Rehoming a pet.

Before anything else: most surrenders start with a problem that has a solution. Here is where to look — and how to reach us if you still need to.

Most surrenders start with a problem that has a solution.

Start here
A vet bill, a behavior that got harder, an allergy, a move — the resources below exist so a family does not have to give up a pet they love.
Still need to
We want to hear from you. We are 100% foster-based with limited space, so we cannot take every animal, but we will always tell you honestly what we can do.
What to send
The details listed further down let us give you a real answer, fast.
Try these first

Help that keeps pets home.

Free and low-cost programs across Minnesota and South Dakota.

Money

Financial assistance

Grants and funds for unexpected vet bills, from national foundations to local clinics. See the list →

Vet care

Low-cost vet & spay/neuter

Reduced-cost clinics, vaccine days and spay/neuter programs near you. Find a clinic →

Food

Pet food shelves

Pet food banks and pantries so a tight month does not become a surrender. Find food help →

Behavior

Trainers & behavior help

Recommended trainers and behavior consultants, plus free guides to start with tonight. Get training help →

Housing

Community resources

Pet-friendly housing help, temporary boarding options and more in one place. Browse resources →

Adopted from us?

Together Forever

Arthur’s Fund and Mookie’s Fund help Rescue Network adopters with vet bills and behavior challenges. See the program →

If you still need to rehome

How to ask us for help.

One email starts it. A real person on our team reads every one.

Step 01

Email us the details

Write to [email protected] with the information listed below. The more we know, the better we can help.

Step 02

We reply within 5–7 days

We read every request and respond with what we can realistically do. Animals in immediate danger, or whose owners have exhausted every other option, come first.

Step 03

We work out next steps together

That might be a foster placement with us, a referral to a partner rescue or shelter, or help rehoming directly. We will be straight with you either way.

What to include

The details we need.

Common questions

Rehoming questions.

The things people ask us most.

How do I surrender or rehome my pet to Rescue Network?
Because we are 100% foster-based with limited space, we cannot accept every request, and we prioritize animals in immediate danger or whose owners have exhausted other options. Email [email protected] with details about your pet and your situation; most requests get a response within 5 to 7 days.
What information should I include?
Details about you (name, phone, city and state); your pet (species, name, breed, age, sex, spay or neuter status); your situation and how urgent it is; any bite history, anxiety or medical conditions; and how they do with kids, other pets and strangers. Be honest: the more we know, the better we can help.
I adopted from Rescue Network. What if it is not working out?
We are committed to your animal for life. If it ever does not work out, whether after a week or after years, we want the animal back. Our adoption contract asks you to return the animal to us rather than rehome them elsewhere.
Is there a fee to surrender?
Every situation is different, so we talk it through with you first. Email us with the details and we will explain what happens next before you decide anything.

Adopted from Rescue Network?

Our commitment to your animal is for life. If it is not working out, whether after a week or after years, come back to us first — that is what the adoption contract asks, and it is what we want.