Resources

  • If you need to find a new home for your pet, we understand how difficult that decision can be. Below are some tips to help ensure your pet finds a safe, loving, and responsible forever home.

    1. Try Your Circle First

    Start by asking trusted friends, family, or coworkers if they—or someone they know—might be interested in adopting your pet. Rehoming through people you know helps ensure a smoother, safer transition.

    2. Create a Great Pet Profile

    Include clear, well-lit photos and a detailed, honest description of your pet’s personality, likes/dislikes, medical needs, and daily routine. The more honest and specific you are, the better chance your pet has of finding the right match.

    3. Use Trusted Rehoming Platforms

    Avoid public “for sale” or “free pet” listings. Instead, use reputable rehoming websites that screen adopters:

    These platforms let you stay involved in choosing your pet’s new family and provide a safe way to communicate.

    4. Screen Potential Adopters

    Always ask questions before meeting in person. Examples:

    • Why do you want to adopt this pet?

    • Do you rent or own your home? (If renting, is your landlord pet-friendly?)

    • Do you have other pets or children?

    • What is your daily schedule like?

    • Are you financially able to care for this pet’s medical and food needs?

    Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

    5. Arrange a Safe Meeting

    Meet potential adopters in a public, pet-friendly location (like a park or pet store). Bring a friend if possible. Never hand off your pet to a stranger at your home or theirs without verifying their identity and comfort level.

    6. Ask for a Modest Rehoming Fee

    A small fee (typically $25–$100) helps deter people with bad intentions, such as animal flippers or those seeking pets for unsafe purposes.

    7. Provide Medical & Behavior Records

    Share vaccination records, microchip information, and any behavioral notes. This helps ensure a smooth transition and sets your pet up for success in their new home.

    8. Follow Up

    If possible, check in after the adoption to make sure things are going well. Responsible adopters will appreciate your care and transparency.

    ⚠️ Avoid:

    • Posting “free to good home” ads on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or other unscreened platforms.

    • Giving your pet away without verifying the person’s information.

    • Meeting anyone who refuses to share details or seems rushed.

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  • Found a Stray Dog? Here’s How You Can Help

    If you’ve found a lost dog, here are some quick steps to help reunite them with their owner:

    • Check for ID: Look for any tags with contact details.

    • Scan for a Microchip: Most vet clinics, emergency vets, or pet stores offer free microchip scans.

    • Post Online: Use Maricopa County's Lost & Found Map and local lost pet websites or social media groups.

    • File a Found Report: This helps local shelters track lost pets.

    • Contact Local Shelters: Report the found dog to nearby shelters, as they may have matching lost pet reports.

    • Post Flyers: Distribute flyers with a photo and contact info in the area.

    Have you tried these steps and still need assistance? We’re here to help! Please fill out our surrender application, and our team will contact you. As a foster-based rescue, we’ll need a foster home available before we can bring a dog into our care.

    Together, we can help lost dogs find their way home!

    https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/owner-surrender/PPAZ/Dog

  • If you’re thinking about surrendering your dog, we encourage exploring options to keep your pet whenever possible. Shelters and rescues are often full, and rehoming can be stressful for pets, causing anxiety and behavioral issues. Keeping your pet provides them stability and comfort.

    Rehoming Options

    1. Explore Resources to Keep Your Pet
    Assistance may be available to help you overcome financial, housing, or behavioral challenges. Check out these organizations:

    • Lost Our Home

    • AZ Pet Project

    • AZ Humane Society

    2. Rehome Your Pet Yourself
    If keeping your pet isn’t feasible, try rehoming through community networks:

    • Nextdoor App: Connect with neighbors.

    • Rehome: An adoption platform for pets.

    • Facebook: Post in “Arizona Rescue” and “Arizona Animal Rescue Alliance” groups.

    3. Surrender Your Pet
    As a last resort, consider surrendering to a local shelter:

    • Maricopa County Animal Care & Control

    • AZ Humane Society

    • Arizona Animal Welfare League

    We understand this decision is difficult, and these resources are here to help you and your pet find the best possible solution.

  • If you’re unsure whether your dog is microchipped, checking is simple! Any veterinary office, emergency vet, or Petco/Petsmart can scan for a chip at no cost. If you’re in the West Valley and would like assistance with scanning your dog for a microchip, please email us at info@peopleforpawsaz.org to connect with one of our volunteers.

  • Here are some food pantries and resources for pet owners in need in Phoenix, Arizona:

    Humane Society of Southern Arizona

    Website: hssaz.org

    They offer a pet food bank for families in need. While they are based in Tucson, they may provide information about resources available in the Phoenix area.

    The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL)

    Website: aawl.org

    They operate a pet food bank that helps low-income pet owners keep their pets fed.

    Paw Placement

    Website: pawplacement.org

    Paw Placement offers resources, including a pet food pantry to support families facing financial difficulties.

    Feed My Starving Children

    Website: fmsc.org

    While primarily focused on human food, they partner with local organizations to distribute pet food to those in need.

    St. Vincent de Paul

    Website: svdpaz.org

    They provide food assistance for both families and pets, helping to keep pets in their homes during tough times.

    Valley of the Sun United Way

    Website: vsuw.org

    They may have information about local resources for pet food assistance.

    Local Animal Rescues and Shelters

    Many local rescues and shelters run their own pet food pantries or can direct you to resources. Reach out to them to see what assistance they can provide.

    Community Resources and Churches

    Many local churches and community organizations often have programs to help residents, including pet food assistance. Checking with local community centers may provide additional leads.

    Tips for Accessing Resources:

    Contact in Advance: It's a good idea to call or check the websites of these organizations to confirm their services, hours, and availability of pet food.

    Bring Documentation: Some pantries may require proof of need, such as income statements or identification.