Giving Up a Dog: Finding a New Home for the Four-Legged Friend

You are facing a difficult decision: your dog has to go. Perhaps a baby is on the way and your dog is showing aggressive behaviour. Or you are moving abroad and quarantine would be an ordeal for it. The reasons are as individual as they are painful.

In Switzerland, abandoning a dog is a criminal offence punishable by fines of up to CHF 25,000. But how do you actually find responsible new owners? Here is a guide.

Which questions should you ask potential new owners?

These five questions separate serious interested parties from spontaneous acts of pity:

“How much time do you have for the dog every day?” – If the answer is less than two hours or remains vague (“Oh, that’ll be fine”), this is an exclusion criterion.

“What experience do you have with dogs of this size/breed?” – A 60-kilo shepherd dog as a first-time pet? No.

“What happens if the dog gets sick?” – The answer should be specific: “We already have a vet nearby.”

“May we come round and see where the dog would live?” – Anyone who refuses this has something to hide.

“Can you provide a self-declaration of your income?” – Dogs cost money. At least 100–150 euros per month, significantly more in case of illness.

Is the animal shelter really the best option?

In Switzerland, animal shelters scrutinise new owners more thoroughly than you could on your own. They charge a surrender fee (usually 150–300 euros), in return they cover medical care and onward rehoming.

The downside: Your dog experiences double the stress. First the separation from you, then the animal shelter, then a new family again. Some dogs develop behavioural problems as a result.

Better: Call your local animal shelter and ask about foster homes. There, your dog lives with a family but is still professionally rehomed.

How do you spot dubious interested parties?

You should take these warning signs seriously:

They want to take the dog away immediately without getting to know it. Or they don’t ask a single follow-up question about its character, habits, or health.

They offer significantly more money than you are asking for. This suggests dog dealers who resell animals.

They refuse to show identification or only provide a mobile number. Serious owners have nothing to hide.

They downplay obvious problems: “Oh, we’ll manage fine with the children,” even though your dog doesn’t like children.

What should be included in the surrender agreement?

A verbal promise isn’t enough. You need a written contract covering these points:

The personal details of the new owner (copy their ID). The exact description of the dog, including its microchip number. An agreement that the dog must not be resold without your consent.

A right of return in case it doesn’t work out. And an obligation to inform you if the dog becomes seriously ill or dies.

Also ask for a phone number and email address where you can reach the new owners.

Which documents need to be handed over?

These documents belong with the dog:

The vaccination booklet with all current vaccinations. For travelling dogs, the EU pet passport. All vet bills from the last two years, showing which treatments were necessary.

A written summary of its characteristics: What does it like, what doesn’t it? How does it react to other dogs, to children, to strangers? What food does it get?

Its familiar items: basket, favourite toy, blanket. The scent helps it settle in.

Which official procedures do you need to keep in mind?

You must not forget these steps:

Deregister the dog tax with your municipality. This is usually done online or by letter. Transfer the microchip registration to the new owner (with Tasso or other pet registers).

Cancel your dog owner liability insurance, but only after the new owner has taken out their own. Cancel the dog health insurance, if applicable.

For listed breeds additionally: Inform the authority that issued the certificate of competence.

Can I give my dog to friends?

This only works under one condition: The friends really want the dog, not just to do you a favour.

Speak openly that they can say no at any time. And check honestly: Does your dog fit into their daily life? A lively adolescent dog for a retired couple? An anxious dog in a family with toddlers?

The same applies here: written contract, clear agreements. Friendship or not.

How much does keeping a dog cost per month?

At least 100 euros monthly for a medium-sized dog. Included: food (30-50 euros), vet costs (20-30 euros reserve), dog tax (5-15 euros), liability insurance (5-10 euros).

How long does the settling-in period take with the new owner?

At least four weeks. Some dogs need six months until they have truly settled in. In the first days, many dogs show stress behaviour: They eat little, are restless or withdraw.

Am I allowed to keep contact after giving up the dog?

This depends on the agreement with the new owners. Some are happy about occasional updates. Others want a clean break, which is also understandable and you should respect.

What happens if the new owners cannot keep the dog?

This is why a right of return belongs in every handover contract. The dog should come back to you, not go to the nearest animal shelter or be passed on to unknown third parties.