Langley Animal Protection Society

Rehoming A Pet

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Rehoming a Pet

Having to rehome or surrender your pet is a difficult decision and stressful for both owners and animals alike. We understand that life is unpredictable, and though people may love their pets, sometimes they are not in a position to be able to provide them with the care they need. Here at LAPS, we are happy to help you and your animal find a solution that is best for everyone involved. We approach every surrender situation with compassion and kindness in mind.

The Rehoming Process Through LAPS

Introduction

Every animal that is surrendered to our shelter is provided with the resources they need to succeed. From low-stress housing, frequent exercise, unique training programs, and industry-leading medical care, the staff and volunteers at LAPS are committed to the highest levels of care and rehabilitation. Our team of expert trainers and adoption counsellors assess each animal to determine the home environment and lifestyle that they are best suited to. Our goal is to place every animal into a home where they can enjoy a long, happy and healthy life.

Before an animal can be surrendered to our shelter, we must confirm that we have the space, and resources for them. As well, they must meet certain criteria based on an assessment with our team. Priority for surrendering animals is given to Langley residents.

We wish we could be available for all animals needing shelter support. However, due to a significant increase in requests for surrender, and reduced adoption interest for pets in shelter, we have been forced to implement a wait list for animals needing rehoming. As space becomes available pet guardians will be contacted. Please complete the Surrender Request form and your pet will be placed on the waitlist.

Things to Keep in Mind

We are unable to provide you with an estimated time as it will depend on resources (including space and staffing) availability.
Animals will be removed from the wait list after 3 months. If you still require surrender after 3 months, please reapply.
Unless an experienced foster home is available, LAPS is unable to accept animals with the following conditions into our adoption program:
1. Diabetes,
2. Epilepsy/Seizures
3. Clinical separation anxiety
A minimum fee of $100 is required for surrender. Please speak to staff at the time you are contacted if you are unable to afford this fee.
LAPS does accept dogs for surrender to be euthanized who have posed a risk to public safety by biting or attacking other animals or people. The fee for this service is set out in the Animal Control Bylaw. However, we reserve the right to refuse the service and provide alternative options to support your pet, if it is determined it is not a threat to public safety with appropriate management. Please contact the shelter’s animal control department at 604.857.5055, ext 1 for more information.

Alternative Options

New Beginnings Private Adoption Program – This program brings you directly in contact with potential homes. Avoiding shelter intervention is most ideal for pets as it can be stressful in an unfamiliar place. By utilizing the New Beginnings Private adoption program your pets can have a more stress-free experience as they transition between homes.
LAPS Community Programs- If you need to rehome your pet due to a temporary life challenge making it difficult to provide veterinary care, pet food or supplies, please check out LAPS Community Support Programs
Other Organizations – Unfortunately, most organizations across North America, like LAPS, are experiencing the same high demand for surrender services and are at capacity. However, foster based organizations and provincial organizations such as the BC SPCA may have more capacity.

Please keep in mind that the animal welfare industry is unregulated and any person, with or without the necessary experience and resources, can form a rescue organization. It is important to do your homework to ensure your pet will be safe during the transition.

See where your pet will be living

Ask their screening process for adoption

Ask how they address behavioural challenges such as fear and aggression

Will they provide adopters with your pet’s history regarding wants, needs, fears, veterinary care, etc to allow your pet to get the support they need.

Research the rescue online, and read the reviews

Things to Consider

If you are considering rehoming your pet due to a training or financial challenge, we can help! Before choosing to surrender your pet to our shelter, check out some of our programs that are established for the purpose of keeping people and their pets together.

Major’s Legacy Fund

A financial assistance program for emergency veterinary care. This fund provides funding up to $1500 to community members who love their pets but are facing hardships and are unable to provide their animals with the care they need. Click HERE (majors legacy link) for more information.

LAPS Pet Pantry

The LAPS Pet Pantry provides free pet food for families with pets in need. The pantry is fully stocked with dog food, cat food and basic care necessities thanks to LAPS generous donors. The food bank is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5:30 pm at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter. When you attend the shelter, we just need to know your name, address and how many pets you have and will get you what you need. Please call us at 604 857 5055 or stop by the shelter and we would be happy to help.

LAPS Dog Training Program

If you are having behavioural issues with your dog and are feeling overwhelmed we can help! Email info@lapsbc.ca to contact one of our expert trainers.

New Beginnings Private Rehoming Info

Introduction

At LAPS, we aim to empower pet guardians to create positive outcomes for their pets without the need for shelter intervention. Our New Beginnings Program is to provide guardians seeking a new home for their pet an opportunity to advertise directly to potential families. LAPS adoption pages can connect you with your pet’s perfect new family!

Program Includes

Example Ownership Transfer form that will be emailed to you
Form to provide your pet’s new family with all of their history and preferences to help ensure a smooth transition will be emailed to you
Rehoming tips sheet. Includes examples of questions to ask potential candidates
1 month of advertising on the LAPS website adoptable animals page where the community are looking for their new four-legged family member

How It Works

Complete the form located at the bottom of the page and include three high quality photos of your pet to be published on our website, as well as an adoption profile outlining your pets specific preferences and the type of home you are seeking. Include an email address for potential new families to reach out to you directly.
Once this information is received it will be posted for 30 days on the LAPS website – or until your pet has found their new family, whichever comes first.
LAPS involvement is advertising only and we do not screen adopters or current owners. All of the decision making regarding the transfer of ownership for the pet remains with the individual parties involved – this includes if money is exchanged.
Once the information and payment is received the profile will be reviewed and placed on our adoption page within 5 business days

Cost

$25.00 for 30 days of advertising on the LAPS website, and supporting documents
Free if the animal you are rehoming was previously adopted from LAPS

Safety Information

We encourage community members looking to adopt and those trying to rehome a pet, to use caution when meeting new people, carefully evaluate if a pet is a good fit for their home, and be mindful when sharing personal information or exchanging money. Please note that LAPS does not guarantee the health, temperament, or behavior of animals posted for adoption by their guardians and cannot be held liable. Use of our marketing tools (website) are intended for promotion purposes only and do not imply endorsement. We provide both current and potential future owners with full responsibility and freedom in their ownership transfer process.

Extra Tips

Photos Quality

Provide high quality clear photos – no blurry shots!
Ensure your pets face (especially their eyes) is showing,
Include a face close up and a full body picture.
Put something bright (bandana, collar or harness) on darker pets,
Have them interacting with other people or toys in the photo

Adoption profile

Be positive! You want to be transparent with future guardians about any behavioural or medical struggles your pet has, but it is also important to highlight all of their amazing qualities! Write from the heart. Describe their uniqueness by talking about their quirky and funny personality traits. Don’t know where to start? Use Rescue Writer™ by PetSmart Charities to start you off!

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Langley Animal Protection Society

Rehoming A Pet

Table of Contents

Rehoming a Pet

The Rehoming Process Through LAPS

New Beginnings Private Rehoming Info

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