Rehome a Maltese in South Africa

If your circumstances have changed and you need help finding a new home for your Maltese, Little Doggy Rescue offers a home-to-home rehoming route for small dogs. Start by telling us about your dog and your situation. An enquiry does not guarantee acceptance, a placement or a particular timeframe.

Ask about rehoming your Maltese on WhatsApp or read our rehoming process and owner enquiry form.

Explain the care and companionship your Maltese needs

When grooming, daily care or family circumstances become difficult to manage, a detailed profile helps another family understand what taking over that responsibility would mean.

• Coat care: Describe brushing, grooming appointments, handling preferences and any difficulties such as matting. Include current photographs rather than only photographs from a recent haircut.
• Known care needs: Share dental records, eye or skin concerns, medication and the instructions already given for your dog.
• Household fit: Describe actual experience with children and other pets, including any rough-handling concerns. Do not assume that small size means easy compatibility.
• Companionship: Explain who your dog is attached to, how they cope alone and whether they live with another dog that should be considered in the same enquiry.

How home-to-home rehoming works

Your dog normally stays with you while applicants are reviewed. Little Doggy Rescue does not provide kennel or foster intake as part of the standard process. Please explain any deadline or difficulty keeping your dog at home when you first contact us.

1. Share your town and province, contact details, your dog’s age and weight, and why you are considering rehoming.
2. Prepare an honest account of health, behaviour, daily routine and compatibility, together with clear current photographs.
3. Discuss the current process and requirements with the rescue. Tell us about any urgent constraints; do not assume an immediate handover is possible.
4. Follow the agreed matching and introduction steps. A potential home needs to suit the individual dog, not only a preferred breed.

See our owner’s rehoming guide and dog photograph guide for preparation. If relocation is the reason, our emigration guide explains the importance of planning ahead.

Questions about rehoming a Maltese

Will tear staining or a short coat prevent an enquiry?

Send honest current photographs and describe any known cause, discomfort or treatment. Appearance alone does not establish care needs or suitability. The enquiry is reviewed individually.

Can I ask for two Maltese dogs to stay together?

Yes. Explain their relationship and how they respond to separation. Read our bonded-pair guide. A joint placement cannot be guaranteed.

Do you only help owners in Gauteng?

This is the national owner guide. Include your town and province so practical options can be discussed. Owners in Gauteng can also use our local Maltese rehoming guidance.

Start with your location and your dog’s story

We work with enquiries across South Africa, with options depending on the dog’s needs, location and suitable homes. You can also read our regional guidance for Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

WhatsApp 061 443 2497 or call us to discuss the next step.

Looking to adopt instead? Browse current dogs for adoption and follow the adoption application process. This owner guide is not a claim that a Maltese is currently available.