Pet surrender: why asking for help could keep families together

For many people, the thought of rehoming a beloved pet is unimaginable. Pets are family and a vital source of comfort through life's most difficult moments. But when circumstances change, some owners find themselves facing the heartbreaking reality of rehoming their pet.  

It's easy to ask "why didn't they plan better?" or "why didn't they ask for help sooner?" But the truth is far more complicated.  

New research exploring the experiences of people who have rehomed a pet found that owners often reach this decision after months of trying to make things work. Whether they were facing housing insecurity, financial hardship, behavioural challenges or overwhelming changes in their personal lives, rehoming was rarely a first choice. Many had already asked for support from family and friends, consulted trainers or vets, paid for temporary pet care, or even changed their working hours in an effort to keep their pet.  

The research also revealed something equally important: many owners worried about being judged for rehoming their pet. That stigma can stop people from reaching out for support at the moment they need it most.  

Across the UK, people are making extraordinary sacrifices to keep the pets they love. Some are going without essentials, delaying medical treatment or struggling in unsuitable housing because they cannot bear the thought of losing their pet. 

Yet too many people still suffer in silence. Research has found that almost half of pet owners who rehomed an animal didn't know support was available to help them stay together. Others feared asking for help would lead to judgement or that their pet would be taken away.  

If you're struggling to care for your pet, you are not alone. Seeking help isn't a sign that you've failed as an owner, it's often the most responsible thing you can do.   

• If your pet is displaying challenging behaviours, speak to your vet first to rule out any underlying medical issues, and ask for a referral to a qualified animal behaviourist if needed.
• You can also look on the Animal Training and Behaviour Council's website for local practitioners who may also be able to help.
• If your circumstances have changed, reach out to the breeder, rescue or rehoming organisation you originally got your pet from, as most are willing to offer advice and support, and in many cases will want to be the first port of call if you are thinking about surrendering or rehoming your pet.
• Local animal welfare charities and rescue centres may also be able to help with practical guidance, temporary fostering, pet food support or signposting to other services.

The earlier you ask for help, the more options are likely to be available to help keep you and your pet together. No one should have to choose between their own wellbeing and the animal they love. By replacing judgement with compassion and making support easier to find, we can help more pets stay where they belong: safely at home with the families who love them.