Helping Someone Rehome A Dog - Lab X Beagle

[Alkhe]

I just found out that what I thought were the owners of a dog at my park, were actually meant to be looking after him for a few months. His owner has now decided to stay overseas and these people are now trying to find a permanent home for him. I don't know more detail than that the people looking after him are friends of friends (of friends?) of the dog's owner, and are justifiably upset at this turn of events. He's a great dog, but they didn't sign up for taking him on permanently.

The girl was directed to me, being the weird dog obsessed park goer, and I said I'd see whether I could put her in touch with anyone able to assist or get him listed on Pet Rescue or something. They have been looking after him for a few months (maybe 5?) and are happy to look after him until a good home is found, but just can't have him permanently. I've just sent her an email asking for some good photos of him, so will update this thread with those as soon as possible. I actually thought he as a GSP x Lab or something, he has a lovely chocolate coat and the softest ears in the world. He's really just a beautifully natured, happy, friendly dog.

Geoffrey is a 6 year old brown Lab x Beagle - he's a really lovely dog, but hasn't had any training. I've seen him at the park many times and he is well socialised with other dogs, just pulls like a freight train on the lead a lot and doesn't really have manners with people. As we were talking I was running through my head that I should just take him myself and train him in basic obedience and manners, and contact some rescues to get him listed on Pet Rescue. But I'm really allergic to dogs and it would just be a nightmare for me. Plus, I'm getting a foster dog from another group in a few weeks anyway.

I am in Brunswick, Melbourne.

Does anybody have any suggestions as to who I could contact to assist with a private re-homing? I guess that is what this situation is. I'm aware that most rescues won't take on dogs for private rehoming, but what about assisting with listing on Pet Rescue, if the dog is essentially being fostered already?

Any suggestions would be appreciated - thanks in advance!

[kayla1]

You could try The Animal Rehoming Service here. Hope he finds a good home.

[Alkhe]

Thanks so much Kayla, I've never actually heard of them before - what a great service!

[Guest Ams]

The new Pet Rescue site specifically states we are no longer allowed to list private rehomings. The dogs listed must be in care either in a shelter or a foster home.

[Alkhe]

The new Pet Rescue site specifically states we are no longer allowed to list private rehomings. The dogs listed must be in care either in a shelter or a foster home.

Oh, damn. Though I completely understand the rationale for that. I'm guessing then that being in a foster home require that the person looking after the dog is a fosterer on that rescues books? Because Geoffrey's practically in a foster home right now, just.. not with an official rescue.. ?

[Guest Ams]

The new Pet Rescue site specifically states we are no longer allowed to list private rehomings. The dogs listed must be in care either in a shelter or a foster home.

Oh, damn. Though I completely understand the rationale for that. I'm guessing then that being in a foster home require that the person looking after the dog is a fosterer on that rescues books? Because Geoffrey's practically in a foster home right now, just.. not with an official rescue.. ?

I would guess so. I keep meaning to ask them but I figure they would be so busy just getting the new site up and running. It will make it hard for me as I am a small rescue and sometimes there are dogs that I can help re-home but I don't have room or funds to bring them into my rescue.

[Alkhe]

The new Pet Rescue site specifically states we are no longer allowed to list private rehomings. The dogs listed must be in care either in a shelter or a foster home.

Oh, damn. Though I completely understand the rationale for that. I'm guessing then that being in a foster home require that the person looking after the dog is a fosterer on that rescues books? Because Geoffrey's practically in a foster home right now, just.. not with an official rescue.. ?

I would guess so. I keep meaning to ask them but I figure they would be so busy just getting the new site up and running. It will make it hard for me as I am a small rescue and sometimes there are dogs that I can help re-home but I don't have room or funds to bring them into my rescue.

No problem, I'll see whether I can find out and will let you know if/when I do :) Thanks anyway!

[tdierikx]

Is the dog microchipped and/or council registered? If so, in whose name? You may need to have the dog signed over from the old owners before he can be rehomed legally...

As for the PetRescue thing, you could always sign up the current "owner" as a foster carer under your group to satisfy that prerequisite, yes? Then he can be listed under your group.

T.

[Alkhe]

Is the dog microchipped and/or council registered? If so, in whose name? You may need to have the dog signed over from the old owners before he can be rehomed legally...

As for the PetRescue thing, you could always sign up the current "owner" as a foster carer under your group to satisfy that prerequisite, yes? Then he can be listed under your group.

T.

I'm not 100% sure but I would assume that he's council registered.. what I'm planning to do now is send her another email with a set of instructions and options, which will include getting ownership of the dog, and explaining how fostering works. I'll make contact with a few rescues today and see whether they are amenable to having her listed as a foster carer for htem and listing the dog.

I was hoping there would be someone on here who is involved with a rescue who'd be able to help with teh last step :D Just so it's not cold-calling!

THanks again for your help everybody :)

[Alkhe]

Just to give a nice happy ending - Geoffrey's actual owner (the one overseas) emailed the "foster carer" and apparently has found somebody who is well aware of his "more troublesome qualities" and wants to take him on permanently.

So, happy ending

Thanks again for your help :)

[Steve]

The new Pet Rescue site specifically states we are no longer allowed to list private rehomings. The dogs listed must be in care either in a shelter or a foster home.

Oh, damn. Though I completely understand the rationale for that. I'm guessing then that being in a foster home require that the person looking after the dog is a fosterer on that rescues books? Because Geoffrey's practically in a foster home right now, just.. not with an official rescue.. ?

I would guess so. I keep meaning to ask them but I figure they would be so busy just getting the new site up and running. It will make it hard for me as I am a small rescue and sometimes there are dogs that I can help re-home but I don't have room or funds to bring them into my rescue.

Ams you know you can list your dogs on the MDBA website free of charge?

There is also an option of 4 weeks free insurance now with every dog that is placed with no obligation to buy any further insurance if you want to use it.

Edited October 1, 2012 by Steve