Re-homing your Pit Bull

There are many dangers facing pit bulls in need of new homes, and way too many horrible people that are preying on owners who are desperate to find a new home for their pit bull. If you are absolutely sure that you cannot keep your dog, then please read the info below. There is some good advice about how to help find him a good home, and how to ensure that he doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Don’t let your dog end up in a bad situation, please take the time to read the article and links below:

THE SAD REALITY

We are in the middle of a widespread pit bull epidemic; you will be very hard-pressed to find a reputable Michigan rescue with room to take in your pit bull. All of the reputable rescues that take in pit bulls are overflowing, and have been that way for quite some time. It takes an average of 6 months or longer, to find a good home for a single pit bull.

Be wary of ANYONE who jumps at the chance to take in your dog. There are many disreputable people out there calling themselves a "rescue". Some of them may mean well, but without proper knowledge on placing a pit bull, you never know whose hands your dog could end up in. If you happen to find a rescue with room to take your Pit Bull, please read the information below.

BEFORE YOU GIVE YOUR PIT BULL TO A "RESCUE", PLEASE READ THIS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION FIRST!

Anyone can call themselves a "rescue". Sadly, there are no rules, regulations, and no monitoring of pet "rescues" in the U.S. Anyone can have a flashy website, and claim that if you give them your dog, they will help find him/her "a good home". That does not mean that they are ethical, responsible people, or that they have your dog’s best interest in mind. Please read on…

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU GIVE YOUR PIT BULL TO A "RESCUE":

• Ask for a Vet (veterinarian) reference and call to verify it. A reputable, responsible rescue will be more than happy to give you the name, address and phone number of their veterinarian. Beware of people who give excuses, rather than references.
• Ask to see where your dog will be staying. Most reputable rescues will have no problem allowing you to check out the foster home or building where the dog will be staying BEFORE you give them your dog.
• Verify the person’s reputation with their local Animal Control, Police Dept. or Humane Society to verify that the rescue/rescuer has a good reputation, and is responsible with the dogs in their care.
• Ask what their adoption process and policies are. Ask to see a copy of their adoption application. Ask to see a copy of their adoption contract. What is their screening process for potential adopters? Do they visit potential adopters’ homes? Do they verify potential adopters’ vet records? What is the amount of the adoption fee for their dogs? If they adopt your dog out to a new home, and later on that person decides that they no longer want your dog, will the rescue take the dog back? A responsible, reputable rescue will be more than happy to answer ALL of your questions. If they won’t answer all your questions, then they don’t need your dog!
• Trust your gut instinct. If you are not comfortable leaving your Pit Bull with someone, then keep searching! Don’t let anyone pressure you into giving them your dog. Your Pit Bull’s life is in your hands, and she is counting on you to make sure that she doesn’t end up in a worse situation.

IF YOU CANNOT FIND A RESCUE TO TAKE YOUR PIT BULL:

You’ve called around to several rescues and shelters, but you still can’t find anyone with room to take your Pit Bull. You are not alone. If you decide to place your Pit Bull on your own, the following tips will help you ensure your dog’s safety:

The best thing you could do for your pit bull is to make sure that he is neutered before giving him to anyone else. With so many pit bulls dying every day in shelters across the country, you don’t want him adding to the overpopulation problem. Neutering your pit before adopting him out will also help you attract better potential new homes. People that truly care about adopting a life-long companion will prefer a pit bull that is already neutered, while those looking to use a pit for unsavory purposes, prefer un-neutered dogs.

I encourage you to ask a minimum $100 adoption fee for your dog. Please do not give your Pit Bull away to anyone for "free". It will just attract bad people. Here’s a great article on why a pit bull should never be advertised as "free to a good home": www.pbrc.net/freepit.html

I also recommend that you put your dog’s pix and info up on Pit Bull Rescue Central’s website. Their volunteers will help pre-screen adoption applications for you. They also have wonderful advice on how to find a safe, new home for your pit bull. www.pbrc.net

Below are more links to very good advice and info on placing a pit bull and the realities of pit bull adoption. I encourage you to read through them.

Placing Your Pit Bull for Adoption:
www.pbrc.net/adoption/problems.html

Adoption Reality:
www.pbrc.net/adoption/reality.html

Add comment May 14th, 2007