, not just any home.
Help Your Pet Put Their Best Paw Forward
Make your pet as adoptable as possible. You don’t need a full “paw-dicure,” but small steps can make a big difference. Here’s what most adopters are looking for:
- A pet that is spayed or neutered
- Up to date on vaccines and in good health
- Friendly and socialized
- House-trained and well-behaved around children or other animals
If you can, take your pet to the vet for a wellness check. While you're there, ask your veterinarian for rehoming advice and resources—they may know of local rescue groups, adoption platforms or clients looking to adopt. Taking these steps shows adopters that your pet has been loved and cared for—and gives your pet the best chance at a safe, happy future.
Screen Carefully, Ask Questions That Matter
Charging a rehoming fee doesn’t guarantee a good home—but asking the right questions can. Here are some tips for screening adopters: Ask for veterinary and personal references. Request a home visit or virtual tour. Ask about their experience with pets and lifestyle. Consider doing a meet-and-greet in a neutral location. Taking this extra time protects your pet and ensures a better match.
Rehoming Online
If you can’t find someone through your personal network, trusted online platforms like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com and Home to Home Animal Adoption allow you to connect with responsible adopters without bringing your pet to a shelter.
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Eastern North Carolina Pet Food Pantry
Dedicated charitable pet food resource to help prevent the abandonment or surrender of animals when their families can no longer afford to feed them.
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Humane Society of Eastern North Carolina
Dedicated nonprofit organization committed to the welfare of animals.
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Red Rover
Support through emergency sheltering, disaster-relief services, financial assistance, and education.
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Rehome by Adopt a Pet
Online resource to help get pets into loving homes.
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Home to Home
Keeping animals out of shelters by empowering communities.
Reach Out to Their Rescue, Breeder, or Previous Family
If you adopted your pet from a shelter or rescue, purchased from a breeder, or took them in from a friend or family member, reach out to them before considering surrender.
Even if you've moved or it’s been a while, their circumstances may have changed. They might now have space, resources or ideas to help. Rescue groups and breeders often want to know if an animal they placed is in need. Some even require pets be returned to them if you can no longer provide care.
While not everyone will be able to take the pet back, they may offer:
- Advice on behavior, health, or rehoming
- Contacts in the rescue or breed network
- Help promoting the pet to find a new home
- Financial support or short-term foster options
A simple message or phone call could open doors you didn’t know were there.
What to Do If You Need to Surrender an Animal to the Shelter
We encourage you to try listing your pet on rehome.adoptapet.com, a free service that connects pet owners with potential adopters. You can also share your pet’s story on social media or ask for help from local community groups.
If you’ve exhausted all other options—such as working through challenges or trying to rehome your pet with friends, family, neighbors or coworkers—please know that surrendering your pet to a shelter should be a last resort.
Pitt County Animal Services is a high-volume, open-admission shelter. This means we take in many animals with limited space and resources.
Here’s what you should know:
- We accept owned cats and dogs by appointment only, and only as space allows.
- There is a $20 surrender fee per animal, which helps cover the cost of care.
- Because of high intake numbers, we cannot guarantee your pet will be adopted.
- Sadly, euthanasia is a possible outcome for any animal brought to the shelter..
If you live in Pitt County and are experiencing an urgent situation or have not been able to rehome your pet, you may request a surrender appointment. Appointments are based on space availability and are not guaranteed, so we strongly encourage you to keep looking for alternative solutions while you wait.
For questions or to request an appointment, call Pitt County Animal Services at 252-902-1725.
Note: The above links lead to third-party websites not managed by Pitt County Government. We do not endorse these organizations and are not responsible for their content.