Please note: Joybound focuses intake and admission efforts on at-risk animals in overburdened municipal shelters, and does not accept pet surrenders by the public.
Sometimes, unfortunate circumstances arise and you are unable to continue caring for your pet: loss of employment, lack of pet-friendly housing, and sudden, unexpected medical situations just to name a few.
Rehoming your pet yourself is a better option than bringing them to a shelter.
This can be a confusing, difficult position for families who may think their only option is bringing a pet to their local animal shelter. In fact, rehoming your pet yourself is usually a better option than bringing them to a shelter. By locating a new home on your own, you can avoid exposing your pet to shelter stress, have the potential ability to personally select their new home (and stay connected with them down the road), reserve critical resources for other animals in need, and feel confident that their future is both safe and secure. For best results, allow as much time as possible to find a new home and use your personal network to help spread the word.
Returning a Joybound Pet
Was your pet adopted from Joybound (or the Animal Rescue Foundation)? We can support you through the difficult decision to return your pet. Please read our adoption return policy or submit a return request.
First Steps
Gather up some information about your pet to write a bio. Think of what their best attributes are and what would make someone else fall in love with them. Be sure to highlight the best and cutest parts of your pet’s personality, but be honest. If your cat doesn’t do well with other cats or if your dog has issues with separation anxiety, include that as well. Images are extremely important, too! Your smartphone should take high-quality photos, but if you aren’t great at photography, consider having a friend or family member help out.
This information can now be used for creating flyers, posting online, and more! Flyers can be printed and distributed to places where animal-lovers frequent, such as pet stores and veterinary offices. And in our increasingly digital world, posting on social media (Nextdoor, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) can connect you with thousands of animal-lovers who may be a great fit for your pet.
Don’t forget to notify friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers that you are looking for a new home for your pet! Word of mouth networking is often the most effective method of finding a new home.
Online Rehoming Resources
Many local organizations offer the ability to post your pet on their platform or website to spotlight them to their supporters. These businesses/programs were aggregated as a courtesy and are neither endorsed, nor guaranteed, by Joybound People & Pet Alliance.
Berkeley Humane’s courtesy listings
Offers adoption ads on Berkeley Humane’s website for pet guardians who need to rehome.
Contra Costa Humane Society’s rehoming assistance
Offers adoption ads on Contra Costa Humane Society’s website for pet guardians who need to rehome.
Contra Costa Humane Society’s rehoming assistance
Offers adoption ads on Contra Costa Humane Society’s website for pet guardians who need to rehome.
Furry Friends Rescue’s guardian assistance program
Offers adoption ads on Furry Friends Rescue’s website for pet guardians who need to rehome.
Connects people rehoming pets with new adopters.
Marin Humane’s private rehoming
Offers adoption ads on Marin Humane’s website for pet guardians who need to rehome.
Shares your pet’s profile with Adopt-A-Pet’s millions of viewers.
More Resources for Pet Guardians
Pet Vaccinations
We offer free, monthly pet vaccination clinics, held at locations across Contra Costa County!
Pet Food
Nobody should have to choose between feeding their pet and feeding themselves.
Spay/Neuter Services
Our team safely sterilizes thousands of dogs and cats each year using the highest standards of care.
Pet Safety Net
We’re here to help keep pets out of municipal shelters, and with the family who loves them.
Community Veterinary Care
Need low-cost medical care for your dog or cat? Community Veterinary Care (CVC) may be able to help!
Rehoming Resources
Rehoming your pet yourself is usually a better option than bringing them to a shelter.
Community Cats
Trap-Neuter-Return is the only long-term strategy for humanely controlling the free-roaming cat population.
Financial Assistance
Here is a collection of resources (including Joybound’s) that can help assist with low-cost veterinary care.
Pet Loss & Grief Support
Pets are family — and losing a member of your family can be a painful and traumatic experience.
