Are you facing a challenge that may cause you to rehome or surrender your pet? We want to help!
Fresno Humane is committed to helping ALL pets in our community live the best lives they can. Having said that, entering a shelter is NOT always in a pet’s best interests. Animal shelters are typically overcrowded, busy, and scary for most dogs and cats. We also understand that due to changing life circumstances, it’s not always possible to keep your pet forever. If you find yourself needing to rehome your dog or cat, please try the following before considering surrendering to the shelter.
1) If your pet has behavior problems that make them difficult to live with, try some new management or modification strategies. Here is a list of free online DIY resources to correct the most common behavior issues in dogs and cats:
San Francisco SPCA Behavior & Training Resources
Marin Humane Behavior Handouts
Best Friends Lifesaving Library (Dog & Cat Resources)
2) If your pet has medical issues that you are unable to address due to financial limitations, we may be able to help. We can refer you to affordable local veterinary clinics, and may even have grant funds available to offset some of the costs. HOPE Animal Foundation offers a range of low-cost medical services — click here to visit their website for more information. To learn more about veterinary assistance options, visit our Veterinary Listings and Resources page.
3) If you’re having trouble keeping your pet safely contained on your property, consider a new strategy to keep them home. Extending your existing fence using chicken wire, installing roller bars on top of your fence rail, installing a pulley system (visit our page www.fresnohumane.org/how-to-build-a-cable-run) or adding a secure kennel to a shady spot on your property are just some of the options to explore. To see others, use the following websites:
HSUS Suggestions for How to Keep Your Dog from Escaping
Fencing Solutions to Keep Dogs Contained
4) If you are unable to keep your pets due to housing issues, look for alternatives or reach out for assistance. There may be a way to work directly with your landlord to keep your pet—some landlords are more likely to accept fixed and vaccinated pets or dogs with obedience training. If a pet deposit is the only thing preventing you from keeping your dog or cat, consider a crowdfunding campaign such as GoFundMe to raise the needed fee. In certain cases FHAS may be able to assist with a pet deposit, fill out this form if you need assistance.
California Housing Rental Laws Concerning Pets
Fresno Bully Rescue’s Pet-Friendly Housing Page
5) If you are struggling to afford food, litter, or other basic supplies, there are local agencies willing to help. Fresno Humane often has donated dog and cat food to offer pet owners in need—call or text our office at (559) 600-7387 to request assistance. Halo Cafe also offers monthly food distribution events.
6) If you are trying to leave a DV situation and need assistance with temporary boarding for your pet, The RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant program helps families with pets safely escape domestic violence together. Funding is mainly provided to help with the cost of temporary pet boarding while a client is in a domestic violence shelter, though other costs associated with boarding (like vaccinations) can be considered. redrover.org/relief-dv/dv-safe-escape-grants/
Find a safe haven with pet-sheltering options for individuals experiencing domestic violence
domesticshelters.org (In “Filters”, select pet shelter options - Onsite and/or Off-site)
7) Dogs on Deployment is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit providing a central network for veterans, active military, and first responders to find volunteers who are willing to board their pets while they are deployed or have other service commitments. Check your area to see if there are volunteers who are able to temporarily care for your pet before you choose to surrender: dogsondeployment.org
The Rich Setzer Memorial Fund is a financial assistance program that aims to provide financial aid to military and veteran members who are facing financial difficulty regarding their pets' care: dogsondeployment.org/apply
Still wish to find another home for your pet? You can list your dog or cat on one of the safe, private rehoming websites below without having to take up kennel space or resources at your local animal shelter:
You can also reach out to no-kill 501(c)3 animal rescues; you can find many by searching animal rescue on the web.