Free Listing
FREE
Perfect if you want a safe, no‑cost way to rehome your pet.
- 30‑day listing across New Zealand
- Upload 2 photos
- Connect directly with caring adopters
Rehome Pets in New Zealand — Safe & Stress‑Free
Rehome on your terms — safe, simple, and kind. Keep your pet at home while you find the right family through NZ‑wide owner‑to‑owner rehoming. Stress‑free, secure, and faster when it matters.
Trusted by thousands of families across New Zealand every month to rehome or adopt pets — from beloved dogs and cats to rabbits, birds, and more.
- NZ‑wide reach — from the comfort of your home
- Stress‑free rehoming — keep pets in familiar surroundings
- You stay in control — edit anytime and choose the right home
Takes 3–5 minutes · Keep your listing live up to 90 days · You can message adopters directly
250+
Pets Rehomed
30k+
Monthly Page Views
500+
Active Listings
Listing Options
Featured Listing
$9.99
Best for owners who want their pet seen up to 10× more often.
- 60‑day listing with priority placement
- Upload 5+ photos & add a video
- “Featured” highlight in search results
- Sponsored rotation for extra visibility
Premium Listing
$24.99
Ideal for urgent rehoming and maximum nationwide exposure.
- 90‑day listing with top placement
- Upload 10+ photos & videos
- Featured badge + homepage exposure
- Sponsored priority across the site
- Pet of the Month spotlight
Why Rehome With Pet Rescue NZ?
Every year, thousands of Kiwi pets need safe new homes. Pet Rescue NZ makes rehoming calm, kind, and under your control. Keep your pet at home, avoid shelter stress, and connect with caring families nationwide.
- 🐾Stress-free for pets
Familiar routines and surroundings while you search. - 🏡You choose the home
Set preferences, chat privately, and stay in charge. - 🔒Safe & private
On-platform messaging with clear guidance. - 📈Proven results
250+ successful rehomes · 30k+ monthly visitors.
“Pet Rescue NZ helped us find Bella’s forever family within a week. The process was simple, safe, and reassuring.”
250+
Rehomes
30k+
Monthly Visits
500+
Active Listings
How It Works
A gentle, owner‑to‑owner flow that prioritises welfare and transparency.
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1Create your listing
Share your pet’s story, temperament, routines, and ideal home. Add bright photos (portrait, full‑body, with people) and an optional 10–20s video.
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2Connect & screen
Chat privately on‑platform, ask about home setup (kids, fencing, other pets), and arrange safe meet‑and‑greets in public places.
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3Rehome responsibly
Confirm fit, complete adoption, and transfer microchip ownership. Send your pet with vet records and a familiar item to ease the transition.
Start free
Upgrade only if needed
Stay in control
Edit, pause, upgrade anytime
NZ‑wide reach
Local matches included
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about safe, stress‑free, owner‑to‑owner rehoming across New Zealand.
How much does it cost to rehome a pet in NZ?
You can start for free with our standard listing, which includes 30 days of nationwide visibility and photo uploads. If you’d like your pet to be seen faster or by more people, you can upgrade to Featured or Premium. Many owners rehome at no cost; upgrades are most useful for urgent timelines or harder‑to‑place pets.
Tip: Clear photos and a short video often increase enquiries without spending anything.
How do I rehome a dog or cat safely in New Zealand?
- Create a listing with temperament notes, routines, and the kind of home your pet needs.
- Add 3–6 bright photos (portrait, full‑body, with people) and an optional 10–20s video.
- Reply promptly to messages; ask screening questions (kids at home, fencing, other pets).
- Arrange a safe meet‑and‑greet; consider a trial visit if appropriate.
- Complete adoption paperwork and update microchip ownership.
This flow works whether you’re looking for local adopters, need to move quickly, or prefer a private route.
I need to find a home for my pet ASAP — what should I do?
Create your listing immediately with a clear, time-bound headline (e.g., “Home needed this week”). Upload bright photos first, keep replies on, and respond quickly. Offer a couple of flexible meet windows (evenings/weekends) and have vet records ready.
Use private owner-to-owner rehoming to keep your pet calm while also contacting reputable local rescues as a backup. If needed, consider a visibility upgrade to reach more adopters fast.
How do I rehome my cat in NZ?
Share litter box habits, indoor/outdoor status, tolerance for handling, and how your cat behaves with children or other pets. Confirm desexing and microchip status. Include calm, well-lit photos — one resting, one full-body, and one interacting with people.
Let adopters know about routine (feeding/sleep spots) and any stress triggers so they can plan a gentle transition.
Should I use a rehoming centre or private rehoming?
Private rehoming lets you choose the family and avoid shelter stress; it’s often faster, especially for friendly adult pets. Centres and rescues are essential when you cannot keep your pet safely at home or need support, but capacity is limited.
Most owners start privately for speed and control, while keeping trusted rescues in the loop as a contingency.
Is it safe to rehome a pet online?
Yes — when done carefully on a trusted platform. Keep chats on‑site, avoid sharing personal addresses early, meet in public (or bring a friend), and trust your instincts. Never ship or hand over your pet without meeting the adopter.
Always transfer the microchip at adoption to protect both parties.
What should I include in my listing?
Cover temperament, routines, training level, compatibility with kids/pets, exercise needs, and any quirks. Add vet history, desexed/microchip status, and your ideal home description.
Photos: one happy portrait, one full‑body, one with people. A short video helps convey personality and can increase enquiries.
Where can I surrender a dog or cat in NZ?
Try private rehoming first — it’s often faster and less stressful. If surrender is necessary, contact reputable rescues or your council’s animal services; capacity varies by region.
Bring vet records and behaviour notes to support intake if a shelter is your only option.
Can I rehome rabbits, birds, or other small pets?
Yes. Include species, age, handling/tameness, diet, and housing needs. This helps families decide quickly if they’re a match.
Local interest is strong; many families prefer small companions nearby for easier introductions and transport.
Should I ask for an adoption fee?
A reasonable fee can show commitment and help cover vet care. Be transparent about what’s included (desexing, vaccinations, microchip) and avoid sales language. The goal is a safe, permanent match.
Do I need to desex or microchip first?
It’s best practice. Desexing and microchipping improve outcomes and reduce future surrenders. At minimum, update microchip ownership after adoption, and keep vaccination records handy.
What if I’m moving house or renting?
Moves, landlord restrictions, or housing issues are common reasons people rehome. Be upfront about your timeline in the listing so adopters can plan a smooth transition.
Mention preferred meet locations and if you’re willing to travel a certain distance.
Which locations in New Zealand do you cover?
We’re NZ‑wide and regularly see strong interest in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Dunedin. Listings are visible nationally, so you can rehome across regions.
Can I edit, pause, or boost my listing later?
Yes — you can edit details, add photos, pause, or upgrade at any time. Mark as rehomed once your pet has found a family.
What’s the difference between private rehoming and a shelter?
Private rehoming keeps your pet in a familiar home and lets you choose the family; shelters and rescues are vital but often space‑limited.
Where possible, start privately; contact rescues if circumstances change or you need additional support.
I feel guilty about rehoming my pet — is that normal?
Yes — many owners feel guilt or sadness. Choosing a careful, owner‑to‑owner process still puts your pet first and helps them land safely.
How do local handovers usually work?
Meet in a safe, neutral public location (park or vet clinic car park). State your travel radius in the listing. Bring vet records and a familiar item to help your pet settle.
Ready to list your pet?
Give your pet the best chance to find their forever family. Start free in minutes and stay in control every step of the way.
Takes 3–5 minutes · Edit anytime · Visible NZ‑wide
