Responsible Rehoming

Sometimes, despite the very best intentions, a dog can no longer remain in its current home.

Life changes. Families separate. Circumstances change. Financial pressures arise. A dog's health or behaviour may become difficult to manage. A person's housing situation may change, or they may simply realise that they can no longer provide the care their dog needs.

When this happens, responsible rehoming is an act of care — not failure.

The most important consideration is not avoiding the stigma of rehoming. It is ensuring that the dog is moved safely, thoughtfully and with as little stress as possible into a home or care environment where its needs can be met.

For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, responsible rehoming also means taking the breed's health, temperament, age and individual needs into account. A Cavalier may require ongoing veterinary care, grooming, companionship and careful management, and these factors should be honestly communicated to any prospective new owner.

Responsible rehoming means making decisions based on the dog's welfare, rather than simply finding the quickest person willing to take the dog.

What Is Responsible Rehoming?

Responsible rehoming is the process of finding a suitable new home or appropriate rescue or shelter placement for a dog when its current owner can no longer provide the care it needs.

The goal is to achieve a safe, stable and suitable long-term outcome.

This means considering:

  • the dog's physical health

  • behavioural needs

  • temperament

  • age

  • exercise requirements

  • social needs

  • medical history

  • compatibility with children

  • compatibility with other animals

  • previous experiences

  • training

  • lifestyle requirements

  • the suitability of the prospective home.

RSPCA Australia states that the welfare of the individual animal should be prioritised when determining the appropriate pathway, including rehoming or transfer to a rescue organisation. It also emphasises that animals being rehomed should have their physical and mental needs met and experience positive welfare. 

Rehoming should be about finding the right home, not simply finding a home.

Rehoming Is Not Giving Up

There can be considerable emotion attached to rehoming a much-loved dog.

Owners may experience:

  • guilt

  • sadness

  • embarrassment

  • grief

  • anxiety

  • fear of being judged.

But keeping a dog in a home that can no longer meet its needs may not always be the kindest option. If an owner genuinely cannot provide appropriate care, seeking a better solution can be an act of responsible ownership.

The RSPCA recognises that circumstances can change and advises owners who are struggling to keep their pets to explore options such as finding a suitable home through their personal network or contacting a reputable shelter or rescue organisation.  The important thing is to act before the situation becomes a crisis.

When Might Rehoming Be the Right Decision?

There is no single reason why a dog may need to be rehomed.

Circumstances can include:

Changes in family circumstances

  • relationship breakdown

  • bereavement

  • new baby

  • changes in work commitments

  • family illness

  • caring responsibilities.

Housing changes

  • moving to accommodation where the dog cannot appropriately live

  • changes to rental circumstances

  • relocation

  • inability to provide a suitable environment.

Financial circumstances

  • loss of income

  • inability to meet ongoing veterinary expenses

  • unexpected financial hardship.

Health problems

  • the owner becoming unable to physically care for the dog

  • the dog's medical needs becoming too complex for the household

  • significant age-related care requirements.

Behavioural challenges

  • aggression

  • separation-related problems

  • anxiety

  • destructive behaviour

  • reactivity

  • incompatibility with another animal.

Changes in the dog's needs

A dog may develop needs that its current household can no longer reasonably accommodate.

An unsuitable original match

Sometimes a dog and household simply prove incompatible.

Recognising this and acting responsibly can be better for everyone, particularly the dog.

Don't Wait Until It Becomes an Emergency

One of the most important principles of responsible rehoming is:

Ask for help early.

If you are struggling with your Cavalier, speak with:

  • your veterinarian

  • a qualified behaviour professional

  • the breeder

  • a reputable rescue organisation

  • an appropriate animal welfare organisation.

Some situations can be resolved without rehoming.

For example, a veterinarian may identify an underlying medical issue contributing to behavioural changes. A qualified behaviour professional may help with anxiety, reactivity or household management.

