Giving up a pet you’re unable to care for
Owning a pet can bring so much joy, but it can also be difficult and costly. There's advice and support available to help you and your pet stay together – giving up a pet should be your last resort.
Help keep you and your pet together
Pets change our lives, but looking after them isn't always easy. Sometimes people struggle or their circumstances change and they consider giving up a pet. Whatever the reason, there is lots of support available. On this page we outline advice and support to help struggling pet owners and, for those with no other option, guidance on how to give up a pet safely.
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Looking after a pet can be expensive and result in unexpected bills, so it's always worth considering pet insurance. But for those struggling to pay for vet care, there are options available.
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If your circumstances change and you’re finding it difficult to pay for pet food, there is help available through our pet food banks.
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Unexpected vet bills can be a big worry for pet owners. Pet insurance can provide vital peace of mind and ensure you’re able to manage any significant bills if your pet gets sick or injured.
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When pets develop behavioural problems it can be distressing for owners and pets alike. You don’t have to tackle it alone – there are qualified behaviourists up and down the country who can help you.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse and you’re concerned about leaving a pet in a dangerous situation, there is help available. A number of charities offer pet fostering services to those escaping an abusive relationship.
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If your pet experiences allergies, it can be difficult and distressing. The best option is to seek advice from a vet about how to protect your pet and manage their allergies.
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The Renters' Rights Bill 2025 (law from 1 May 2026), means private landlords can no longer have a blanket ban on pets. The new law gives pet owners a legal right to request a pet when renting, making it easier to keep pets with their families.
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Many care homes allow pets, so do your research and ask the question when looking around, or speak to friends and family who may be able to help. The Cinnamon Trust also helps older people plan for their pets if they have to move into a care home.
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If you’re looking to move abroad, it’s important to plan ahead. The government sets out the steps you need to take to ensure you can take your pet with you to your new home.
How to give up a pet
Considering giving up a pet is a really difficult time, but there is lots of support and advice available to help keep you together with your pet.
Meet those that have used our food banks
Jess Bonnie was hit with high vet bills for her one year-old lurcher-cross dog Kano, after he was found to have an autoimmune disease. She got help with food, toys and vet care after visiting Burnley Community Paws event.
Jess’s mum, MIchelle, said: “The RSPCA event was really helpful to us as we have already spent so much on dog care with Kano that getting food donations and also some dog coats and toys has been great. I also got a veterinary voucher so my dog Nelly can be neutered, which is really helpful.”
Frequently asked questions
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Giving up a pet should be your last resort – before you make the decision, explore our advice and support to help you and your pet stay together. If you have no other option, read our guidance on how to give up a pet safely.
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No. Vets are not rehoming centres and are not equipped to rehome animals. In some exceptional circumstances, veterinary practices may offer legal transfer of ownership. However, this depends on their individual policies and the specific circumstances.
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Once you’ve signed your pet over, you’ll have no right to receive the animal back or exercise any other rights in respect of the animal. Explore advice and support available to help keep you and your pet together. Giving up your pet should always be a last resort.
If your pet has behavioural problems
Pets can develop behavioural problems, which can be distressing. You might consider giving them up when they're displaying signs of aggression, destructiveness, or inappropriate toileting, but some things can be done to help.
Get them checked by a vet to rule out illness or injury as a root cause, then consult an expert clinical animal behaviourist.
Behaviour support for your dog
Do you need to speak to someone about your dog's training or behaviour needs? Dogs Trust has opened a Behaviour Support Line to get you the training or behaviour support you need for your four-legged companion.
Speak to a dog expert through this free telephone service, open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am – 5pm. To find out more, visit online https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/behaviour-support-line
If your vet bills are too high
Before giving up pets because of expensive vet bills, do some research. Some of our branches may be able to help if you're receiving low-income state benefits. Find out if you could be eligible for financial assistance. Other charities can also help. You could also consider pet insurance, which covers future unexpected vet bills. We recommend pet insurance as an essential part of responsible pet ownership.
Making the difficult decision to give up your pet
Sometimes giving up a pet is the right thing to do, but it can be distressing for you and them, so it needs to be done carefully. Give your pet the best chance of finding a happy home:
- Contact the original seller to see if they would be willing to take your pet back.
- Contact a charity or rescue centre experienced in matching each pet with the right owner.
If your local RSPCA branch can't help, other charities are often able to. There are many organisations that can help you rehome your dog or cat. They all have different procedures, so research carefully before giving them a pet you're no longer able to care for.
Giving up a dog you're no longer able to care for
Below are some charities that may help you rehome your dog:
If your local RSPCA branch can't help, other charities are often able to. There are many organisations that can help you rehome your dog or cat. They all have different procedures, so research carefully before giving them a pet you're no longer able to care for.
Giving up a cat you're no longer able to care for
Below are some charities that may help you rehome your cat:
If your local RSPCA branch can't help, other charities are often able to. There are many organisations that can help you rehome your dog or cat. They all have different procedures, so research carefully before giving them a pet you're no longer able to care for.
Giving up a rabbit you're no longer able to care for
We've seen a big increase in the number of rabbits entering our centres. Sadly, we're also experiencing a simultaneous reduction in the number of people coming forward to offer rabbits a new home. Our centres are at full capacity and we have a waiting list of rabbits needing to come into our care from private boarding.
Pets at Home rabbit rehoming
The majority of Pets at Home stores are able to accept rabbits for rehoming, as they have a rehoming centre in stores for The Pets at Home Foundation.
Check online to find your nearest store location with their contact number. Please call the store to see if they have available space, we suggest that you try a few of your local stores if needed. The store colleagues will take you through the next steps in the rehoming journey.
Please note, the RSPCA are unable to board animals on a temporary basis. Please contact other organisations for assistance.
