Rehoming Your Pet
Sometimes pet adoption decisions can be compromised by unforeseen events. Whatever the reason, if you are no longer able to care for your cat or dog please fill out the rehoming form and our team will call or email you within 72 hours. There are several factors that affect whether or not we can accept intakes. Thank you for your cooperation.
Finding a new home for your pet
Before rehoming your cat or dog, take time to think what’s best for them and what’s best for you.
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The best option is for your pet to stay with you, however, sometimes pet adoption decisions can be compromised by unforeseen events.
If you are facing financial hardship, there are options.
C.A.R.E. does not provide veterinary care for non-C.A.R.E. animals. However, there are great resources in the Chicago area for low cost and affordable Spay/Neuter and Vaccinations.
Additionally, there are charities and organizations that have been created to help pet owners when veterinary care becomes a financial burden or when they are unable to care for their pet.
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You may be more comfortable knowing your pet is with someone you know.
Reach out to your network of friends and family and explain your situation. Someone you trust may be willing to adopt your pet if you are no longer able to care for them.
However, be careful posting your pet online and giving them to people you don’t know well. Check references to ensure the person is responsible and establish a contract if necessary.
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If you want to ensure your pet’s life, don’t let them loose in the wild. Most pets released in the wild will not survive and may suffer if they are unable to find shelter or food.
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Research organizations before turning your pet into a shelter. Ask for data to ensure you are not putting your pet at risk of euthanasia.
To be considered a “No Kill” organization, live release rates must be over 90%. C.A.R.E. live release rates have been over 98% for many years. View our live release rates by year.
Surrendering your pet to C.A.R.E.
Owner relinquished animals are taken in under certain circumstances by appointment and as space allows. We operate with a waitlist, so we are unable to take in animals immediately. We try to offer support to people who may need to rehome their pets by offering behavior advice or food in an effort to help the pets stay in their home. If we are unable to take in pets, we can suggest other rescues or advise on how best to find a new home on their own without having to bring their pet into a shelter.
If your pet was adopted from C.A.R.E.:
We will always take back any animal we adopted out should the adopter no longer be able to care for them. Please fill out a cat or dog rehoming form and identify yourself as a past adopter so we can help you immediately.