The RSPCA recommends seeking assistance when owners are experiencing difficulties and notes that reputable rescue organisations can provide veterinary and behavioural support where necessary. 

Rehoming should not be the first response to every problem. But neither should an owner feel that they must wait until a situation becomes unsafe.

Contact the Breeder First

If the dog originally came from a breeder, contact the breeder before making other rehoming arrangements. A responsible breeder should want to know if a dog they bred can no longer remain in its current home.

Depending on the breeder's agreement and circumstances, they may:

  • take the dog back

  • help find a suitable new home

  • recommend an appropriate rescue organisation

  • contact previous puppy owners

  • assist with behavioural or veterinary advice

  • help assess prospective homes.

RSPCA Australia specifically recommends contacting the breeder when trying to rehome a dog originally obtained from a breeder.  A responsible breeder's involvement should not necessarily end when the puppy is sold.

The breeder may be one of your most valuable resources when a dog needs a new home.

Responsible Rehoming Is About the Individual Dog

Every dog is different. A Cavalier who is eight years old and accustomed to a quiet household may have very different rehoming requirements from a two-year-old Cavalier who loves children, enjoys other dogs and requires considerable activity.

Before rehoming, create an honest profile of the dog.

Consider:

Age

How old is the dog?

Health

What medical conditions does the dog have?

Medication

What medication or supplements does the dog require?

Temperament

Is the dog confident, shy, anxious, energetic, sensitive or independent?

Other dogs

Does the dog enjoy living with other dogs?

Cats

Has the dog lived safely with cats?

Children

What ages of children has the dog lived with?

Exercise

How much activity does the dog need?

Training

What does the dog know?

Behaviour

Are there behavioural challenges that a new owner needs to understand?

Routine

What does a typical day look like?

Grooming

How frequently does the dog require grooming?

Food

What does the dog eat?

Veterinary care

What ongoing veterinary treatment is required?

Emotional needs

Does the dog struggle when left alone?

Environment

Would the dog thrive in a busy family home, a quiet household or somewhere else?

The more accurately you understand the dog, the better you can match it with its next home.

Honesty Is Essential

It can be tempting to minimise a dog's problems because you want to make it easier to find a home.

This is dangerous.

Do not describe a dog as:

  • "perfect with everyone" if it is not

  • "great with dogs" if it has a history of aggression

  • "healthy" if it has significant medical conditions

  • "fully trained" if it is not

  • "good with children" if this has not been established.

A prospective owner needs accurate information to decide whether they can safely and appropriately care for the dog.

Hiding a problem does not solve it.

It simply transfers the problem to another household and may ultimately place the dog at greater risk of being moved again.

Health Information Should Travel With the Dog

A new owner should receive as much relevant health information as possible.

This may include:

  • veterinary history

  • vaccination records

  • microchip information

  • desexing status

  • current medications

  • previous diagnoses

  • surgical history

  • allergies

  • dietary requirements

  • parasite-prevention history

  • dental history

  • specialist reports

  • relevant health-testing information

  • insurance information.

For a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it is particularly important to disclose known health conditions and ongoing veterinary requirements.

Never withhold a known health problem simply because you fear it will make the dog harder to rehome.

Behavioural History Matters Too

A dog does not need to be behaviourally perfect to be successfully rehomed. But its history needs to be understood.

Tell the prospective owner if the dog:

  • is fearful of strangers

  • is reactive toward dogs

  • guards food

  • guards toys

  • has separation-related distress

  • dislikes being handled

  • has bitten someone

  • is anxious in unfamiliar environments

  • cannot live safely with cats

  • has previously escaped

  • has particular triggers.

Where possible, seek professional behavioural assessment before rehoming.

A qualified behaviour professional may help distinguish between:

  • normal breed behaviour

  • fear

  • anxiety

  • learned behaviour

  • resource guarding

  • frustration

  • pain-related behaviour

  • more serious behavioural concerns.

