Dog Surrender Evaluation

Service Description

Surrender Assessment for Rescue Placement As the Behavioral Support Manager at a local rescue, I work with behavioural cases every day and have a clear understanding of the information a rescue requires before accepting a dog. This background allows me to provide a focused, practical assessment that directly supports safe and appropriate placement. Making the decision to surrender a dog is hard, and it often comes at a time when a family has already tried their best. This assessment is designed to support the transition by providing the rescue with clear information about the dog so they can be placed appropriately and safely. This assessment focuses on the information a rescue needs for intake and placement. It documents the dog’s behaviour with different types of people, including familiar adults, strangers, men, women, teens, young children, and infants, as well as their handling tolerance during routine care. The dog’s communication patterns under stress are also noted. Behaviour with other dogs is assessed in terms of social confidence, communication skills, and reactions during on-leash or close-distance encounters. If relevant, observations around cats, small animals, birds, or livestock are included, along with any indication of prey drive. Daily behaviour in the home is reviewed, including energy level, ability to settle, comfort when left alone, barking patterns, noise sensitivity, destructive behaviour, sleep habits, and potty-training reliability. The dog’s known triggers—dogs, bikes, skateboards, children, traffic, confinement—are identified along with their reaction thresholds and recovery times. Placement considerations include the type of environment the dog can manage, such as quiet vs. busy areas, access to suitable walking routes, and their overall adaptability. The assessment also notes learning patterns, motivation type, and any history of aversive training that may influence behaviour. Management requirements are outlined clearly, including supervision needs, gear considerations, safety concerns such as flight risk or guarding behaviour, and any environmental adjustments that may be necessary. For rescues reviewing this service: The final summary provides practical information for intake and placement, outlining household compatibility (children, dogs, cats), environmental suitability, known triggers, and key management needs. This supports informed decision-making and appropriate foster or adoptive matches.