When You Can’t Keep Your Belgian Malinois: A Guide to Rehoming

Belgian Malinois (aka Mals) are high-energy working dogs commonly used for demanding tasks like herding, police work, and search and rescue. They require intense mental and physical activity — quick walks around the block won’t cut it. Without frequent activities like running, hiking, or agility, they can become restless and destructive.

Mals also need consistent training to stay well-behaved and thrive on near-constant interactions with their humans. Simply put, a Malinois isn’t just a pet — they’re a full-time lifestyle commitment.

Because of Belgian Malinois’ high demands, many pet parents find themselves overwhelmed, discovering that the breed is more than they can manage. Others face unavoidable challenges like financial hardship or housing restrictions. For these and other reasons, some people make the difficult decision to rehome their dog.

If you need to rehome or surrender your Belgian Malinois, it’s essential to do so responsibly. These dogs require experienced pet parents, and finding the right person or organization is key to supporting their well-being. 

What does it mean to rehome a dog?

When Mark brought home Duke, a young Belgian Malinois, he assumed he was getting an active, but easygoing, companion who would happily join him for morning jogs and unwind by his side in the evenings. 

But as weeks turned into months, it became clear that Duke had needs far beyond what Mark could provide. The dog’s seemingly insatiable energy led to restlessness, destructive behavior, and even reactivity — challenges Mark never saw coming. Between his demanding job and a recent financial setback, he faced a painful truth: He couldn’t give Duke the highly active, attentive life he required.

If you’re in a similar situation, you’re not alone. Many pet parents reach a point where they realize their dog needs more than they can give, or life throws a curveball that makes it hard to keep their pup.

Rehoming means responsibly finding a new home for your dog where they will receive the care, training, and environment they need. It’s not about failure — it’s about making the best decision for you and your dog.

How to rehome your Belgian Malinois

Rehoming a Belgian Malinois isn’t as simple as finding any new guardian. These dogs require experienced pet parents who understand their intelligence, energy, and need for companionship. The goal is to place your dog in a home that can truly meet their needs, reducing the risk of them ending up in another unsuitable situation.

Once you’ve decided to rehome your dog, there are a few different paths you can take to find them a new home:

Find someone you already know to adopt

A friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor may be looking for a high-energy dog (or know someone who is). Rehoming your Belgian Malinois to someone within your network allows you to personally vet the adopter. Plus, it may allow you to stay in touch, and check in on your dog’s well-being.

However, familiarity alone doesn’t guarantee the right fit. Before making a decision, make sure they understand the breed’s needs. 

Using online pet adoption sites  

One of the most secure and effective ways to find a responsible new home for your Belgian Malinois is through reputable pet adoption websites. These platforms connect pet parents with potential adopters actively searching for a pet. This supports a safer and more suitable match.

Rehome by Adopt a Pet is one such option. The process is simple: Just create a profile for your dog (it takes about 10 minutes). Once your listing is live, it will be visible to millions of potential adopters each month. You’ll have complete control over the process, which allows you to review applications, communicate with interested adopters, and choose the best home for your dog. 

Working with a Belgian Malinois rescue

Breed-specific rescues are a great option because they understand the unique needs of Malinois and screen potential adopters to find a good fit. Many of these rescues also provide training support to help transition dogs into their new homes. Start by researching reputable Belgian Malinois rescues in your area.

Contacting your local no-kill shelter

If a breed-specific rescue isn’t an option and you can’t find a suitable adopter, reach out to reputable no-kill shelters and ask about surrendering your dog. Some shelters work with breed rescues to place high-energy dogs like Malinois in the right homes. 

What to avoid when rehoming your dog

Rehoming a Belgian Malinois is a big decision, and supporting your dog’s safety and well-being should be the top priority. Unfortunately, not every rehoming method is safe, and the wrong choice could put your dog in a harmful situation. Here are some key pitfalls to avoid.

Avoid pet classified sites

Unlike reputable rehoming services, classified sites such as Craigslist, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace have no real oversight, making it easier for dogs to end up in risky or even exploitative situations. While some people do have success on these sites, the risks usually outweigh the rewards.

Giving your dog away for free

Offering a dog for free may attract the wrong kind of adopters, including people looking to exploit dogs for illegal training, backyard breeding, or even worse. Always ask for a reasonable rehoming fee or use a trusted platform like Adopt a Pet’s rehoming tool to increase the likelihood that your dog ends up in a responsible home.

