Surrendering your pet

RSPCA Victoria knows that sometimes having a pet just doesn’t work out the way you hoped. Even with the best of intentions, there are situations where it’s just not possible to keep your pet. If you need to surrender your beloved pet to RSPCA Victoria, know that they’ll be in safe hands until we find them a new home.

If you’re struggling to manage your pet or it’s exhibiting unwanted behaviours reach out for help. Speak with your vet, a dog trainer or access our online resources.

If you feel like you’re constantly walking the neighbourhood putting up posters because your pet keeps escaping, the behaviour could be fixed with some simple environmental enrichment or desexing.

Pets are very adaptable to new places – with a little planning they may be able to go with you. If you’re renting, a landlord cannot reasonably refuse your tenancy because you have a pet.

If you find yourself in a personal crisis situation, please take care of yourself first. Pets can offer great comfort, but also require lots of time and attention that you may struggle to give. If you’re struggling to care for your pets reach out to RSPCA Victoria to see what help is available.

There are many organisations that offer help in a crisis, so don’t suffer alone.

RSPCA Victoria offers payment plans for veterinary services, subsidised desexing and flexible pet insurance – reach out to see if we can help.

If you’ve decided you can no longer take care of your pet, please don’t neglect or abandon them. Take your pet to a local shelter where they will be cared for until they find a new home.