Surrendering a pet is hard. These Potter League tips can make it a little easier.

Hello there, dear friends. It's me, Tuki, perched here at the Potter League, where we see both joyful adoptions and the heartfelt circumstances of pets whose families are facing tough times.

Today, I want to talk to you about a decision that no pet owner takes lightly: surrendering a beloved furry family member. It's a difficult choice, especially in today's challenging economic climate, and I want you to know that there are options and resources available to help before making that tough call.

Life can throw curveballs, and there are various reasons people consider surrendering their pets:

1. Time: Sometimes, changes in our schedules, like starting school or a new job, can make it seem impossible to give our pets the time and attention they need, especially our energetic canine friends.

2. Financial Resources: Taking care of a pet comes with financial responsibilities – vet visits, food, toys, and more. It can be a strain, especially when facing unexpected expenses.

3. Behavior: Managing a pet's behavior can be challenging, especially if it's causing problems at home. It's not uncommon for pet parents to feel overwhelmed when they can't find the time or knowledge to correct certain behaviors.

4. Housing: Economic hardships have forced many to downsize or lose their homes, making it difficult to find affordable housing that welcomes pets. Rental restrictions, insurance policies and government regulations often add to the complexity.

I want to emphasize that most pet owners who consider surrendering their pets do so because they feel they have no other option. But before making that tough decision, we wanted to let you know there are resources you can explore to help you and your furry friend.

Many shelters and rescue organizations, including the Potter League, offer access to or information about resources to assist struggling pet owners. You can find details on the Potter League website (potterleague.org/programs/pet-surrender), but here are some of the resources available:

1. Medical Care: If you're struggling to cover routine care or address an illness or injury, the Potter League has the Companion Animal Relief Effort (CARE) fund to provide assistance for pet owners on Aquidneck Island and in Newport County. If you're not in this area, you'll find a list of other organizations on our website that may be able to help. Rhode Island residents receiving federal or state-sponsored financial assistance, or disabled veterans can also explore the Pets in Need (PIN) Veterinary Clinic in Riverside, RI, which offers partially subsidized veterinary care.

2. Food: Feeding your pet can be costly, and we understand that times can get tough. Many shelters, including the Potter League, have programs to assist with providing food and other essential supplies.

3. Behavior Issues: For those struggling with behavior issues, there are numerous online resources available. The Potter League offers an online behavior resource library and a free online behavior helpline to help pet owners deal with common behavioral and training issues.

If you're in a situation where you need to find housing that accommodates both your furry and human family members, here are some tips to consider:

1. Start Early: Begin your housing search as soon as you know you have to move. This will give you more time to explore options and reduce the stress of an already challenging situation.

2. Negotiate with Landlords: If necessary, try negotiating with your landlord to adjust pet rules, especially if you're in a smaller apartment complex or dealing with an individual homeowner.

3. Short-Term Housing: Some organizations offer short-term boarding or fostering for individuals facing specific situations, such as domestic violence victims or families displaced by disasters.

4. Surrender Wait Lists: Most shelters and rescue organizations have wait lists for pets who may need to be surrendered. If you think this might be necessary, add your name to the list early. You can always remove it later if circumstances change.

5. Market Yourself: Present yourself as a responsible pet owner. Create a pet resume that includes spaying/neutering, vaccinations, training history, and references from previous landlords or your veterinarian. Offer to pay a reasonable pet damage deposit or agree to a short-term lease with your pet. These steps show landlords that you are a responsible pet owner.

If you do find yourself in a situation where you must surrender your pet, consider working with a reputable agency to rehome them. Websites like Rehome.adoptapet.com can help you find a new loving family for your pet. If you're contemplating surrendering your pet to a shelter or rescue organization, don't hesitate to reach out to them to discuss the process and explore the best options for your pet's well-being.

In the shelters: RI's animal rescues are overwhelmed with dogs. They're hoping to find adopters.

In times of hardship, the decisions we make for our beloved pets can be heart-wrenching. But please remember, there is a community of animal lovers, resources, and organizations, like the Potter League, here to support you and your furry family members. Let's work together to ensure that every pet finds the love, care, and compassion they deserve. Whether it's through assistance programs, housing solutions, or responsible rehoming, we can make a difference. So, before you make that difficult decision, reach out, explore your options, and know that there ishope and help available. Our pets depend on us, and together, we can navigate these challenging times with love and understanding.

Until next time,Your friend Tuki

Mail questions to Tuki, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI, 02842, or send email to TukiTalk@PotterLeague.org. The Potter League for Animals can be found at 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown and online at potterleague.org.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Potter League for Animals tips to surrender a pet