Where to Surrender an Aggressive Dog?: Having an aggressive dog can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. but before considering surrender, this guide will explore some resources to help you find the best path forward. We’ll discuss alternative solutions like behavior training and explore reputable organizations for rehoming if surrender becomes necessary.
Whether your dog is aggressive towards you, strangers, or other pets in the household, consider that not all hope is lost.
There are several factors that can influence whether working on a dog’s behavior before considering surrendering is possible or advisable. A dog’s prognosis may therefore vary based on several of these factors.
What Are The Benefits Of Surrendering An Aggressive Dog?
Even though it is nowhere near a happy situation, or something that one would like to experience in their life, we still have to look at the bright side of this. Obviously, a dog that is being aggressive is not actually leading a happy life, so maybe by surrendering it, you are doing him a favor. (Where to Surrender an Aggressive Dog?)
There can be some benefits to surrendering an aggressive dog. First, you will be doing yourself a huge favor by finally allowing yourself to be happy and stress-free. It is not easy to deal with an aggressive dog or to be in constant fear that he might hurt you or someone else.
Secondly, this can be super beneficial to the dog. He can get the professional help he obviously needs, and he might also find a new home where he can be happy and stress-free.
Where to Surrender an Aggressive Dog?
1. Rehoming
If a dog suffers from inter-dog aggression, it is prudent to find new homes. Some dogs do not get along with other dog breeds and may benefit from living in a single dog home.
Likewise, dogs that cause chaos in the presence of cats or other animals benefit from a pet-free environment. But if your dog has shown signs of aggression toward people, this can raise some red flags. Ensure to inform the new dog owners of your dog’s behavioral issues. Read more: Surrender an Aggressive Dog – Fee Applicable
Moreover, the inherently distressing scenario will exacerbate your dog’s aggressiveness and anxiety. Thus, it may unload such behavior in its new foster parents, who may decide to rehome it.(Where to Surrender an Aggressive Dog?)
Do not conceal details about your dog’s aggressiveness since doing so will perpetuate the aggressive dog surrendering loop. The dog’s new owners will be unprepared to accommodate your dog’s habits and may try to find another home.
2. No-Kill Shelters
When aggressive dogs are turned over to a conventional shelter, they can be put to death right away, and rescue organizations won’t take them in. It is therefore practically difficult to find a place to stay or a caregiver.
Getting a shelter is difficult since they inspect their dogs and may have to put them down if their aggression poses a threat to the safety of other pets. Furthermore, they frequently lack the resources necessary for advanced diagnostics, medical care, and rehabilitation services.
In a “no-kill” shelter, violent dogs are accepted as long as they don’t have a history of biting. Although giving up your dog might be challenging, shelter staff members are prepared to manage the surrender with empathy. No-kill shelters are local, so you might need to look for them thoroughly.
Make careful to find out if the shelter knows of any volunteer groups that would be open to accepting your dog if they decline to take your pet. To aid in getting your dog admitted into one of these organizations, you might have a behaviorist verify that your dog’s aggression is not dangerous.
In terms of costs, you may be able to locate a shelter that will take in your dog for nothing. However, because most shelters are nonprofit organizations that must care for a large number of dogs, admission fees are typically charged.
3. Contact The Breeder
If your adoption contract looks like this, don’t be afraid to get in touch with the breeder; they could know more about your dog’s background or how to best assist him. Read more: Why Does My Dog Sit on My Shoulder?
Usually, most reputable breeders have in their contracts that if you are unable to take care of the dog anymore, you can contact them and they will happily take the dog back.
If you have an adoption contract like this, don’t hesitate to contact the breeder since they may have more information about your dog’s history, or know some ways of how to effectively help him.
4. Non-profit Animal Rescue
You can attempt to surrender your dog to a charity animal rescue or a rescue group if shelters do not allow it. These groups are often led by volunteers who see to it that animals who are harmed or abandoned are assisted.
