How to Rehome a Pet Through Oswego County Humane Society During the Renovation

Updated

Oswego County Humane Society (OCHS) can help you rehome a pet in two ways right now: it will consider fostering your animal if space is available, or it will post your pet on Petfinder using photos and bio information you provide. Because the organization is operating under temporary hours while renovation plans are finalized, foster capacity is severely limited, so the Petfinder posting option is the more reliable path. Start by contacting the office by email, Facebook Messenger, or the Contact Form to discuss which option fits your situation.

What OCHS Can and Cannot Do Right Now

The organization states plainly that renovations mean it is "severely limited in the number of animals we can keep in our foster homes." That constraint shapes what you can expect:

Option What it means Availability
Foster placement OCHS takes your pet into its foster network Only if space is available; not guaranteed
Petfinder posting OCHS posts your pet on Petfinder with photos and bio you supply Offered as the alternative when fostering isn't possible
Spay/Neuter Clinic Low-cost clinic services Waitlist is closed — OCHS is not adding names at this time

Note the clinic detail if your reason for rehoming involves getting a pet altered first: the waitlist is currently closed due to a veterinary staffing shortage, and OCHS cannot predict when it will be fully operational again.

How to Start the Rehoming Conversation

  1. Choose a contact channel. OCHS lists three: email at [email protected], a message through its Facebook page Messenger, or the Contact Form on its website.
  2. Describe your pet and your situation. Include species, age, temperament, any medical needs, and why you need to rehome. This helps staff judge whether foster space might work.
  3. Ask specifically about the two options. Say whether you want to be considered for foster placement or whether you'd prefer OCHS to post your pet on Petfinder on your behalf.
  4. Prepare your Petfinder materials. If you go the posting route, gather clear photos and write a bio with the information you want potential adopters to see — OCHS posts what you provide.
  5. Expect a possible wait or a redirect. If foster space isn't available, the Petfinder posting is the fallback OCHS itself offers.

Contact Details and Hours

  • Office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 AM–3 PM
  • Phone: the office phone number remains the same during the renovation (check the website for the current number)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Other channels: Facebook page Messenger, or the Contact Form on oswegohumane.org

OCHS notes that if these hours are inconvenient, you can email or message the office and staff will work with you to accommodate your needs.

If the Timing Doesn't Work for You

Because OCHS cannot predict when it will be fully operational and its adoption and clinic revenue is affected during the renovation, it's worth having a backup plan. Responsible rehoming generally means screening adopters yourself, charging a fee to deter resellers, and being honest about the animal's behavior and health history. OCHS's Petfinder posting can support that effort by giving your pet visibility to adopters already browsing the site.

Verifying OCHS Is Legitimate

If you're handing a pet to an organization, these details are worth confirming:

  • NYS Registered Shelter/Rescue: RR239
  • EIN: 16-1586001

You can also check the website and Facebook page for renovation updates, since OCHS says it will continue posting changes there as the project moves forward.