Rehome a Small Dog Safely in South Africa
You are part of the process, from start to finish.
We know this is one of the hardest calls you will ever make… At Little Doggy Rescue, we are here to provide a compassionate and safe dog rehoming experience for both you and your cherished pet.
Our Promise:
Our Process for Safe Dog Rehoming
Step 1:
Confidential Chat & Profile Creation
You tell us about your dog’s unique personality and needs.
Step 2:
We Screen Applicants
We handle the applications and perform thorough home checks for you.
Step 3:
You Approve the Match
Once we find a family we believe is the best-suited, we share their profile with you. With your final approval, we then arrange the introduction.
Step 4:
A Safe, Direct Transition
Your dog goes directly from your loving home to their new one.
What You'll Need.
To help the process move smoothly, it’s helpful to have great photos of your dog (taken in the last week) and important documents like their vet card and sterilization certificate, microchip details ready
Life Happens. We Understand.
The decision to rehome is never easy and comes from a place of love. You might be facing one of many difficult situations where finding a new home is the kindest choice for your dog:
- Relocation
- Emigration
- Lifestyle Changes
- Allergies
- Financial Constraints
- Lack of time
- Pet Behavioral Issues
- Inadequate Training
- Complex Pet Policies
- Personal Tragedies
Little Doggy Rescue offers confidential and judgement-free rehoming guidance for small dog owners who need help finding a safe way forward.
Need to rehome your small dog or puppy? Little Doggy Rescue provides safe, confidential and judgement-free home-to-home rehoming support. Your fur baby remains with you while suitable applicants are carefully reviewed, helping to reduce stress and support a safe transition into a loving new home.
At a glance
- Home-to-home rehoming — your dog stays with you during the process
- Carefully reviewed applicants — each potential adopter completes an application, interview and home check
- Confidential and judgement-free support — your information stays private, and we treat every situation with compassion and without judgement
- Small breeds and small mixed breeds — we specialise in dogs under approximately 15 kg
- Support across all nine provinces of South Africa — home-to-home rehoming and adoption services nationwide
Specialized Help for Yorkshire Terriers
For owners of Yorkshire Terriers, we offer a dedicated rehoming channel through our partnership with SA Yorkie Rescue. Their team provides expert, compassionate care specifically tailored to the needs of Yorkies.
What Other Owners Say
“We believe Watson will be really happy. I can’t thank you enough… for finding him a good home.”
A Note On Timing
Our priority is finding the right home, not the fastest one. While some dogs are placed in days, others may take a few weeks. The more advance notice you can give us, the wider the pool of suitable families we can find. We strongly recommend starting the safe dog rehoming process as soon as you know you need to rehome your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehoming.
What are the criteria for a dog you can help rehome?
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We specialize in rehoming small breed dogs and puppies. We are a home-to-home service, so your dog must be able to stay with you during the process.
How long does rehoming take?
- There is no fixed timeline. Some dogs may be matched within days, while others take weeks or longer. We focus on a suitable home, not the fastest placement.
Do I get a say in who adopts my dog?
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Absolutely. Your comfort and confidence are our priority. We will present our carefully selected and pre-screened family recommendation to you first. Once you are happy and give us the green light, we move forward with the official adoption process for the new family, which includes arranging the introduction to your dog.
Is there a surrender fee?
- Rehoming is a free, judgement-free service, although voluntary administrative contributions are always welcome.
Can I change my mind?
- Yes. If your circumstances change before an adoption is finalised, tell us. We will pause the process and talk through the safest next step for your dog.
Do you help bonded pairs?
- Yes, where possible. Tell us if two dogs rely on each other. We will consider whether they should stay together and look for applicants who can meet their needs.
How are applicants screened?
- Applicants are reviewed through an adoption application, conversation, references or home checks where appropriate, and suitability for the specific dog. Final steps depend on the dog's needs and the home.
What happens if my dog has behavioural or medical needs?
- Please tell us as much as you can upfront. Behavioural or medical needs do not automatically mean we cannot help, but they do affect the type of home, timing, and advice we give.
Start the Confidential Process
Please fill in the secure form below with as much detail as possible. This helps us understand your dog’s needs and begin the search for their new family. A member of our team will contact you shortly.
Please note: Our specialization is with small breed dogs. We are unable to assist with Pitbulls or other power breeds at this time.
Complete Your Rehoming Application Below:
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