Never Rehome a Dog by Hiding Its History

This deserves special emphasis.

If a dog has bitten someone, disclose it.

If a dog cannot live safely with children, disclose it.

If the dog has a significant medical condition, disclose it.

If the dog has a history of aggression, disclose it.

If the dog has escaped repeatedly, disclose it.

If the dog has severe separation-related distress, disclose it.

Responsible rehoming requires informed consent from the new owner.

Finding a New Home Yourself

In some circumstances, a dog may be safely rehomed directly from one household to another.

This can be appropriate when:

  • the owner knows the dog well

  • the dog's needs are understood

  • a genuinely suitable home has been identified

  • both parties can meet beforehand

  • the dog's history can be disclosed

  • the transition can be carefully managed.

RSPCA Australia notes that privately rehoming a pet through a personal network can have advantages because the owner may know the prospective adopter and the dog can potentially move directly from one home to another. 

However, "a friend wants the dog" does not automatically mean the arrangement is suitable. The prospective home should still be assessed.

How to Find the Right Home

Start with people you trust.

This might include:

  • family

  • friends

  • colleagues

  • existing contacts

  • your veterinarian

  • your breeder

  • reputable breed networks

  • reputable rescue organisations.

Do not automatically choose the first person who expresses interest.

Ask questions.

Questions to Ask a Prospective New Owner

About their household

  • Who lives in the home?

  • Are there children?

  • What ages are they?

  • Are there other pets?

  • Who will primarily care for the dog?

About lifestyle

  • How long will the dog usually be left alone?

  • What exercise can you provide?

  • Does the dog have secure outdoor space?

  • What type of home do you live in?

  • Are you renting or owning?

  • Is the property suitable for a dog?

About experience

  • Have you owned dogs before?

  • Have you owned a Cavalier?

  • Are you familiar with the breed's grooming and health requirements?

About finances

  • Can you afford routine veterinary care?

  • Can you manage unexpected veterinary expenses?

  • Can you afford appropriate food, grooming and preventative healthcare?

About the future

  • What happens if your circumstances change?

  • What would you do if the dog developed a health or behavioural problem?

  • Who would care for the dog if you were away?

Most importantly:

Are they prepared to accept the dog exactly as it is?

Not the dog they hope it will become.

Meet the Prospective Owner in Person

Whenever practical, arrange an in-person meeting before transferring ownership.

This gives everyone an opportunity to assess:

  • compatibility

  • temperament

  • handling

  • household circumstances

  • expectations

  • the dog's response to the new family.

RSPCA Australia advises caution when acquiring an animal without face-to-face contact and recommends meeting animals before taking them home. 

Never rush a permanent decision because someone sounds convincing online.

Consider a Trial Period

Depending on the circumstances and the organisation or people involved, a carefully structured trial period may sometimes be appropriate.

A trial can help determine whether:

  • the dog settles

  • the household is suitable

  • other pets are compatible

  • the dog's needs can be met

  • the arrangement is sustainable.

However, a trial should not mean repeatedly moving a dog between homes without careful planning.

For some dogs, multiple failed placements can be stressful.

A reputable rescue organisation may be able to provide more appropriate assessment and placement processes.

Rehoming Through a Rescue Organisation

If you cannot safely identify a suitable home yourself, contacting a reputable rescue organisation or animal welfare organisation may be the better option.

Rescue organisations can potentially provide:

  • assessment

  • veterinary care

  • behavioural support

  • foster care

  • adoption screening

  • matching with prospective owners

  • adoption agreements

  • post-adoption support.

RSPCA Australia recommends contacting a reputable shelter or rescue organisation when an owner cannot find a suitable home through their personal network. 

However, rescue organisations can have limited capacity.

Do not assume a rescue organisation will always be able to accept a dog immediately.

Contact them as early as possible.

Choosing a Reputable Rescue Organisation

Before transferring your dog, ask:

  • Is the organisation properly established?

