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Give up an animal

Are you looking for support and advice or thinking of giving up your animal? We're here to help.

There are many reasons why you might be considering giving up your animal.

We know they are part of the family and considering parting with them can be a heart-breaking decision.

We understand it can be a difficult time.

We're here to help

Raystede can help with support and advice so you can make the best decision for your animal – and you.

Please contact our Rehoming Team on 01825 880468 if you need advice, or as soon as you are thinking about giving up your animal.

If you are struggling with an animal you have adopted from Raystede, please contact us as soon as possible. We are here to help you.

We understand that you may have no other choice than to give up your animal. If this is the case, please complete our online Surrender Form giving us as much information as you can about your animal.

If you’d prefer to speak with a member of our Rehoming Team, you can call them on 01825 880468 and they will talk you through any options available to you without judgement. This might be a difficult call but asking for help is the best thing you can do for your animal.

We are committed to giving all animals at Raystede the best possible standards of care and welfare


This is a confidential service; please be aware we cannot share details of new owners, nor can we provide updates. Please be assured that our animal care staff are experienced and dedicated to your animal’s welfare.


Once an animal has been adopted, we are always available to support the new owner, however far down the line. We can be contacted for advice and guidance at any stage in the animal’s lifetime.

We are committed to giving all animals at Raystede the best possible standards of care and welfare


This is a confidential service; please be aware we cannot share details of new owners, nor can we provide updates. Please be assured that our animal care staff are experienced and dedicated to your animal’s welfare.


Once an animal has been adopted, we are always available to support the new owner, however far down the line. We can be contacted for advice and guidance at any stage in the animal’s lifetime.

Understanding our surrender process

Step 1

Please complete a 'Request to give up an animal form' to tell us about your animal. Or, speak with a member of our Rehoming Team for advice and support on 01825 880468 (8:30am to 4:30pm, seven days a week).

Step 2

If we are able to accept your animal into our care, you will join our waiting list. Once we have space to take your animal, our Rehoming Team will be in touch to arrange an appointment to bring your animal to Raystede.

Step 3

At this stage we’ll ask for more information about your animal. The more detail you can give us the better to ensure our teams have all the information need to find your animal a new home.

As Raystede is a charity, some people choose to make a donation to help towards their animal’s care. Whatever you feel able to give is very gratefully received, thank you.


Step 4

Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers ensure all our animals receive the best possible care. A mixture of home comforts, quiet-time and positive interaction such as walks, playtime, grooming and cuddles is essential.

All animals have a thorough behaviour and veterinary assessment before we start looking for their ideal new home.


Request to give up an animal FAQs

Animals @ Home

Animals @ Home enables Raystede to look for a new home for your animal while they stay with you in the comfort of their own home. This approach is often in your animal’s best interest as it minimises disruption to their environment and routine.

Find out more

#Heartbreak2Happiness

Testimonials

"I know you will find them someone who can care for them better than I at the moment. I would have no concerns about recommending you and when the time is right and things are more settled I would adopt from Raystede. Giving up an animal is the last thing anyone wants to do but I didn't feel judged.”

“It was such a difficult decision to make and it took time and much soul searching to reach it and I thank the staff at Raystede for their care and kindness in making it a bearable experience.”

“It was one of hardest things we've ever done having to take our mum's dog to Raystede and they were our only choice. We would thoroughly recommend Raystede to anyone having to give up an animal or looking to re-home one.”

Request to give up an animal