How does your home-to-home rehoming process work?

Your dog stays with you in your home while we find and screen potential adopters. We interview families, check their home environments, and only proceed when we're confident it's the right match. Your dog moves directly from your home to theirs — no kennels, no cages, no shelter stays. Read the full step-by-step breakdown on our How It Works page.

How long does it take to rehome a dog?

Timing varies. Some dogs are placed within days, others take a few weeks. We prioritise finding the right home over the fastest one — quality of placement is what matters most for your dog's long-term happiness. The more notice you can give us, the wider the pool of suitable families we can find.

Is there a fee to surrender my dog?

Usually no cost. In certain situations, a small administrative contribution may be requested — for example, if your dog needs specific veterinary work before they can be rehomed or if there are exceptional costs associated with the placement. This is discussed transparently during your initial consultation and outlined in the rehoming agreement upfront. You will never face hidden charges.

What types of dogs can you help rehome?

We specialise in small breed dogs and puppies under 15kg. This includes popular breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Jack Russells, Poodles (Toy and Miniature), Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzers, Maltese, Boston Terriers, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Pekingese, and well-socialised small crossbreeds. We are unable to assist with Pitbulls or other power breeds. See our full list of breeds we rehome for details.

Do you cover my area in South Africa?

We serve all major cities across South Africa. Our core coverage includes:

  • Pretoria — 100km radius
  • Greater Johannesburg — 100km radius (including Sandton, Midrand, Randburg, Roodepoort)
  • Cape Town — 100km radius (including Stellenbosch, Somerset West)
  • Durban — 100km radius (including Umhlanga, Ballito)

Our home-to-home model also allows us to arrange nationwide matches for the right fit. If you're outside these areas, contact us and we'll see what we can do.

Can I stay anonymous when rehoming my dog?

Absolutely. Your personal details, your reason for rehoming, and your specific location are never shared publicly. We act as the intermediary throughout the entire process. Only once you've approved a specific adopter do we share the necessary information with that family — and even then, only what's needed to complete the handover.

Do I get to choose who adopts my dog?

Yes — this is one of the most important parts of our process. We present the recommended family's profile to you first, and you have the final say. We never place a dog without the owner's explicit approval. Once you're comfortable, we arrange a meet-and-greet so you can see the family interact with your dog before making your decision.

What if I'm emigrating and can't take my dog?

We regularly help families who are emigrating but cannot take their dogs due to high relocation costs, quarantine requirements, or housing restrictions in the destination country. We understand the stress of leaving a beloved pet behind and will prioritise finding a truly loving home so you can leave with peace of mind. Start the process as early as possible — ideally 2–3 months before your departure date.

What happens after I agree to the match?

After you approve, we facilitate a calm, direct handover from your home to the new family's home. We help with practicalities like transferring vet records, sharing feeding and medication schedules, and providing settling-in guidance for the new family. We also check in afterwards to make sure everything is going smoothly. You are supported from start to finish.

Will my dog be kept in a kennel or cage?

Never. Our process is 100% cage-free and kennel-free. Your dog stays in your home with you until a new family is found and you've approved them. The transition goes directly from your home to theirs — same couch to a new couch, same loving environment. This protects your dog from the stress and behavioural issues that shelter stays can cause.

What documents do I need?

Ideally, have these ready:

  • Your dog's vaccination card
  • Sterilisation certificate (if applicable)
  • Microchip number and registration details
  • Recent photos (within the last week)

Don't worry if you're missing some of these — we'll guide you through what's needed during your confidential consultation.

What if the rehoming doesn't work out?

We stand behind every placement. If for any reason the new home doesn't work out, we'll step in. Our adoption contract includes a return-to-rescue clause, meaning the dog comes back to us rather than being passed on or surrendered elsewhere. This is part of our commitment to responsible rehoming.

Have a question we haven't answered?

Get in touch — we're happy to talk through your specific situation.

Call 061 443 2497

Or email woof@littledoggyrescue.co.za