WCAR Rehoming Guide
We know that the decision to rehome your pet is not an easy one. We are here to help you succeed at finding a great new home for your pet. We understand that sometimes it is impossible to keep your pet, however we urge you to exhaust all options available before bringing your pet to us. If you are considering relinquishing your companion, our team is here to help you navigate through that difficult decision. Shelters can be very hard on animals who are used to living in a home and the resources provided in this packet can help guide you towards rehoming, or even keeping your pet with you. We want to help you make the decision that’s best for you and your pet. The procedures and requirements for surrendering to WCAR are also included in this packet. Thank you for helping us help your pet find the best home.Rehome
Consider finding your pet another home instead of surrendering. Ask around to see if you know anyone (friends, family, co-workers, etc.) who is looking for a new pet, or take advantage of the free resources available to you, such as Adopt-A-Pet, Nextdoor, and local animal Facebook groups.
Try networking and using your own social media. Post clear, colored, high-quality photos/videos and include a sweet story about your pet. It is better and less stressful on your pet if you are able to rehome them yourself. Many rescues offer courtesy postings as well to help you reach more potential adopters. Keep in mind that it’s easier to rehome pets who are vaccinated and spayed or neutered.Helpful Hints On Evaluating Potential Adopters
Interview potential adopters carefully. Make sure your pet fits into the lifestyle of the applicant’s family, and your pet is what they’re really looking for. You might consider the following in order to ascertain additional information:• Verify the name and address with a driver’s license.
• Call the person’s landlord and make sure they have permission to have a pet.
• Ask to see the person’s vet records on all their current or past pets
• Take the time to consider applicants. Don’t allow yourself to be
pressured into making a decision that you do not feel right about.
Your judgment is your best guide.
• Follow up. Call to see how your pet is doing in their new home.
Moving/relocating
Moving is stressful, even in the best of circumstances. You do not have to give up your pet just because you are moving. Give yourself extra time to find a residence where pets are permitted. When talking to landlords, be honest and offer to introduce your pets to the landlord. Many property owners will allow well-behaved pets, particularly if the owner behaves responsibly. Providing your pets’ up-to-date veterinary records and references from past landlords can help show a prospective landlord that you are a responsible pet owner.Don’t forget to research animal-friendly listings and realtors using online classified ads. Information for renters with pets from the Humane Society of the United States: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/information-renters-petsLow-Cost Spay/Neuter
While we don’t have a Spay/Neuter Clinic at WCAR, we work closely with Napa Humane and can provide you with spay/neuter vouchers at no cost to you. Jameson Humane also provides support to guardians who seek spay/neuter assistance in and around Napa Valley. The Love Me, Fix Me Access Program offers low-cost spay/neuter appointments for qualifying low-income pet owners in Sonoma County. They can be reached at (707) 565-7100. You may also reach out to us for any additional resources in the area.Help with Medical Care
If you are considering surrendering your pet due to the inability to afford medical care, both We Care Animal Rescue and Jameson Humane can provide up to $250 for those in the community who need financial assistance. Please contact us before making your appointment so that we can assist you prior to your visit.Trap-Neuter-Return For Feral Cats
If you have feral (unsocial) cats in your neighborhood, visit Forgotten Felines online at www.forgottenfelines.com for information about trap-neuter-return. Forgotten Felines can answer all your questions about TNR and spay/neuter, and will provide you with additional information and literature regarding trapping, caretaking, and the protocols for using their services. Call (707) 576-7999.Cat Behavior Issues
Are you struggling with your cat’s behavior but are not sure what to do? Whether you need help with basic manners, issues using the litter box, or are struggling with more challenging behavior issues, there are options and free educational resources available to you. Look on-line for cat behavior articles written by qualified experts. You can also check out the SSPCA’s Cat Help Line and keepyourpet.com.Reach Out to Our Rescue Partners
Some other local animal rescues may be a better fit for your pet and circumstances. Jameson Humane 1009 Caymus St. Napa, CA 94558 707.927.3536 helpinganimals@jamesonrescueranch.org- Financial Assistance, Spay/neuter vouchers, pet food assistance, behavioral training, foster program.
- Adoption, transfer, and medical services for owned pets
- Foster based rescue group (no brick and mortar)
- Kittens/ Mother Cats
- Dogs/Puppies
- Financial assistance/Veterinary care
- Wine Country Barn Cats relocation
- Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) organization
- Adoptions (kittens, cats, dogs, puppies, chickens, horses, etc) and stray animal intake/ found pet hotline
Surrendering to We Care
Please understand that we cannot accept every animal brought to our shelter. Therefore, we will accept the surrender of owned pets by appointment only, as space allows, and as appropriate for our adoption program. In order to surrender your pet to We Care Animal Rescue, you must first submit a surrender form for review. This form can be found on our website or you can stop by our office to pick one up. Our Vet Tech and Director review submitted surrender forms throughout each week. Based on available space and an animal’s suitability for our program, we will contact you to schedule a surrender appointment, or to discuss other options available to you. We will also request your pet’s medical records prior to surrender. We require cats to be up-to-date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, tested for FIV/FeLV, and preferably microchipped. Animals over 8-years-old need to have senior bloodwork done at your vet before intake. To help the process go more quickly, be clear on what your pet needs and be honest about his/her history. Be prepared to show us proof of spay/neuter and vaccinations, and obtain all vet records ahead of time. A submitted surrender form does not guarantee that We Care Animal Rescue will take your pet into its care. Please understand that when a pet is relinquished to our care, you have given up all ownership rights to this animal.