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Animal Helpline:

1-855-622-7722

For all other calls and inquiries
see our contact details.

Find a BC SPCA location in your area:

I can’t keep my pet. What do I do? Can you take it?

Before you decide to re-home your animal, look into these alternatives to giving up your pet. We may be able to help you keep your pet with you. If you don’t see advice on your specific situation, please contact your local BC SPCA to discuss your situation. If you are looking at rehoming your pet through the BC SPCA, learn about the steps you will need to take before bringing in an animal to one of our locations.

Reach out to family members and friends

They may be willing to take on full guardianship of your pet. If your pet is already familiar with them, it may make the transition to a new home easier.

Discuss your pet’s personality and needs with them to make sure it’s a match. If it is a match, it’s a good idea to create a pet re-homing contract for each party to sign. Make a copy for them and keep the original.

Create a pet information posting

Be honest about your pet’s personality and needs. Include important information about your pet in your posting:

  • What was your pet like in your home?
  • What potential issues should a new home should be willing to work on?
  • Is there anything you are working on with your pet that a new home needs to continue?
  • What would be your ideal home recommendations for your pet?
  • What types of homes would your pet not do well in?
  • Any other information about your pet you want to include?

dog being held by person

Post online, at local veterinarians or local businesses

There are several websites where people can post their pet information. Talk to your local veterinarian to see if they have a public billboard for pets that need new homes. Some local stores and businesses may also have public billboards.

Have conversations with potential new guardians

Discuss your pet’s personality and needs to make the best match with potential adopters’ experience and expectations. Use our tips on making the right match to help guide you in your conversations with potential new guardians for your pet.

Transfer your pet’s registered ID

If your re-homed pet has a microchip or tattoo, you’ll need to transfer their records. This will increase their chances of being found if they get lost.

Ownership cannot be transferred without permission from the previous guardian.

  • If your pet’s ID is registered with the BC Pet Registry, you’ll need to complete an Ownership Transfer form (PDF). For more details on transfer of ownership, please call us at 1-855-622-7722.
  • If your pet’s ID is registered with a veterinary clinic or other company, you will need to go through their process of transferring ownership.
  • If your pet has a microchip or tattoo and you don’t know who it registers to or do not have the information available, contact your local BC SPCA animal centre for advice.

If you still want to rehome your pet through the BC SPCA, learn about the steps you will need to take.

Eye contact shot of a dog outdoors giving sad curious puppy dog eyes while being held and pet by a woman