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Helping Dogs

Find Their Way

Support for Pet Surrender, Rehoming, and Found Dogs

Rehoming a dog

A Hard Truth

 There’s no magical “no-kill” shelter waiting with open arms for every pet in need. Most public shelters are stretched to the limit, and sadly, some pets are euthanized simply because there’s no more room. Many private rescues (including ours) are at full capacity and often can’t take in every dog we’re contacted about.

If you’re facing a difficult decision, private rehoming—done safely and responsibly—may be your pet’s best chance at a happy future. And we’re here to help guide you through it.

But before you make that decision, take a look at the resources on this page. From affordable vet care and behavioral tips to pet-friendly housing and short-term solutions, we’ve gathered tools to help you and your pet stay together—even when times are tough.

If rehoming becomes necessary, we strongly encourage you to:

  • Get your pet up-to-date on vaccines and spayed/neutered before placement

  • Screen potential adopters carefully

  • Have a signed rehoming agreement or contract

  • And, if possible, reach out to a local rescue for support or guidance

Rehoming is never easy—but doing it the right way can make all the difference for your pet’s future.

Adopt a pet rehoming took kit

You’re welcome to complete a surrender request form with us at PIPs. Please understand that as a foster-based rescue, we can only consider intakes when we have an available foster home.

At this time, we’re not able to take in dogs with significant behavioral challenges or those who must be the only dog in a home.

If we’re able to explore next steps or need more information, a member of our team will reach out.

Found a Lost Dog

Found a Lost Dog? Here’s What to Do:

  1. Check for a microchip.
     Most veterinary clinics can scan for free—this is often the quickest way to get a pet home.
  2. Spread the word locally.
     Post on Nextdoor, Facebook, or your neighborhood group. If you’re in the Triangle area, also post in Lost & Found Pets of the Triangle, NC or a local community-specific lost/found page.
  3. Contact your local shelter.
     Even if they’re full and can’t take the dog, most shelters will log the find and help ensure proper stray-hold procedures are followed.
  4. Know the laws.
     You can’t immediately rehome a found dog. Most counties require a 3–7 day stray hold to give the owner time to come forward. Each area is different—check your local ordinances before making decisions.
  5. Considering rehoming?
     After the stray hold and proper postings, rehoming may be possible. Before doing so, consider:
    • Reaching out to a local rescue to see if they can take the dog into their program.
    • Getting the dog spayed/neutered and vaccinated, if possible.
    • Using a reputable rehoming tool like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet to find a safe, loving home.

Found dogs deserve the best shot at reuniting with their families—or starting fresh with a new one. Thank you for stepping up to help.