When an Adoption Is Not Working Out: Safe Next Steps

Sometimes, despite an adopter's best intentions and efforts, a placement is not a match. Facing this reality can feel painful, but handling it responsibly is the final, essential service you can provide to the dog.

Contacting the Placing Rescue and Reviewing Your Agreement

Many rescue adoption agreements require the adopter to contact or return the dog to the placing organisation. Review your signed agreement and contact that organisation before making another arrangement.

Important rules to follow:

• Review Your Contract: Read the signed adoption agreement. Many South African rescue agreements include a clause stating that you may not sell, trade, give away, or rehome the dog privately under any circumstances.
• Do Not Privately Rehome: Unregistered rehoming bypasses the screening process and puts the dog at risk. The placing rescue typically coordinates the dog's future placement.
• Do Not Surrender Elsewhere: Do not take the dog to a different shelter or SPCA branch without consulting the placing rescue first.

What to Expect from the Rescue

When you contact the placing organisation:

• Capacity Limitations: The organisation will explain what assistance it can provide and how quickly. It may not be able to collect or accommodate the dog immediately. Be prepared to keep the dog secure and separated from other pets for a period while they arrange space.
• Case-Specific Procedures: Each rescue has its own return procedure. Some may require a written surrender form, while others may coordinate a foster handover.
• No Judgment: Ethical rescues want safe outcomes. While they will ask questions to understand the situation, their primary goal is the safety of your family and the dog.

Managing Immediate Safety Concerns

If the dog shows escalating aggression, resource guarding, or has bitten someone:

• Separate Safely: Use a secure, quiet indoor area or a sturdy physical barrier where people and animals cannot accidentally enter. Do not attempt to physically restrain or move an actively aggressive dog if doing so would put someone at risk.
• Medical Advice: Anyone bitten should obtain appropriate medical advice, particularly if the skin was broken. Provide truthful vaccination and incident information to the medical professional and placing rescue.
• Veterinary Check: Contact a veterinarian to assess the dog. Behavioural changes or aggression can be linked to pain, illness, or vaccination status.
• Notify the Rescue: Tell them exactly what happened. Provide honest, factual details of the triggers and severity of the behavior.
• Consult a Professional: Seek guidance from a qualified, force-free behaviour professional to assess the dog. Do not use punishment or force-based handling, as this will escalate fear and aggression.

Frequently Asked Questions