Rehoming a Bonded Pair of Yorkies
Two Yorkies who have spent their lives together — sleeping side by side, grooming each other, depending on each other. Separating them would be cruel. SA Yorkie Rescue understands bonded pairs and places them together into screened homes that want — and are prepared for — two dogs. You are doing the right thing by keeping them together.
Complete the surrender form for both dogs. Mention clearly that they are bonded and must be homed together. Include each dog's name, age, health, and how they relate to each other.
Bonded pairs are special — and SAYR treats them that way
Bonded Yorkies are not just two dogs who happen to live together. They are a unit. They sleep touching, they eat better when the other is nearby, they show signs of distress when separated — pacing, crying, refusing food. Separating a truly bonded pair can cause depression, anxiety, and health decline in both dogs. This is not sentimentality — it is welfare.
SAYR never separates bonded pairs against their best interest. The team places them together into a home that has the space, resources, and commitment for two dogs. This takes longer than placing a single dog — but the right home exists, and the team will find it.
What makes a bonded pair different from two dogs who just live together
Not all dogs who share a home are bonded. True bonded pairs show:
- Significant distress when separated — crying, pacing, searching, refusing food
- Sleeping curled together, not just in the same room
- Mutual grooming
- One acting as the other's “security” — the more confident dog helping the anxious one cope
- A long history together — usually years, not months
If you are unsure whether your dogs are truly bonded, describe their behaviour in the surrender form. The team can help assess.
What NOT to do
- Do not separate them to make rehoming “easier.” It may be faster to place two dogs individually. It is also cruel. A bonded pair that is separated can both decline — physically and behaviourally.
- Do not give them away to someone who says they will “try” to keep them together. A vague promise is not a plan. The rescue ensures the pair stays together through contracts and screening.
- Do not assume bonded pairs cannot be rehomed. They can. It takes longer, the adopter pool is smaller, but the right homes exist — retirees, couples without young children, experienced dog owners who specifically want a pair.
How SAYR helps bonded pairs
Include each dog's name, age, sex, health, and sterilisation status. Describe their bond — how they interact, sleep, and react when separated.
The team reviews the pair as a unit. Their needs are assessed together — not as two separate dogs who happen to arrive at the same time.
The pair goes to a foster home together — never separated. The foster family observes their dynamic and helps prepare them for adoption.
Adopters are screened specifically for two-dog readiness. The adoption contract requires the pair to stay together and return together to SAYR if placement fails.
Why SAYR is the right choice for bonded pairs
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to rehome a bonded pair?
Longer than a single dog — typically weeks to months rather than days. The adopter pool for two dogs is smaller, but the team prioritises finding the right home over finding a fast one.
What if one dog has health issues and the other does not?
The pair stays together. The team will find a home that can manage the medical needs while keeping both dogs. Be completely honest about each dog's health in the form.
Can bonded pairs be split if one is adopted and the other is not?
No. SAYR does not split bonded pairs. They are adopted together or not at all.
What if I have more than two bonded Yorkies?
SAYR assesses multi-dog groups on a case-by-case basis. Contact the team with details and be honest about what is realistic. See the multiple Yorkie rehoming page.
Keep them together. Keep them safe.
Complete the surrender form for both dogs. SAYR will find a home that wants — and is ready for — a bonded pair of Yorkies, together.