How to Adopt a Dog from Rehome

Rehome offers you a safe, ethical way to adopt directly from a pet parent, who can give you more details about your future pet.

by Frances Vega, | January 12, 2026

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If you’re ready to adopt a dog, choosing one whose family is finding them a new home comes with some real advantages — it’s easier to find a good match, you know more about who they are, and you’re helping a dog who needs a new home. Thankfully, Rehome by Adopt a Pet can help by connecting you directly with loving families looking to place their dogs into new homes.

TL;DR: You can adopt a dog directly from their current family through Adopt a Pet’s Rehome service. Just search Adopt a Pet for dogs being “cared for” by a “private owner,” submit an application from their profile page, chat with the current pet parent, schedule a meet-and-greet, and finalize the adoption with a contract.

What is Rehome by Adopt a Pet?

Rehome is a program by Adopt a Pet that helps pet parents safely and responsibly find new families for their dogs after unforeseen circumstances make them unable to care for their pet. Instead of surrendering pets to shelters and rescues, Rehome gives people the tools and guidance to list their dog for adoption, share details about their personality and needs, and connect directly with adopters.

This direct, family-to-family approach gives dogs a smoother transition between homes while reducing the strain on shelters and rescues that are often full or over capacity. It’s a compassionate way to keep pets out of shelters and rescues and in loving environments where they can thrive.

How to adopt from a “private owner” on Adopt a Pet

Adopting a pet being rehomed is similar to adopting from a shelter, but instead of working with staff or volunteers, you’ll be communicating directly with the dog’s current family. The process is designed to be easy, transparent, and safe for everyone involved.

Here’s how it works:

Find a dog you’d like to meet. Start by browsing Adopt a Pet’s dog adoption page. You can filter by location, size, age, and more. To see dogs available for adoption from their current pet parent, use the “Cared For” filter and select “Private Owner.”
Submit your application. Click “Apply Online” on the dog’s listing. The application includes basic questions about your home, experience with pets, and lifestyle. This helps the current pet parent determine if you would be a good fit for their dog.
Start a conversation. Once your application is submitted and they’ve connected, you can text or call directly with the current pet parent. This allows you to ask questions about the dog’s behavior, preferences, or medical history to determine if they’ll be a good fit.
Schedule a meet and greet. When both parties feel comfortable, it’s time to meet in person. Rehome suggests safe and neutral public spaces to visit adoptable pets and their current pet parents. That way, you’re not going to the home of a stranger, and the current pet parent doesn’t have to worry about strangers coming to their home. Many adopters and pet parents use Rehome at PetSmart®, a program available at select PetSmart stores in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. These locations offer safe, neutral meeting spaces where you can get to know the dog in a comfortable environment. Adopters who complete their meet-up through Rehome at PetSmart® also receive a PetSmart Adopter Kit with more than $350 in savings on essentials such as food, toys, and grooming.
Finalize the adoption. Once everyone agrees it’s a match, the existing pet parent completes and sends you an adoption and rehoming agreement, which legally transfers ownership to you. This rehoming agreement ensures both parties understand the terms and helps protect the dog’s well-being.

The Pet Rehoming Agreement Explained

How a rehoming agreement protects everyone involved in an adoption (even the pet).

How do I take legal ownership of a dog?

The adoption and rehoming agreement is your proof of ownership. Once it’s signed, you’re the dog’s legal guardian. Afterward, be sure to:

Ask for a copy of the dog’s veterinary and vaccination records.
Update any microchip information to include your name and contact details.
Check your city’s requirements for dog licenses and tags, and complete any necessary registration.

Keeping documentation organized ensures your new companion is officially part of your family.

Benefits of adopting directly from another family

Adopting directly from another pet parent comes with advantages for adopters, current pet parents, and animal welfare organizations alike.

Less stress for the dog: Moving from one home to another is often gentler on pets than a shelter stay. They adjust more easily when they’re introduced directly to a new environment.
Transparency about personality and history: The current family can tell you exactly what the dog is like — whether they love car rides, have separation anxiety, or need a particular food brand. That kind of insight can make the transition smoother for both of you.
Reduced strain on shelters and rescues: Every successful Rehome adoption means one less pet entering an already overcrowded system. This helps shelters and rescues focus on emergency intakes, strays, and pets who truly need their care.
Inclusive adoption opportunities: Some shelters and rescues have strict eligibility rules (for example, not adopting to renters or families with small children). Rehome facilitates one-on-one conversations that give everyone a fair chance to find the right pet match, without turning to breeders or pet stores.
Peace of mind for current pet parents: People who need to find a new home for their pet often face difficult circumstances. Rehome helps them do the right thing: ensuring their dog finds a loving, verified home instead of being surrendered to a shelter.

Adopting From a Private Owner? Watch for These Red Flags

Scammers are out there. Here’s how to spot them.

Red flags to avoid

Adopt a Pet works hard to make every Rehome adoption safe, but it’s still smart to stay alert. Here are some factors to watch out for when communicating with an existing pet parent to avoid scammers.

Be skeptical of payment requests when you haven’t made arrangements.
The current pet parent’s refusal to meet in person (or via video, if distance is an issue) is a cause for concern.
Lack of vet records or vaccination proof is suspect.
Inconsistent information about the dog’s age, health, or temperament is a red flag.
An unwillingness to provide the pet’s medical history or share the name of the pet’s vet
Creating false urgency or pressuring you to make an adoption decision
Insisting you come to their house to meet the pet instead of meeting you in a public place
Asking for unusually high rehoming fees
Asking for payment to “hold the pet” before you meet the pet

Commonly asked questions

How can I find rehomed pets near me?

Visit Adopt a Pet’s dog search page and enter your zip code. You can filter by the Rehome program to view dogs currently adoptable from private owners in your area.

Is a deposit normal when adopting from private owners?

A small deposit may be requested to hold the dog during the screening process, but this should always happen through Rehome’s secure system — not via cash or external apps.

Is a rehoming fee normal when adopting from private owners?

Yes, most pet parents ask for a modest fee (typically $25 to $150) to help cover vet care, microchips, or spay-neuter costs. It’s also a way to ensure adopters are serious about the commitment.

What happens if the previous pet parent wants the dog back?

Once the adoption agreement is signed, the dog legally belongs to you. However, maintaining a positive relationship can make the transition easier — especially if the former pet parent wants an occasional update or photo.

Will the dog miss their previous owner forever?

Dogs are resilient. Although they may take time to adjust, they will form deep bonds with their new families. With patience, consistency, and love, most dogs settle in and feel at home within a few weeks.