  • Does it assess dogs before adoption?

  • Does it use veterinary care?

  • Does it assess behaviour?

  • Does it screen prospective adopters?

  • Does it provide adoption support?

  • Does it have appropriate foster or shelter arrangements?

  • What happens if the adoption fails?

  • What happens if the dog develops a health problem?

  • How are adoption decisions made?

RSPCA policy states that animals being rehomed should have their physical and mental needs met, receive appropriate veterinary and behavioural assessment before adoption, and have their individual welfare prioritised when determining their pathway. 

If you are in Queensland, consider the our friends at Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Queensland.

Avoid Unverified Online Rehoming

Social media makes it incredibly easy to advertise a dog to thousands of people.

That does not necessarily make it safer.

Public posts can attract:

  • unsuitable owners

  • impulse adopters

  • irresponsible breeders

  • dog traders

  • people seeking dogs for inappropriate purposes

  • scammers.

RSPCA Australia warns that online animal advertisements can conceal welfare risks and recommends vigilance when animals are advertised online. 

Do not post a dog's full personal history publicly.

Instead, provide enough information to attract appropriate enquiries and discuss detailed information privately with carefully screened applicants.

Be Careful With "Free to a Good Home"

The phrase "free to a good home" may sound compassionate. But giving a dog away to the first person who responds can be extremely risky.

A free dog may attract people who:

  • have not considered the financial commitment

  • are acting impulsively

  • are unsuitable owners

  • want a dog for breeding

  • want a dog for reasons unrelated to companionship.

The aim should not be to give the dog away quickly.

The aim should be to find the right home.

Never Abandon a Dog

Abandoning a dog is not responsible rehoming.

Do not:

  • leave a dog at a park

  • leave a dog outside a shelter after hours

  • leave a dog at someone else's property

  • release a dog

  • leave a dog without food or care

  • simply disappear and hope someone takes responsibility.

If you are unable to keep your dog, ask for help.

Contact your veterinarian, breeder, local council, rescue organisation or animal welfare organisation.

There is almost always a safer option than abandonment.

Microchipping and Transfer of Ownership

Microchip information is critically important when a dog changes homes.

In Queensland, when a dog is supplied to another person, the supplier must provide the new owner with a completed and signed change-of-ownership form or equivalent notice, subject to applicable requirements. This enables the new owner to update the dog's ownership details with the relevant microchip registry. 

The Queensland Government also advises people receiving dogs to ensure they receive the relevant microchip transfer-of-ownership information. 

Never assume the microchip details will update automatically.

Make sure the transfer is completed and the new owner's contact details are accurate.

Queensland Supply Number Requirements

Queensland has specific requirements concerning the supply of dogs.

The Queensland Dog Breeder Register states that, subject to exemptions, a person who sells, advertises or gives away a dog must have a Supply Number. It also provides specific information about circumstances involving people who did not breed the dog and wish to supply it. 

This is particularly important when a dog is being advertised publicly or transferred as part of a rehoming arrangement.

Because Queensland requirements can change, always check the current requirements before advertising or transferring a dog.

Queensland Dog Breeder Register

Prepare the Dog for Its New Home

Where appropriate, try to make the transition as easy as possible.

Send the dog with familiar items such as:

  • bedding

  • favourite toys

  • food

  • treats

  • feeding bowl

  • collar

  • harness

  • lead

  • grooming equipment

  • medication

  • veterinary records

  • familiar blanket.

A familiar smell can provide reassurance during a major transition.

Provide a Detailed Information Pack

The new owner should ideally receive a written information sheet covering:

Daily routine

  • wake-up time

  • meals

  • walks

  • naps

  • bedtime.

Food

  • brand/type

  • quantity

  • feeding times

  • treats.

Health

  • medical conditions

  • medication

  • veterinarian

  • vaccination history

  • parasite prevention.

