Rehoming your pets
It can be reassuring to think about who will look after your pets as your condition gets worse and after you die. This information can help you, your friends and family plan for your pets' future and find them a new home.
Contact the Blue Cross pet support line on 0800 096 6606 if you feel upset and need to talk.
On this page:
Getting extra help with your pets
You could ask friends or family members to help if you need some support looking after your pets. If they're unable to, you could try:
- paying a dog walker through the UK Dog Walker Directory
- paying a dog sitter for help through Borrow My Doggy
- contacting The Cinnamon Trust to see if there's a volunteer in your area to help.
Your pets might be allowed to visit you if you're in a hospice.
See a map of pet friendly care homes near you.
You may be able to get financial support from charities too, including:
What type of home your pets need
Make a list of things your pets need in a new home. Ask a friend, family member or your vet if you're unsure. Decide which things on your list are essential and which are nice to have.
You might want to think about things like:
- how much indoor and outdoor space your pets need
- what exercise, care and supervision they need
- if they'd be happier in a busy house or a calm environment
- if they can be left on their own
- if they'd cope sharing space with other animals
- any medical conditions that need to be treated regularly or paid for
- how much it costs to take care of your pets.
Rehoming your pets
You could ask a friend or family member if they could help, either on a short-term or long-term basis.
If not, you could contact organisations that rehome pets with caring and responsible new owners, such as:
It's a good idea to make a plan before your pets need rehoming. Some of these organisations have schemes where you can register your pets in advance to be looked after if you die. Check with the organisation that your pets are suitable for rehoming with them.
Contact your vet for advice, or try the following organisations:
Information about your pets
Keep all information about your pets in a safe place.
This could include:
- what food they eat
- how often and how much food they need
- the activities they like and dislike
- their vet's records and dates of any operations
- whether they've been neutered (had their sex organs removed so they can't reproduce)
- dates of vaccinations
- information about any medicines
- their microchip number if they have one
- pet insurance details.
Toys, bowls and blankets
Having familiar things could help your pets adapt to a new environment. You could include:
- favourite toys
- feeding bowls
- cages or baskets
- collars
- a blanket or item of clothing that smells of you
- a supply of their usual food.
If you're rehoming your pets through an organisation, check that they can take your pets' belongings.
Sharing your plans with other people
Whatever you decide for your pets, it's important to let other people know so that they can carry out your wishes. Write down your plans and make sure people know where they're kept. Or include plans in your Will and in an advance care plan.
Read more about making a Will.
Read more about making an advance care plan.
External websites
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
