Get My Dog Back After A Shelter Has Rehomed Him

Let’s start with the basics. All of what we have to say affects dog owners in the United States. Laws and options in other countries may be different. Now let’s imagine a scenario in which you are unable to take care of your dog and have given him up for adoption. Can I get my dog back after a shelter has rehomed him? It is far from a common thing, but it is still something that may happen.

For instance, you may have had to give him up for adoption because you were out of work. Now that you can afford to have him again, you want the dog.

A Simple And Sad Answer

Can I get my dog back after a shelter rehomes him in the United States? The answer is no. First of all, the new owner doesn’t have any responsibility to give you back the dog. He or she can simply decline this, and you can’t do anything. You cannot sue them, and even if you did, there would be no point. It is their dog now. After all, you gave the dog to a shelter, so now you cannot ask him back.

Even if the dog is still in the shelter, it is hard to get it back. Most shelters will refuse to give you back the dog. They are worried that you will mistreat the dog or that there will be the same issues present as in the first case before you gave the dog up for adoption. There are some exceptions, but usually they are rare.

Another thing you need to know here is that keeping a dog in a shelter is expensive. There are also many fees when it comes to adopting a dog. Now imagine that you are asking a new owner to give back the dog but they have paid for the adoption and more. The shelter used money as well. You cannot just do this, especially if you gave the dog to her in the first place.

You Can Ask For Your Dog Back In One Situation

This is important to know. Maybe you lost your dog, and he ended up being adopted. Perhaps someone stole him. In general, if you didn’t give the dog but he ended up as a pet of another person, you can sue the person and you will probably get the dog back. This applies to most parts of the United States, and usually, it is a fast process.

This means that you lost your dog for some reason and now want him back. He is still your dog, and you have the right to take him back.

The bottom line here is simple. If you left your dog behind involuntarily, you can ask him to come back, and there are a lot of things you can do to get him back. If you gave him to him voluntarily, you cannot do this.

Possible Exceptions 

If your dog is in the shelter or has been adopted but you really want him, there are one or two things you can do. The first one is to go to the shelter and offer to pay them for their service and ask them to have a dog back.

Reach Out to the Shelter

The first step in getting your dog back after a shelter has rehomed him is to immediately get in touch with the shelter. Approach them politely and professionally, explaining the circumstances that led to the loss of your pet. It’s essential to provide as many details as possible, including any supporting documents such as registration, vaccination records, or microchip information that clearly establish you as the original owner.

Explain to them that you had to give him away because you were out of a job, you had a medical condition, or something similar. Now try to prove to them that the issue is resolved and you can support your dog. In rare cases, this will work, and you will get your dog back. You will still have to pay.

Remember, animal shelters are committed to the welfare of the animals they look after. They are likely to understand your situation and may be willing to assist. However, it’s important to know that once the dog is rehomed, the shelter typically doesn’t have the legal authority to demand the dog back.

In many cases, the shelter can facilitate a meeting with the new owners or pass along a message. If they are unable to assist directly, they might provide advice or guidance on the best course of action, which may include legal recourse or mediation services.

Above all, remember to remain calm and patient throughout this process. It can be an emotional time, but showing respect and understanding towards the shelter staff will make them more likely to go the extra mile to help you.

Negotiation with the New Owners

The second thing you can do is find a new owner. He or she is probably close to you due to the fact that both of you have used the same shelter for dogs. Ask that person to give you the dog back and pay for that. Nobody will pay to adopt a dog and then give him back to another person for free.

Once you have managed to establish contact with the new owners, it’s time to discuss the possibility of getting your dog back. This can be a delicate and emotionally-charged conversation, so it’s important to approach it with understanding and sensitivity.

Begin by explaining your situation clearly, showing any proof of original ownership, and expressing your wish to get your dog back. It’s essential to respect their feelings as they have also developed a bond with the dog.

If they are unwilling to return the dog, consider offering to reimburse them for any expenses they’ve incurred in the meantime such as veterinary bills, grooming costs, and the adoption fee itself. You could also suggest visiting rights or shared custody as an alternative solution.

Bear in mind that they are under no obligation to return the dog to you. They too, have legal rights and may have grown emotionally attached to the dog. It’s a difficult situation for all parties involved, so maintaining a respectful and open line of communication is crucial.

In some cases, it may be necessary to involve a mediator to help facilitate this conversation, especially if emotions run high or the discussion reaches an impasse. Remember, your end goal is to ensure the happiness and well-being of your beloved pet, so strive to reach a solution that works best for everyone, especially your dog.

Seek Legal Counsel

In certain scenarios, if the shelter and the new owners are not open to negotiation, it may be necessary to seek legal advice. You should contact a lawyer who specializes in animal or pet law to understand your rights and potential course of action.

The law surrounding the ownership of pets can vary greatly depending on your location. In some areas, pets are considered property, and proof of original ownership, such as microchip data or veterinary records, could be enough to establish your claim. However, other regions may regard the shelter’s actions as lawful, particularly if the dog was unclaimed for a certain period or if you failed to comply with local regulations, like licensing requirements.

A lawyer can guide you through the complex legal landscape, help you prepare your case, and advise you on the best way forward. However, keep in mind that legal proceedings can be lengthy, costly, and emotionally draining. It’s also important to consider the effect on the dog, who may have already settled into their new home. Always ensure your actions are in the best interests of your dog’s well-being.

The Final Word

Now you know the sad truth, which is not actually sad. Can I get my dog back after a shelter has rehomed him? Most of the time, you cannot. After all, you gave the dog so it won’t make any sense to try and get him back except in some rare cases. The only thing you can do is ask for the dog back from the shelter or the new owner.

Most of the time, you will fail and have to adopt a new dog. But if you are extremely lucky, you can get him back.