Behaviour

  • likes

  • dislikes

  • triggers

  • fears

  • known behavioural issues.

Training

  • commands

  • toilet habits

  • lead behaviour

  • recall

  • crate or confinement experience.

Social

  • interactions with dogs

  • cats

  • children

  • strangers.

Grooming

  • brushing

  • bathing

  • ear care

  • nail care.

The more continuity you can provide, the easier the transition may be.

Moving a Cavalier to a New Home

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally highly social companion dogs. A major change in household can therefore be emotionally significant.

Allow the dog time to settle.

The first days should ideally be:

quiet + predictable + patient.

Avoid overwhelming the dog with:

  • large gatherings

  • excessive visitors

  • busy outings

  • unfamiliar dogs

  • constant handling.

Let the dog gradually learn:

This is my new home. I am safe here.

Older Cavaliers May Need Extra Consideration

An older Cavalier may have very different rehoming requirements from a young adult.

Senior dogs may require:

  • more frequent veterinary care

  • medication

  • dental care

  • joint support

  • more rest

  • shorter walks

  • greater routine

  • assistance with mobility

  • a quieter environment.

The ideal home may therefore be very different from the ideal home for a young, energetic dog.

Age should never be treated as a reason a dog is less deserving of a loving home.

Cavaliers With Health Conditions Need Honest Matching

Some Cavaliers may require ongoing management for conditions affecting:

  • the heart

  • neurological system

  • eyes

  • joints

  • ears

  • skin

  • teeth.

A dog with ongoing medical needs can still have an excellent quality of life.

But the new owner needs to understand the responsibility involved.

A suitable home should be capable of providing:

  • veterinary appointments

  • medication

  • monitoring

  • appropriate exercise

  • financial commitment

  • patience.

What If the Dog Has Behavioural Problems?

Do not assume behavioural problems make a dog impossible to rehome.

However, they must be taken seriously.

A dog with significant behavioural issues may require:

  • veterinary assessment

  • behaviour assessment

  • structured management

  • reward-based training

  • an experienced adopter

  • a child-free home

  • a single-dog household

  • controlled introductions.

The appropriate home depends on the individual dog.

Never place a dog with a known serious behavioural risk into a household simply because the people are willing to take it.

Suitability matters more than enthusiasm.

Rehoming a Dog With a Bite History

A bite history must always be disclosed.

The circumstances surrounding a bite matter, but the history itself should never be concealed.

A professional assessment may help determine:

  • what happened

  • the severity

  • triggers

  • circumstances

  • predictability

  • management requirements

  • whether rehoming is appropriate

  • what type of home may be suitable.

Where there is a serious safety concern, seek veterinary and qualified behavioural advice before attempting private rehoming.

Do Not Breed a Dog Simply Because You Cannot Rehome It

A dog should not be bred as a means of creating value or finding a reason to keep it.

Likewise, an entire dog being rehomed should not automatically be placed with someone who intends to breed it.

If breeding is not appropriate, discuss desexing and responsible ownership with a veterinarian.

Responsible Rehoming and Desexing

Whether a dog should be desexed before rehoming depends on the individual dog, its age, health, circumstances and veterinary advice.

RSPCA policy supports sterilisation where recommended by a veterinarian, practicable, appropriate and required by local law. 

A veterinarian should advise on the most appropriate timing and approach.

A Responsible Rehoming Checklist

Before rehoming

☐ Identify why rehoming is necessary
☐ Speak with your veterinarian if health or behaviour is involved
☐ Contact the breeder
☐ Contact a reputable rescue if appropriate
☐ Gather veterinary records
☐ Gather vaccination records
☐ Confirm microchip information
☐ Review the dog's behaviour honestly
☐ Write down the dog's daily routine
☐ Document medication and health conditions
☐ Consider compatibility requirements
☐ Determine what type of home is suitable.

