July 15, 2025
By: Jade Garrett – SPCA Albrecht Center Events & Fundraising Manager

We often say that adopting a pet should be a lifetime commitment, and we mean it. But sometimes, “lifetime” doesn’t play out the way we hoped. Life changes, circumstances shift, and sometimes — despite the best intentions —  a family realizes they can’t keep their pet.

It’s not an easy decision, and it shouldn’t be. But if it happens, we owe it to the animal to handle things responsibly. At the SPCA Albrecht Center, we believe that a pet’s wellbeing should always come first, whether they’re in our shelter or already in a home. If you’re facing the possibility of rehoming your pet, here’s what we want you to know:

First: Take a Breath and Look at Your Options

Rehoming should never be the first step. Before jumping to that point, ask yourself:

  • Is this something training could help with?
  • Can a vet offer a medical solution, especially for allergies or behavioral issues?
  • Is there someone in your circle who could help short-term — a friend, neighbor, or family member?

We know life gets complicated. But in many cases, there’s a path that keeps pets in the home and out of an already overcrowded shelter system.

If Rehoming Is the Right Call

If you’ve explored every option and rehoming is truly the best decision for your pet and your family, there are better ways to do it than a rushed Facebook post or handing them over to someone you barely know.

Start here:

  • Use a trusted platform: Websites like Adopt-a-Pet Rehome and Home-to-Home are designed to connect pet owners with responsible adopters. They allow you to create a profile for your pet and manage the adoption process directly.
  • Be honest in your description: Don’t try to make your pet sound “easier” than they are. The right home will be one that accepts them as-is.
  • Avoid sketchy listings: Please don’t give your pet away on Craigslist or a “free to good home” post. Not all potential adopters have good intentions.

What If You Adopted from Us?

If your pet came from the SPCA Albrecht Center and keeping them is no longer an option, talk to us. We don’t always have space immediately, but we will take back pets adopted from us whenever possible. Our goal is to keep animals safe, not make anyone feel bad for asking for help.

Rehoming Isn’t a Shortcut — It’s a Responsibility

No matter how a pet leaves your home, the way they get there matters. Whether they came from us, another shelter, or a neighbor’s backyard, they depend on you to make decisions with their safety and future in mind. We’re here to help with that and we hope more people start thinking about rehoming not as a quick fix, but as the serious responsibility it is.

 

Jade Garrett is the Events & Fundraising Manager for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She is a seasoned marketing professional who found her way to the shelter in the fall of 2023. With a lifelong passion for animal welfare, she is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of homeless animals in our community for many years to come.