You are soley responsible for screening potential homes and determining the most appropriate home.
This service is not intended for the sale of animals or litters. For that reason, only animals over the age of 6 months can be posted. While we encourage owners to charge a small rehoming fee, we will not accept those with an excessive fee.
The fee to list a pet through UPAWS is: Dogs - $15.00 for the first month and $7.50 for each additional month; Cats - $5.00 for the first month and $2.50 for each additional month. (this covers administrative expenses).
UPAWS must receive proof that the animal is spayed or neutered and current on all necessary vaccinations (distemper & rabies) before it will be listed.
UPAWS will only post your first name, phone number, and email address in the ad.
UPAWS has the right to deny, refuse, or edit any listing for any reason.
Download registration/waiver form HERE
If you need to re-home a different type of animal other than a dog or cat, please email UPAWS directly to discuss the requirements for that particular animal.
If Home 2 Home isn't an option for you, please keep in mind that our staff and volunteers do everything they can to make all of the animals comfortable while in our care. If you can no longer keep a pet in your home, please call UPAWS to set up an appointment to bring your animal in.
Reaching Out
- Friends and family are the number one way pets find new homes. Contact everyone!
- List your pet via our Home 2 Home Placement Program. UPAWS will list your pet to capture the attention of people that are actively looking for pets.
- Place an ad in the local newspapers. Many ads are free!
- Prepare a flyer/handout about the pet and include:
- Appearance, size and age – consider using a good photo.
- Describe his/her nature and what you like about him/her.
- Describe your pet’s health status.
- Put your name and phone number and a time for people to reach you.
- Make it fun. For example: Felix is a fun 3-year-old tabby looking for a sunny window to sit in. He is good with other cats and dogs. I must give him up for adoption because I am moving into a retirement home. Please call XXX-XXXX after 8:00PM.
Finding Good Homes
Never give your pet away to someone without screening the person carefully.
Make sure your pet is clean, well groomed, and free of parasites (fleas, ticks, ear mites, intestinal worms, etc.). Your pet should make a good first impression.
Do NOT offer your animal “Free to Good Home”. These ads have the potential to attract individuals that may want to sell your pet for research or other terrible things. Charge a nominal fee. You could charge the amount of the advertising or the cost of recent vaccinations, flea prevention, etc. If you would rather not charge a fee, consider asking the new family to make a donation to UPAWS and bring you the receipt for verification.
You know your pet best, so jot down some specific needs your pet has, for example: no small children, fenced yard, loves other dogs, etc. When you talk with potential families, ask questions to see if they meet your pet’s needs. Remember that you are in charge of the conversation.
If you receive a call from someone interested in meeting your pet, try to get some initial information first, such as first and last name, address, & phone number. Speak with them about what type of pet they are looking for so you know if a meeting is warranted.
You can choose to meet the person at your home or theirs, but the safest is to meet at a neutral place. When potential families meet your pet, give them time to interact with your pet while you are present. If you’re comfortable, leave them alone and give them some time to interact alone. Remember, you should see all members of the family interact with your pet, including children.
Observe carefully! This is your best opportunity to notice body language, tone of voice, parental advice to children, manner in which they interact with your pet, etc.
Some questions you may want to ask the potential families are:
- Why do you want this animal?
- Have you had an animal of this breed/type before?
- What general experience do you have with this type of animal?
- Have you ever trained this type of animal? What type of training methods would you use?
- Do you own or rent your home? If renting, does the landlord permit pets?
- (In reference to a dog) Do you have a yard? Is it fenced?
- What other pets do you have?
- What other pets have you had in the past and what became of them?
- Do you have children? Grandchildren? How many and what ages?
- How much time will you spend per day with this animal? What is your daily routine like?
- Who will be the primary caretaker of this animal?
- What activities and exercise do you plan for this animal?
- Where will this animal sleep? If you are not home, where will the animal be kept?
- Can you afford the care this animal will need or will it cause financial hardship?
- Who is your veterinarian? May I call your vet for a reference?
Any questions from the potential family should be answered fully and truthfully.
Even if the meeting goes well, never let them take your pet that same day. Think the match over at least overnight and check references if you would like. If you suspect you may need more time to decide, mention that there may be other families you wish to meet before deciding.
Don’t be afraid to tell potential families what you require before making your decisions. Think about what you will require before you decide to let a new family have your pet. You may want to know if they own their home or have landlord permission. You may need to see their home in order to be comfortable. You may need to have a few letters of recommendations. Let potential families know what you expect and see if they can provide you with the comfort you need.
Take time to consider the situation. Don’t let yourself feel pressured or rushed. Your judgment is what counts. Follow your "gut" feelings.
Don’t be afraid to say “no”. The whole point of you looking for a new home for your animal is to make a good match and you are the person that is responsible for determining your pet’s future.
You are giving up ownership rights, so be sure you are comfortable with the new home.
Letting them Go
Once you have selected a new home for your pet, you should prepare your pet and gather materials.
Make sure you give the new family any veterinary records and your contact information in a stapled pile so it doesn’t get lost.
It may be helpful to fill out some other information about your pet so the new family can help the pet feel more comfortable in its new home. Click here for a form you can print and fill out for the new family.
Document that you transferred ownership and materials and give the new family one copy and keep the other copy for yourself. Consider drafting a letter of understanding for both you and the new family to read and sign. Include anything you may want to in this letter and make sure that you will be the one they call should the match not work out.
You may want to send your pets favorite toys, bed, food, medication, and treats. You may also want to give your pet a pillowcase off of your bed, so your scent helps your pet adjust to the new home.
Once you let someone take your pet, it is no longer your pet. You can ask the person to give you an update, but they may need some time alone to bond with the animal first. A responsible person will welcome your concern.
Please notify UPAWS when you have found your pet a new home! Email the good news to petpromos@upaws.org and info@upaws.org.