Screening a new owner

☐ Discuss their household
☐ Discuss children
☐ Discuss other pets
☐ Discuss lifestyle
☐ Discuss time available
☐ Discuss exercise
☐ Discuss financial responsibility
☐ Discuss veterinary care
☐ Discuss the dog's health
☐ Discuss behavioural history
☐ Meet in person where practical
☐ Ensure they understand the dog's needs
☐ Do not rush the decision.

Before transfer

☐ Provide veterinary records
☐ Provide vaccination information
☐ Provide medication
☐ Provide food information
☐ Provide routine information
☐ Provide behavioural information
☐ Provide familiar belongings
☐ Complete required ownership documentation
☐ Update microchip details
☐ Address Queensland Supply Number requirements where applicable
☐ Provide emergency contact information.

After rehoming

☐ Allow the dog time to settle
☐ Remain available for reasonable questions
☐ Monitor how the transition is progressing where appropriate
☐ Encourage veterinary care
☐ Ensure the new owner knows where to seek help.

Rehoming a Cavalier: Questions for the New Owner

Before allowing a Cavalier to move to a new home, ask:

Have you owned a Cavalier before?

Are you prepared for the breed's potential health needs?

Can you afford ongoing veterinary care?

Can you provide regular grooming?

How long will the dog be left alone?

What happens when you go on holiday?

Do you have other dogs or pets?

Are there children in the household?

Is your yard secure?

Are you prepared for the dog's current behavioural needs?

Would you still want this dog if its health deteriorated?

Are you prepared to make a lifelong commitment?

The right answer to these questions matters much more than how enthusiastic someone is about owning a Cavalier.

If You Are Considering Taking in a Rehomed Cavalier

Rehoming is a two-way responsibility.

Before adopting a Cavalier, consider carefully whether you can meet the dog's needs.

Ask for:

  • complete medical history

  • vaccination records

  • microchip details

  • behavioural history

  • information about other animals

  • information about children

  • diet

  • medication

  • grooming requirements

  • reason for rehoming

  • training history

  • known triggers

  • previous incidents.

And remember:

You are not simply giving a dog a new home. You are accepting responsibility for that dog's future.

Give the Dog Time to Adjust

A rehomed dog may behave differently during its first days or weeks.

It may:

  • sleep more

  • seem unusually quiet

  • become clingy

  • hide

  • have changes in appetite

  • be unsettled

  • toilet differently

  • appear unusually excited

  • show behaviours that were not obvious in its previous home.

Give the dog:

time, space, routine and patience.

If concerning physical or behavioural changes persist, seek professional advice.

Rehoming Should Be a Lasting Solution

Repeatedly moving between homes can be stressful for dogs.

This is why careful matching matters.

The goal is not:

Home 1 → Home 2 → Home 3 → Home 4

The goal is:

Home 1 → carefully assessed, appropriate lifelong home

This requires honesty before the move rather than trying to solve problems after the dog arrives.

Responsible Rehoming Is an Ethical Responsibility

For breeders, owners, rescue organisations and prospective adopters, responsible rehoming comes down to the same principle:

Put the dog's welfare first.

That means:

  • don't abandon

  • don't conceal

  • don't rush

  • don't give the dog to the first person who asks

  • don't minimise health or behavioural concerns

  • don't treat the dog as disposable.

Instead:

Ask for help.
Tell the truth.
Assess the home.
Prepare the dog.
Transfer records.
Update identification.
Provide support.
And make the dog's welfare the deciding factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I can no longer keep my Cavalier?

Start by contacting the dog's breeder, veterinarian and reputable rescue or animal welfare organisations. If you know someone who may be able to provide an appropriate home, carefully assess whether they are genuinely suitable.

Should I contact the breeder?

Yes. If your dog came from a breeder, contacting the breeder should be one of your first steps. RSPCA Australia specifically recommends contacting the breeder to see whether they can assist with rehoming. 

Can I rehome my dog privately?

