surrendering your basset hound

North Texas Basset Hound Rescue is a not-for-profit organization that assists displaced dogs in finding new homes. But that is not all we do. NTBHR considers educating the public about the dogs, to be just as important. Our goal is to keep as many dogs as possible out of rescue and shelters, and in the loving arms of their families.

Most people who contact us erroneously think they would be doing their dog a huge favor by finding him a home that “has more time for him or can give him the home he deserves.” In actuality, most dogs are better off remaining in the home they know and love, even if it means they will get less attention from you. Of course this applies to dogs that are being properly cared for and whose basic needs are consistently met.

NTBHR Owner Surrender Policy

NTBHR Owner Surrender FAQs

If you can answer “YES” to any of the questions below, please take the time to explore those options before surrendering your dog.

Did you acquire him as a puppy from a breeder?
If so, have you contacted that person? If he or she is at all reputable, you would have signed a contract at the time you purchased your puppy, stipulating that the dog should be returned if you decide to no longer keep him. If you do not want to keep your dog, contact your breeder first.

Did you acquire your Dog from a Rescue Organization?
If so, have you contacted that rescue organization? If they are reputable, you would have signed a contract at the time you adopted your dog, stipulating that the dog must be returned to them if you decide to no longer keep him or her for any reason.

New baby in the family?
How lucky for you that most dogs are fantastic family pets! If you can take care of your new little human baby, you can take care of a dog. Some of our educational materials are listed below to help you ease the transition:

Introduce New Baby to a Resident Dog

Preparing your Pet for Baby’s Arrival
Safety Tips for Kids & Dogs
Wall Street Journal article http://www.flbr.org/wallstreetbaby.html

Moving?
The Humane Society lists Moving as the number one reason people surrender their pets to shelters. There are plenty of apartments, townhouses, condos and hotels that accept medium and large breeds of dog. Many places will even allow you to spread payment of your pet deposit over multiple months as part of your rent. Please check with your real estate agent, or company relocation services when possible.

Here is a list of rentals that allow pets:

Think you don’t have enough time for your dog?
Experts in the animal field agree that a dog requires a mere 15 minutes of one-on-one time with his master per day, to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted! That could be simply spent laying in bed at night watching t.v. together, playing ball in the backyard for 15 minutes while dinner is cooking, or going for a walk or jog! Surely you can spare 15 minutes per day. Pets reduce personal stress and can add years to your life – make the time for you AND your dog.

Are there behavioral issues?
Is your dog having trouble getting along with other animals in the household or are there other behavioral issues that have led to the decision to give up your dog? If so, let us help you. Send us an email – we can most likely recommend a trainer in your area. If you didn’t socialize your dog as a puppy, it’s never too late to enroll him in obedience school. It’s fun and can count as your 15 minutes of bonding time!

Experiencing financial issues?
The following groups exist to assist people who truly want to keep their pets, but are experiencing financial difficulties. They may be able to help you.

Red Rover Relief Grants
http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=161

Humane Society
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html

For families that are experiencing financial hardship:
American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org

Angels 4 Animals
www.angels4animals.org

A credit card company for health care:
Care Credit
www.carecredit.com

For financially strapped families:
IMOM
http://www.imom.org

Help owners that need urgent veterinary care, emergency vet visits or expensive surgery:
The pet fund
http://thepetfund.com/

Assistance for caretakers of disabled pets:
HandicappedPets.com
http://www.handicappedpets.com/Articles/help/

If you haven’t found any solutions after carefully considering the information above, then you are welcome to fill out the form below. NTBHR is an all-volunter, foster based organization. We do not have a facility that houses our dogs, so we may not be able to take your dog but we review all applications. We receive many each week and only reply to those we can take, but it may take up to a week to hear from us.

Surrender Application Form

Thank you. We realize this is a difficult decision and we wish you all the best.

NTBHR