Am I a Bad Person for Surrendering My Dog or Cat?

By Dr Duncan Houston

Realising you may be unable to keep your dog or cat can bring grief, guilt and fear of judgement. Those feelings do not tell you what the safest next step is.

What matters now is whether the animal’s needs can be met and how to protect everyone while you work through the options.

Quick Answer

Needing to surrender or rehome a pet does not automatically make you a bad person. First explore realistic support if you want to keep the animal, then use a reputable organisation or a carefully managed rehoming process if continued care is not possible. Be fully honest about medical needs and behaviour, and ask what the receiving organisation can and cannot promise.

Could support change the situation?

A temporary crisis may need a temporary solution. Ask about food assistance, short-term foster care, help during hospitalisation, affordable treatment options or a veterinary behaviour assessment. Availability varies and assistance cannot be guaranteed.

RSPCA NSW’s human-and-animal support information describes examples of programmes designed to help during hardship. Your local shelter or vet may know comparable services.

If the issue is aggression, sudden toileting changes or destructive behaviour, a medical assessment may identify pain or illness contributing to the problem. That does not mean every difficult situation can be resolved with treatment.

How urgent is the decision?

Choosing a shelter or rescue

Call before arriving. Ask about intake appointments, waiting lists, fees, assessment procedures and what happens if the animal has significant medical or behavioural needs. A “no-kill” label does not by itself explain capacity, welfare standards or the outcome for an individual animal.

Do not assume surrender guarantees adoption or that every organisation can accept every pet. Ask direct questions about treatment, foster arrangements, rehoming decisions and euthanasia policies. Clear answers allow an informed decision without false reassurance.

Information that protects your pet and future carers

1. Provide complete medical records and an accurate medication list.
2. Describe behaviour in specific terms, including any bites, chasing, guarding or escape history.
3. Explain routines, diet, toilet habits and what helps the animal settle.
4. Disclose previous contacts with children, cats, dogs and livestock honestly.
5. Read the handover agreement and complete required identification changes through the proper process.

Do not hide a bite history to improve adoption chances. It can place people and animals at risk and prevent the receiving organisation from making a suitable plan.

If you are considering private rehoming

Use a careful screening process and seek advice from a recognised rescue. Confirm the prospective home can meet the animal’s needs and that the transfer is documented. Avoid an impulsive handover to a stranger or leaving the animal unattended outside a shelter.

For significant aggression or serious illness, obtain professional advice before advertising. Some animals need specialist assessment, and a change of home alone may not make the situation safe.

When help cannot wait

If a person or animal is in immediate danger, prioritise safe separation and contact emergency or relevant local services. An injured, severely ill or suffering pet needs veterinary attention now, rather than waiting for a surrender appointment.

If domestic violence is involved, use a specialist safety-planning service. 1800RESPECT’s pet-abuse information explains options in Australia.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until food, housing or safe separation has already failed.
• Concealing health or behaviour concerns.
• Assuming a rescue can promise a particular future.
• Letting shame prevent an early request for help.

Coping with the transition

Grief can coexist with a responsible decision. Talk with someone supportive and ask the organisation what updates, if any, are possible. Repeated requests for contact may not suit the animal’s placement or the organisation’s policies, so clarify expectations beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my pet definitely find another home?

No organisation can guarantee that for every animal. Ask about assessment and likely options.

Can surrender ever be the kindest choice?

It can be when suitable ongoing care cannot be provided, but the receiving arrangement must also be safe and realistic.

Can I adopt again in the future?

A future decision should reflect changed circumstances, available support and the needs of the individual animal.

You do not need to prove how much you care by managing an impossible situation alone. Honest information and early planning protect the pet best.

For information to support a conversation about your pet’s health and care needs, explore ASK A VET™.