Yes, private rehoming can sometimes be appropriate, particularly when a suitable person is known and the dog's needs can be accurately communicated. However, the prospective home should still be carefully assessed. 

Should I advertise my dog on social media?

Public online advertising carries risks. If you do use online platforms, exercise considerable caution, screen applicants carefully and never transfer a dog without establishing that the new home is appropriate. RSPCA Australia has highlighted welfare risks associated with online animal advertisements. 

Should I give my dog away for free?

Do not choose a new owner simply because they are willing to take the dog for free. The suitability of the home is far more important than whether money changes hands.

What if my dog has behavioural problems?

Seek veterinary and qualified behavioural advice. Some behavioural problems can be managed or improved, while others require a carefully selected home with appropriate experience and management.

What if my Cavalier has a serious health condition?

Be completely transparent about the condition and ongoing care requirements. A dog with health problems may still have an excellent quality of life and a wonderful future, but the new owner needs to understand the responsibility involved.

What happens to my dog's microchip when ownership changes?

The microchip remains with the dog, but the ownership and contact information must be updated with the relevant registry. Queensland requires the supplier of a dog to provide the new owner with appropriate change-of-ownership information, subject to applicable requirements. 

Do Queensland Supply Number rules apply to rehoming?

Queensland's rules concerning the supply of dogs can apply when dogs are sold, advertised or given away, with specific exemptions and provisions depending on the circumstances. Check the current Queensland Dog Breeder Register requirements before advertising or transferring a dog. 

Is rehoming a dog a failure?

No.

Sometimes responsible ownership means recognising that circumstances have changed and finding a home where the dog's needs can be met. Seeking help early can be an important act of responsible pet ownership.

In Conclusion…

Responsible rehoming is about doing what is right for the dog, even when the decision is difficult. A dog should never be abandoned, passed to the first person who expresses interest or have important health or behavioural information concealed.

Instead, take the time to understand the dog's needs, seek help where necessary, contact the breeder, consider reputable rescue organisations, carefully assess potential homes and ensure all relevant information and identification records travel with the dog.

For a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, responsible rehoming also means recognising that the breed can have significant lifelong health and care requirements.

The perfect new home is not necessarily the closest, cheapest or most convenient option.

It is the home where the dog can be safe, loved, understood and properly cared for throughout the rest of its life.

Rehoming is not about finding someone to take the dog.
It is about finding the right person to care for the dog.

And sometimes, the most responsible thing an owner can do is ask for help.

Related Articles

References

Queensland Government. (2026). Dog breeding welfare and registration requirements. Business Queensland. Business Queensland — Dog breeding welfare and registration requirements

Queensland Government. (2026). Dog Breeders Register. Queensland Dog Breeder Register

Queensland Government. (2026). Applying, or renewing a Supply Number. Queensland Dog Breeder Register. Queensland Dog Breeder Register — Supply Numbers

Queensland Government. (2026). Getting a dog. Queensland Dog Breeder Register. Queensland Dog Breeder Register — Getting a Dog

RSPCA Australia. (2024). RSPCA Policy A4: Shelter and rehoming of companion animals. RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Shelter and Rehoming of Companion Animals

RSPCA Australia. (2024). How do I find a responsible dog or cat breeder? RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Responsible Breeders

RSPCA Australia. (2024). How do I find a responsible dog or cat breeder? RSPCA Knowledgebase. 

RSPCA Australia. (2026). Companion animals online: The red flags to watch for. RSPCA Australia — Companion Animals Online: Red Flags

RSPCA Australia. (2024). What can I do if I am having difficulty finding a pet-friendly rental? RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Rehoming a Pet

RSPCA Australia. (2024). What are some red flags when looking for a dog or cat online? RSPCA Knowledgebase. RSPCA Knowledgebase — Online Pet Red Flags

Disclaimer

The information provided in the Cavalier Knowledge Centre is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment.