Help with Rehoming your dog

Rehoming Services

NorthStar WI Dog Rescue & Advocacy works with community members in the Madison, WI area who need to rehome their pets. If you’ve been directed to this page, please read the following to understand how we can help.

Our Rehoming Process

Life happens, and sometimes families must make the difficult decision to rehome a pet. We’re here to help by offering two levels of support. Your pet will remain with you until adopted, and depending on breed, age, and health, many dogs find new homes within a few weeks.

First Steps

  1. Contact us and tell us about your situation—we may have other solutions!
  2. If rehoming is the best option, we’ll guide you through the process, provide questions to help write a great bio, and assist with selecting photos.
  3. You’ll need to create an account and post your dog to one or both of these rehoming websites:

Additional Rehoming Support Services

NorthStar offers two levels of rehoming support. As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on donations to continue our work. 100% of your donation goes directly toward our medical and community fund, which provides emergency medical care and other critical assistance for pets in need. We volunteer our time because we believe every dog deserves a second chance.

NorthStar WI Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible—please consult your tax professional.

Make a Donation Here

$50 Rehoming Support Includes:

  • A questionnaire to help you write a bio (also helpful information for potential adopters!)
  • Review and provide feedback on your bio
  • Social media promotion of your dog’s rehoming post
  • You handle the application/adoption process through the rehoming website
  • You review applications, contact potential adopters, and schedule meet-and-greets

$100 Rehoming Support Includes:

Everything in the $50 package, plus:

  • We write a compelling bio with input from you
  • Your dog’s bio is posted on our website for additional promotion
  • Interested adopters complete NorthStar’s adoption application in addition to the rehoming website’s process
  • We review applications and conduct interviews with candidates
  • We check references (Landlord, Veterinarian, and two personal references)
  • We provide recommendations on strong adoption candidates

Final Steps for Rehoming Your Dog

  1. Review applications and select potential adopters.
  2. Contact candidates to discuss your pet and answer any questions.
  3. Schedule a meet-and-greet with the adopter and your dog.
  4. If it’s a good fit, the adopter takes the pet home unless other arrangements are made.
  5. Provide food, leashes, toys, and a crate to help with the transition.