Rehome Assistance
Life changes can lead to tough decisions, and rehoming a pet is one of the hardest. We understand that families face many challenges that may make keeping a pet seem impossible, and we’re here to help guide you through compassionate, responsible options.
Every year, pets are surrendered for various reasons—financial difficulties, illness, moving to pet-restricted housing, allergies, behavior issues, and other unforeseen circumstances. No matter the reason, we’re here to support both you and your pet.
At Cape Coral Animal Shelter, we are committed to supporting the animals adopted from our care and will do our best to accommodate their return if needed.
However, due to limited space and resources, we may require time to make arrangements. Additionally, if an animal exhibits severe behavioral challenges that impact its adoptability, we may not be able to accommodate a return.
Our team is happy to discuss alternative solutions to ensure the best outcome for both the pet and their family.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to provide the best care for all our animals. Please complete the Pet Intake Form to begin the process of returning your pet. If you have any questions on the process, please call us at 239-573-2002.
Rehoming a beloved pet can be emotionally challenging for both the owner and the animal. Animals surrendered to shelters often experience stress, confusion, and fear in a new, unfamiliar environment.
Many loving pet owners find comfort in knowing there may be other ways to keep their pets at home or rehome them directly to a suitable family, avoiding the shelter experience altogether.
If rehoming is your best choice, we encourage owners to consider the following steps to ensure their pets go to loving, prepared homes:
Direct Rehoming to Friends or Family: A friend, family member, or trusted neighbor may be a great option for your pet. This allows for a smooth transition to a new home where you can remain connected to your pet’s life. If you adopted your pet from the Cape Coral Animal Shelter and have found another loving home with family or friends, please give us a call at 239-573-2002. We’re here to assist you in transferring the microchip information to the new owner.
Pet Adoption Platforms: There are online rehoming sites that connect pet owners directly with potential adopters, often with resources to help with the process. We can recommend reputable platforms that are safe, supportive, and committed to responsible adoption.
Please remember that rehoming your pet online through social media or similar platforms may not be safe and is best avoided. Instead, contact our shelter, and we’ll work together to find the best solution for you, your pet, and your unique situation.
CCAS is a private, managed-admission shelter. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of rehome requests and limited space available, CCAS is not able to accommodate all requests.
We accept cats and dogs BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, and only when space allows. To be considered, an approved Pet Intake Form must be submitted in advance. Please note that an appointment request does not guarantee acceptance into CCAS.
All pets are evaluated for both health and temperament prior to admission. To begin the surrender process, please complete the Pet Intake Form. Once the form has been reviewed, a counselor will contact you with next steps. This may include asking for a photo to be submitted, notifying you that we do not currently have space or scheduling an appointment.
Once You Have a Scheduled Appointment:
-An appointment does not guarantee acceptance into our adoption program.
-Please arrive on time and allow approximately 30 minutes for the appointment. The pet owner must be present.
-All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
-All pets will be evaluated for suitable temperament prior to admission.
-If your pet is not suitable for our shelter, we may be able to recommend other facilities in the area.
-Please bring all veterinary records with you to your appointment.
-Please bring any medications the pet is currently taking.
-Your current and valid photo ID.