re-homing a pet

Today, Weirdos, I would like to discuss a topic that may be sensitive to some. However, I hope that it may educate you in some way. Today we are talking about what to do if you are in a situation where you potentially may need to re-home your cats.

First, I want to acknowledge the stigma most associated with having to re-home animals. That having to re-home your animals, for any reason, makes you a negligent pet parent, or less of an animal lover. This is false. It is important to consider the well being of yourself, as well as your pet, and that not all pet/pet parent matches are perfect and that some animals may be better suited with another family.

However, should you ever need to find a home for your pet or pets, for their own betterment or the betterment of yourself and your family, there are responsible ways to go about it to ensure the best possible outcome for your cats. There are many different avenues available for re-homing. In 2020, you have animal shelters, rescue groups, websites specifically designed for re-homing animals, you even have Facebook groups comprised of Weirdos who advocate for the betterment of cats (and all animals) by any means necessary. It is important to consider each way to re-home your pet individually, as one may fit your cat and their personality better than another.

It is recommended that when you suspect you may have to relinquish your pets, that you take action immediately - even if the possibility of needing to surrender is small or is likely not happening for a while, for example. The truth is, there are MANY homeless animals in Northeast Ohio, throughout the United States. Animal shelters, rescues, and foster homes are packed with adoptable animals and waiting lists to relinquish an animal are almost unavoidable entirely. It is imperative to call to request your spot with one of these organizations, even if you may not think you need it. It is easier to call and to cancel an existing appointment that is no longer needed than it is to find a cancellation on the same day you need to surrender your pet by, risking the chance of being turned away because you had waited.

There are many reasons why one may need to surrender a pet. Please remember that there are ample resources within the Weirdo Cat Lovers of Cleveland Group to help you and your furry family members if you are put in a situation that restricts you from continuing to care for your animals. Below is a short list of local animal shelters for you to reach out to for more information regarding animal admissions. An extended version is available on our website at www.weirdocatloversofcleveland.org/resources.

● Cleveland Animal Protective League
(216) 771-8825
1729 Willey Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113

● Friendship Animal Protective League
(440) 322-4321
8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035

● Rescue Village (Geauga Humane Society)
(440) 338-4819
15463 Chillicothe Road, Russell Township, Ohio 44072

● Lake Humane Society
(440) 951-6122
7564 E. Tyler Boulevard, Mentor, Ohio 44060

● Humane Society of Summit County
(330) 487-0333
7996 Darrow Road, Suite 30, Twinsburg, Ohio 44087

​-Hannah Schramm, Weirdo Cat Lovers of Cleveland Moderator