Rehoming
At this time, Niagara Dog Rescue only able to consider applications that meet the following criteria:
1. Dogs that originally came from our rescue.
2. Dogs that do not present ANY behavioural* issues
3. The family is able to keep the dog until foster or forever home is found,
If you meet all 3 requirements, please complete a rehoming form for consideration.
This form is for dogs that have been adopted from Niagara Dog Rescue within 4 months of today's date. If the dog has been in your home for over 4 months please see the Owner Surrender Process as the dogs behaviours may have changed due to it's current circumstances and the dog will need to be assessed before being surrendered to our rescue.
Looking to rehome a dog that was not adopted through Niagara Dog Rescue within 4 months of today's date? Jump down to surrending section.
Owner Surrender Process
Due to recent issues with owner surrenders we’ve implemented the follow process and we will not deviate from this process under any circumstance.
If you can answer "YES" to any of the questions below, please take the time to explore those options before surrendering your dog.
Did you acquire him as a puppy from a breeder?
If so, have you contacted that person? If he or she is at all reputable, you would have signed a contract at the time you purchased your puppy, stipulating that the dog should be returned if you decide to no longer keep him. If you do not want to keep your dog, contact your breeder first.
Did you acquire your Dog from a Rescue Organization?
If so, have you contacted that rescue organization? If they are reputable, you would have signed a contract at the time you adopted your dog, stipulating that the dog must be returned to them if you decide to no longer keep him or her for any reason.
Does your dog need spaying/neutering?
Both Welland and St Catharines offer low cost spay and neuter clinics:
New baby in the family?
How lucky for you that most dogs are fantastic family pets! If you can take care of your new little human baby, you can take care of a dog. Some of our educational materials are listed below to help you ease the transition:
Moving?
The Humane Society lists Moving as the number one reason people surrender their pets to shelters. There are plenty of apartments, townhouses, condos and hotels that accept medium and large breeds of dog. Many places will even allow you to spread payment of your pet deposit over multiple months as part of your rent. Please check with your real estate agent, or company relocation services when possible.
Residential Tenancies Act: Tenant Rights for having Animals.
In the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) there is a section that has a title: “No pet” provisions void (RTA, 2006, c. 17, s. 14). In other words, a provision in a tenancy agreement prohibiting the presence of pets at the premises is void. Even if you signed a rental agreement with a “no pets” clause, you cannot be evicted just for having a pet if the pet is not a problem for anyone.
The RTA specifies the situations when a tenant can be evicted for having a pet. You can be evicted only if your pet:
- is making too much noise, damaging the unit, causing an allergic reaction, or
- is considered to be inherently dangerous.
A landlord cannot evict a tenant because they have a pet in violation of a “no pets” clause in the rental agreement. However, a landlord may have grounds to apply to evict a tenant for having a pet, if the pet damages the property or bothers other tenants.
You do not have to move or get rid of the pet unless the Landlord and Tenant Board issues a written order to do so.
Think you don’t have enough time for your dog?
Experts in the animal field agree that a dog requires a mere 15 minutes of one-on-one time with his person per day, to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted! That could be simply spent laying in bed at night watching t.v. together, playing ball in the backyard for 15 minutes while dinner is cooking, or going for a walk or jog! Surely you can spare 15 minutes per day. Pets reduce personal stress and can add years to your life – make the time for you AND your dog.
Are there behavioral issues?
Is your dog having trouble getting along with other animals in the household or are there other behavioral issues that have led to the decision to give up your dog? If so, let us help you. Send us an email – we can most likely recommend a trainer in your area. If you didn’t socialize your dog as a puppy, it’s never too late to enroll him in obedience school. It’s fun and can count as your 15 minutes of bonding time!
Recommended Dog Trainers:
View full list of recommended dog trainers.
Experiencing financial issues?
The following groups exist to assist people who truly want to keep their pets, but are experiencing financial difficulties. They may be able to help you.
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