If you're reading this, you're probably going through something hard. Maybe you've been putting off the decision for weeks. Maybe you've already cried about it. However you got here — we're glad you found us.
Our job isn't to judge why you can't keep your dog. It's to make sure your small dog lands safely in a loving home, with the least stress possible — for both of you.
🛡️ Everything is confidential. Your name, your reason for rehoming, and your exact location are never shared publicly. We are the go-between. You stay in control.
You're Not Alone — People Reach Us for All Kinds of Reasons
The decision to rehome a dog rarely comes from one thing. Usually it's a pile-up. Here are the most common situations we help with — see if any of these feel familiar.
Emigrating or Relocating
High relocation costs, quarantine rules, or housing restrictions at the destination. We regularly place dogs for families leaving SA.
Landlord or Housing Issues
New rental doesn't allow pets, body corporate rules changed, or you've had to downsize. It happens more than you'd think.
Financial Pressure
Vet bills, food costs, grooming — small dogs add up. If you can no longer afford proper care, rehoming is the responsible choice, not a failure.
Health or Age
Your own health has changed. You can't walk them like you used to. Or the dog has needs you can no longer manage alone.
New Baby or Family Change
A new child, a divorce, or an elderly parent moving in — sometimes the household dynamics shift and the dog no longer fits safely.
Behaviour or Compatibility
Maybe your existing dog doesn't get along with the new one. Maybe the small dog's barking or anxiety has become unmanageable. We don't shame you for this.
Your Two Real Options — and Why Home-to-Home Wins
When you can't keep your dog, you essentially have two paths. Here's how they compare.
🏢 Shelter Surrender
- Dog goes to a kennel facility
- Stressful for small, attached breeds
- You lose visibility — no say in where they go
- Some shelters have waitlists or turn dogs away
- No guarantee of a home — some dogs sit for months
🏡 Home-to-Home Rehoming
- Your dog stays with you until matched
- Zero shelter time — no kennels, no cages
- You meet and approve the new family
- Private and confidential throughout
- We screen adopters properly — not first-come-first-served
This is what we do. Every single day. Your dog deserves the green column.
How the Process Works — Simple, Private, Kind
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You reach out — confidentially
Fill in the surrender form or call us. Tell us about your dog, your situation, and your timeline. No judgment, no pressure. Just practical next steps.
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We find and screen a new family
We interview potential adopters, check their home environment, verify their experience with small breeds, and only proceed when we're confident it's a good match.
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You meet the new family
We present the recommended family to you first. You have the final say. We facilitate a meeting — in person or video — before the dog transitions.
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Your dog goes home — directly, no stops in between
Your dog moves from your arms to theirs. One journey. No shelter stopover. No kennel. No cage. Just a dignified transition to a loving new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
I feel guilty. Is rehoming my dog the wrong thing to do?
Keeping a dog you can no longer properly care for is not kinder than finding them a home that can. Guilt is normal — it means you care. But rehoming, done properly through a service like ours, is a responsible and compassionate decision. Your dog will be loved. You're not abandoning them — you're securing their future.
How long does the whole process take?
Some dogs are matched within days. Others take 2 to 4 weeks, especially if the dog is older, has medical needs, or needs a specific type of home. We don't rush matches — we get them right. The sooner you start, the smoother it goes.
What does it cost?
In most cases, nothing. In certain situations, a small administrative contribution may apply. This is discussed upfront during your consultation and clearly set out in the rehoming agreement. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Can you help if my dog has health or behaviour issues?
In most cases, yes. We've placed dogs with chronic conditions, anxiety, and behavioural quirks. Be honest with us about what's going on — hiding problems only hurts the match. The right adopter is out there; we just need to find them.
Do I get updates after my dog is rehomed?
Many adopters are happy to share updates and photos. We encourage it but cannot guarantee it. Some new families prefer a clean break, and we respect that. We'll discuss this with you during the process.