How to Write the Perfect Dog Rehoming Listing
Help your dog stand out and find a loving home across New Zealand.
Introduction
A well-written dog rehoming listing can be the difference between waiting weeks and finding a wonderful new family within days.
Every month, Kiwis use Pet Rescue NZ to rehome dogs kindly and responsibly.
This guide walks you through exactly how to write a listing that captures hearts, answers adopters’ questions, and protects your dog’s welfare.
1. Why Listing Quality Matters
Most adopters read only the first few lines before deciding whether to click “Contact Owner.”
Listings that include clear details, kind wording, and strong photos receive 2 × more enquiries than vague posts.
Good listing = faster, safer rehome.
Bad listing = confusion, delays, or unsuitable matches.
2. Step-by-Step: Build Your Perfect Dog Rehoming Listing
🏷️ Step 1 – Start with a Clear Title
Keep it short and specific:
“Gentle 5-Year-Old Border Collie Looking for Quiet Home”
Include age, breed, and one personality trait. Avoid “Free Dog” or “Urgent.”
🐕 Step 2 – Share Your Dog’s Story
Write 2-3 honest paragraphs covering:
- Age, breed, size, and energy level
- What your dog loves (walks, cuddles, toys)
- Any challenges (shyness, barking, special diet)
- Reason for rehoming (brief, honest)
Example:
“Bella is a 5-year-old Border Collie who loves fetch and quiet evenings. She’s gentle with kids but nervous around loud noises. We’re moving to an apartment and want her to have a big backyard again.”
🩺 Step 3 – Include Health and Vet Details
Adopters want to know your dog’s status.
| Info | Example |
|---|---|
| Microchipped | Yes – updated 2025 |
| Vaccinated | Fully up to date |
| Desexed | Yes |
| Medical needs | Mild arthritis – managed with monthly injection |
📸 Step 4 – Add Great Photos
- Take pictures outdoors in daylight.
- Capture eyes and relaxed posture.
- Show size – include a person for scale.
- Avoid filters; natural colour looks trustworthy.
Listings with 4 or more clear photos rehome 60 % faster in NZ.
✍️ Step 5 – Be Honest but Hopeful
Adopters value truth over perfection.
Use warm, factual language:
“Can be shy with new people but bonds deeply once settled.”
Avoid negative framing like “doesn’t like strangers” — rephrase with care.
📞 Step 6 – Write a Friendly Call to Action
End your description with something like:
“If you think you can give Bella the calm home she deserves, please reach out through Pet Rescue NZ.”
This encourages thoughtful adopters to message you.
3. What Adopters Read First
Eye-tracking studies show adopters notice:
| Rank | Section | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Title + first 2 sentences | 40 % |
| 2️⃣ | Main photo | 30 % |
| 3️⃣ | Personality summary | 20 % |
| 4️⃣ | Health details | 10 % |
Put the most persuasive details at the top.
4. Example Listing #1 – Bella the Border Collie
Title: Loving 5-Year-Old Border Collie Seeking Quiet Home
About: Bella is a loyal, gentle companion who adores walks and snuggles. She prefers calm homes without young children.
Health: Desexed, vaccinated, microchipped.
Reason: Owner moving to apartment – wants Bella to have outdoor space.
Contact: Via Rehome Dogs NZ
Why it works: honest, positive, complete, includes action link.
5. Example Listing #2 – Toby the Family Lab
Title: Playful Family Labrador Ready for His Next Adventure
About: Toby loves kids, beaches, and car rides. He’s house-trained and happiest with daily exercise.
Health: Fully vaccinated, microchipped, desexed.
Reason: Family relocating overseas.
Contact: Through Pet Rescue NZ.
Simple, genuine, and full of adopter-friendly cues.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ “Free to Good Home” posts – attract the wrong audience.
❌ Hiding health or behaviour issues – damages trust.
❌ Using one dark or blurry photo.
❌ Copy-pasting another dog’s description.
❌ Forgetting to update microchip details after rehoming.
7. Legal Checklist for NZ Rehoming
| Requirement | Action |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Transfer ownership with new owner’s details. |
| Council Registration | Notify your local council. |
| Animal Welfare Act 1999 | Ensure dog is healthy and fit for rehoming. |
| Written Agreement | Always sign ownership-transfer form. |
These steps protect both owner and adopter under New Zealand law.
8. Emotional Honesty vs Overselling
Adopters appreciate vulnerability. Saying “We adore him but can’t give him enough time” feels real.
A genuine tone increases trust and adoption success.
Think of your listing as a love letter, not a sales pitch.
9. Ready to List?
Start your free dog rehoming listing on Pet Rescue NZ.
It’s quick, kind, and nationwide — helping good dogs meet great families.
🐾 Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Rehoming Listings in New Zealand
1. What should I include in my dog rehoming listing?
Add age, breed, temperament, health, reason for rehoming, and contact method. Clear photos and honest wording attract serious adopters fastest.
2. How long should my listing be?
Aim for 150–250 words. Enough detail to inform, not overwhelm.
3. Can I ask for an adoption fee?
Yes – a small fee discourages impulsive adopters and covers vet costs.
4. Do I need permission from my council?
No special permit, but you must update registration once ownership changes.
5. How do I know someone is suitable?
Chat, ask lifestyle questions, and trust your instincts. Meet in person before finalising.