Among the nonprofit groups that may be able to assist you are the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). You might attempt to get in touch with them or any other nearby local rescue group. Read more: Where to Surrender an Aggressive Dog?
5. Euthanasia
Sometimes putting your dog to sleep is the only course of action remaining. This typically occurs in circumstances of extreme hostility and untrainable canines.(Where to Surrender an Aggressive Dog?)
No matter the circumstances, owning a dog is never an easy decision. That being said, this is most likely the most compassionate thing you can do if the dog is a menace to people or other canines.
Your dog not only makes your life terrible, but it also leads a very unhappy existence filled with worry, tension, and anxiety all the time. Putting your dog down may end suffering for all.
The Stigma Around Rehoming Dogs
Surrendering (or rehoming) a dog is an extremely difficult situation, which inevitably brings feelings of sadness and guilt within itself. Many people feel extremely guilty about even thinking of surrendering their dog.
Even though it can feel like a huge betrayal and failure, you must understand that sometimes it is better to let go. Just like with any other toxic relationship in life, it is unhealthy to keep on going rather than doing the one thing that everyone knows needs to be done.(Where to Surrender an Aggressive Dog?)
It is true that there is a certain stigma around rehoming dogs. Many people will say, “How could you give him up like that?” or something along those lines, but you must know that you are not doing anything wrong.
If you have tried everything in your power to help that dog, but it is not working out, then the only reasonable and humane option would be to find him a new home or a place where he can be better.
Conclusion
While surrendering may be necessary, consider if there are other options first. Consulting a certified veterinary behaviorist can help identify the cause of the aggression and recommend treatment. There may be ways to manage the behavior and keep your furry friend. Read more: Where to Surrender an Aggressive Dog UK: A Compassionate Guide
If surrendering is truly the best option, shelters or rescues with experience handling aggressive dogs may be able to help. Be upfront about the aggression so they can make the best placement decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aggressive Dogs
What do no-kill shelters do with aggressive dogs?
No-kill shelters adhere to no policy whatsoever. They may offer service dog groups where pups may get training as assistants for physically impaired dog lovers. However, if your dog is so vicious, rendering it impossible to put it in a new home securely, there is a better chance of being euthanized.
Is it possible to surrender a dog that bites?
Dogs with a record of biting are often returned to their owners or euthanized since no one is prepared to risk dog bites plus shelters have scarce resources. It’s advisable to notify the shelter that your four-legged companion has a bad history. No shelter will accept a dangerous pet with injurious tendencies.(Where to Surrender an Aggressive Dog?)
Will veterinarians euthanize vicious dogs?
Veterinarians will consider euthanasia as a last resort for vicious dogs. Their primary focus is animal well-being, and that includes ensuring public safety. Here’s a breakdown:
Behavioral Euthanasia: This is the technical term for euthanasia due to severe behavioral problems. Vets will only consider this after exhausting other options.
Priority: Public Safety: If a dog poses a significant threat to public safety, a vet may recommend euthanasia to prevent serious injury or death.
Exploring Alternatives: Vets will likely recommend trying other options before euthanasia. This might include:
Consulting a veterinary behaviorist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Behavioral training to address the aggression.
Muzzle training and other safety measures to manage the dog.
Where can I surrender my aggressive dog?
Animal Shelters: Consider shelters, but be upfront about aggression. They may have limited resources for such cases.
Breed-Specific Rescues: These rescues often have experience with breed-specific behavioral issues.
Sanctuaries: Some may accept aggressive dogs with the space and resources for specialized care.
Should I try anything before surrendering?
Training: Consulting a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help identify the cause of aggression and potentially allow you to keep your dog.
How do I find the right place to surrender my dog?
Search online: Look for shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries in your area that accept aggressive dogs.
Contact local organizations: Animal control or animal welfare organizations may have recommendations.
What information do I need to provide?
Be honest about the dog’s aggression, triggers, and medical history. This helps assess proper placement.
Are there any additional considerations?
Surrender fees may apply at some shelters.
Waiting lists for aggressive dog placement are common.
