How Do I Find a Good Home for My Labrador Retriever?

Realizing that you need to find your Labrador Retriever a new home is not easy, figuring out what to do next can be even harder. You might wonder, “How do I find a good home for my Labrador Retriever?” There are many resources available to help in the process, but if you’re hoping for transparency into where your dog ends up, the best way to find them a new home might be by doing it yourself. Rehoming your dog will take more time and effort than surrendering them to a shelter, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind you’ll have knowing your dog is safe and loved.

What to Look for In a Potential Adopter

You know your dog better than anyone, so when you’re looking for a good home for your Labrador Retriever, keep their personality and energy level in mind. For example, if your dog is a total couch potato, a family of runners might not be the best fit.

In addition to the individual traits that will make an adopter particularly suited to your pet, there are some universal things to look for when choosing a family.

Ability to Care for Your Dog

This is one (but not the only) reason to charge a rehoming fee. If someone balks at paying a fee of $50 to $150 or so to adopt your dog, what are they going to do when it’s time to fork over a $1,000 or more to the vet should the dog get sick?

A History of Providing Proper Vet Care

If the potential adopter has had dogs in the past, ask for a vet reference. You don’t need to dig down into the details of the medical records, but if the vet isn’t willing to confirm that they provided proper care, that’s a red flag.

Willingness to Keep Dog Indoors

Some people want a guard dog rather than a family pet. This could end with the dog spending their entire lives in a backyard with very little human interaction. Frame the question in a way that the potential adopter is more likely to answer honestly. Don’t say something like, “You won’t leave the dog outside alone, right?” Instead, try “How much of the time do you think the dog will be indoors vs. outdoors?”

Use Online Resources

When looking for a home for your Labrador Retriever, you don’t have to go it alone. Programs like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet will provide you with information on how to properly screen potential adopters. You’ll also have access to online tools that will allow you to create a pet profile, accept applications from potential adopters, and much more.

YOU are your pet’s best chance of finding a happy home, and it’s worth every bit of the effort!