Strays & Owner Surrenders
Please understand that we get multiple inquiries daily requesting that we take a dog for a variety of reasons.
Many of the dogs brought into our program are at risk of being euthanized due to over-crowding at Animal Care Services – we are not a back up plan for every pit bull owner in the city.
Below are answers and resources for the most common re-homing inquiries.
Found a Stray Dog?
Sometimes, accidents happen and dogs get out! Before you think “stray,” try to reunite the lost dog with its owners. Someone out there might be looking for their fur baby! A lost dog might be underweight, hurt or dirty. Its possible that it became that way during the time it was on the run. Lost house pets are also often frightened or incredibly skittish – this doesn’t always mean that the dog was abused or neglected!
To re-unite a lost dog with their owners:
- check for tags
- check for a microchip A local pet store or vet office can scan the doggo for you. If there is a chip and it is NOT registered, ask the chip manufacturer which shelter or vet office put the chip in. They should have records that can link you back to the owners!
- Post flyers in the area the dog was found
- Post ads online Create a Pawboost profile. Facebook, Nextdoor, pet finder, etc. are all useful online tools!
- Look for Lost Dog flyers/postings online and in the area where the dog was found
- Contact local shelters Most owners will file lost dog reports with their local shelter.
Owner Surrenders
I need to surrender my dog.
ACPBR is not a shelter; therefore, we do not accept public intakes without a long term foster commitment from the relinquishing party. Should we agree to intake, the dog must be spayed/neutered, up to date on shots, and heartworm negative. Due to lack of funding and for liability reasons we cannot even consider dogs being re-homed due to aggression issues. If you are having problems with behavior we recommend to try training first. If you need temporary placement, please contact a local boarding facility.
I’m moving.
Head over to the Breed-Friendly Housing section of our website for more options in the city or check out My Pit Bull is Family for nationwide resources.
We’re having a baby.
Many of our fosters, volunteers and adopters have children of their own. Training can provide resources to prepare yourself and your pets for the addition of a new family member. If you do not trust your own animal, how can we trust placing them with a complete stranger?
My dog is sick and I can’t afford it.
We are a 501c3 non-profit that relies solely on donations. There are many low cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics in the city and options such as Care Credit, GoFundMe, etc. Check out this page, and feel free to email us for additional resources for low cost pet care.
I don’t have time for my dog.
As a rescue that advocates for responsible ownership, we will not accept a dog into our program because you do not have the time. Dogs are a lifelong commitment and should be treated as such.
My dogs aren’t getting along.
Contact a trainer first to evaluate the situation. We will not consider a public intake being surrendered due to dog reactivity without an evaluation from a licensed professional.
“I’ve done everything mentioned above, what now?”
You’ve done everything above and have been unsuccessful in reuniting your stray dog with their owner or you have rescued a dog from a shelter, bad situation, etc. and…