Skipping the screening process

Not everyone who wants a Belgian Malinois understands what it takes to care for one. Always ask potential adopters questions about the following:

• Their experience with high-energy working breeds

• Their ability to provide structured training and up to two hours of daily exercise

• Their home environment (fenced yard, activity level, other pets)

Also, request a meet-and-greet to assess if they’re truly a good fit.

Relying on unverified rescues or individuals

Avoid handing your Malinois over to any organization or individual without thoroughly researching them first. Look for legitimate rescues (ideally a breed-specific one) with a track record of responsible placements.

Surrendering to a high-intake or kill shelter

Many general shelters are unfortunately overwhelmed with animals, and high-energy breeds like Malinois often struggle in shelter environments. Some may be at risk of euthanasia if considered “unadoptable” due to behavior or stress-related issues. If you must surrender them, seek out no-kill shelters or breed-specific rescues that can better meet your dog’s needs.

Misrepresenting your dog’s needs or behavior

It can be tempting to downplay behavioral challenges or health issues to increase adoption chances, but full transparency is crucial. If your dog has issues such as separation anxiety, reactivity, aggression, or a medical condition, sharing that info helps them find a home that’s prepared to handle it.

Do you have to pay to rehome a Belgian Malinois?

Rehoming your Belgian Malinois may or may not come with a fee. This depends on the method you choose.

• Shelters: Many animal shelters charge a surrender fee, which helps cover the cost of caring for your dog until they’re adopted. Fees vary but typically range from $50 to $150.

• Breed-specific rescues: Most Belgian Malinois rescues do not charge a surrender fee, but some may request a donation to help with medical or training costs. 

• Rehoming websites: Online pet adoption sites usually allow you to list your pet for free. However, some services may offer optional paid features to increase visibility.

What is a rehoming fee?

A rehoming fee is a payment that the current pet parent asks from the new adopter when placing their dog in a new home. While it may seem unnecessary to charge a fee when you’re simply trying to find the best home for your Belgian Malinois, it plays an important role in protecting your dog’s future.

Belgian Malinois are a high-demand breed, but not always for the right reasons. Without a rehoming fee, your dog could end up in the wrong hands. Some risks include:

• Backyard breeders looking to profit from selling Malinois puppies without proper health screening or responsible breeding practices.

• Unethical training situations, where the dog is used for illegal or harsh working purposes.

• Dog flippers who take in free dogs only to resell them for a quick profit, often without screening adopters.

Should you charge a rehoming fee?

In most cases, charging a rehoming fee is a smart, responsible step when finding a new home for your Belgian Malinois. However, if you are rehoming them to a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor, you may feel comfortable waiving the fee. 

What is a reasonable rehoming fee for a Belgian Malinois? 

A fair rehoming fee for a Belgian Malinois usually ranges from $100 to $300, depending on factors such as their age, health, training, and whether they’ve been spayed or neutered. Asking for a reasonable fee helps weed out the wrong people and makes it more likely your Mal ends up in a committed, prepared home.

Commonly asked questions

Can you get in trouble for surrendering a dog?

Surrendering a dog to a shelter or rescue is legal, but abandoning a dog — like leaving them on the street — is not. Always rehome responsibly to someone you know and trust, or through rescues, shelters, or reputable pet adoption sites.

What if my Belgian Malinois has behavioral issues?

It is important to be honest and disclose all behavioral issues. Many rescues and trainers specialize in Malinois with reactivity or aggression. Never rehome or surrender a dog with a bite history without full transparency to prevent unsafe situations.

Can I rehome my Belgian Malinois for free?

It is recommended that you do not rehome your Belgian Malinois for free. This can attract backyard breeders, flippers, or irresponsible people. Charging a rehoming fee ($100 to $300) increases the likelihood of your dog going to a committed, prepared home.

Can you surrender a dog to a vet? 

Most veterinary clinics do not accept surrendered or stray pets, because they aren’t equipped to house or rehome animals. However, some vets may offer guidance and recommend local rescues or shelters. 

Does Petco take dogs?

No, Petco doesn’t accept surrendered dogs. If you need to rehome your Belgian Malinois, consider breed-specific rescues, no-kill shelters, or reputable pet rehoming sites like Rehome by Adopt a Pet. 

Resources 

“Before You Give up Your Pet to a Shelter, Know There Are Options.” Better Together Animal Alliance, bettertogetheranimalalliance.org/pet-surrender-options.

“Belgian Malinois.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois.

‌“Finding a New Home for Your Pet.” Animal Humane Society, www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/finding-new-home-your-pet.

“How to Rehome Your Pet.” City of Albuquerque, www.cabq.gov/pets/education-resources/how-to-rehome-your-pet.