Moving and Can't Take Your Yorkie?
You are not the first person to face this — and you will not be judged for it. Moving house is one of the most common reasons Yorkie owners reach out to SA Yorkie Rescue. Whether it is a rental that does not allow pets, a sectional title complex with strict rules, or a relocation that makes keeping your dog impossible — there is a safe way through this.
Complete the official surrender form with your move date, new situation, and your Yorkie's details. The sooner you reach out, the more options the team has to plan a safe transition.
You are not alone
Every month, responsible dog owners across South Africa face the same situation. They find a new place, sign a lease, or get a job in a new city — and then realise their Yorkie cannot come with them. It feels devastating. It feels like failure. It is not. It is life happening, and reaching out for structured help is the most responsible thing you can do.
The owners who contact SAYR about moving-related rehoming are not irresponsible. They are people who understand that keeping a dog in an unsuitable or forbidden situation is not fair to the dog — and that giving the dog away unsafely online is even worse. You are doing the right thing by looking for a proper rehoming path.
The most common moving-related rehoming situations
What NOT to do when moving
- Do not rush to post on Facebook. “Moving on Saturday, must find home for Yorkie” posts attract the wrong people faster than the right ones.
- Do not give your dog to a stranger who offers to “help.” Scammers and backyard breeders watch for moving-related rehoming posts because they know you are under time pressure.
- Do not leave your Yorkie behind or abandon them. It sounds unthinkable, but it happens — and it is never the right answer. There is always a better path.
- Do not hide the dog and hope nobody notices. If a landlord or body corporate discovers an undisclosed pet, the situation becomes urgent and you lose the time you need to plan properly.
What to do instead
The earlier you reach out, the more options the team has. If you know about a move weeks in advance, do not wait until the last few days.
Include your move date, why you cannot take your Yorkie, and whether you have any flexibility on timing.
Age, health, behaviour, whether they cope with other dogs — the more the team knows, the better they can plan a suitable foster placement.
Your Yorkie goes to a vetted foster home — never a kennel. Matching to a permanent home is done carefully, not rushed.
How SAYR helps with moving-related rehoming
Frequently asked questions
I only found out about the move a few days ago. Can SAYR still help?
Yes. Urgent cases are prioritised. Complete the form AND WhatsApp the rescue to flag the urgency. See the urgent rehoming page for step-by-step crisis guidance.
What if I am moving to another province in South Africa?
SAYR coordinates across all provinces. Include both your current location and where you are moving to — the team can sometimes arrange foster care near either area.
Can I keep my Yorkie if I find pet-friendly accommodation later?
SAYR's focus is on finding a permanent, safe home. If your situation might be temporary, discuss this openly — the team may suggest alternatives like temporary foster care if available.
What if my Yorkie is older or has health issues?
Senior Yorkies and dogs with medical needs are assessed carefully. Be honest about health and age in the form — this helps the team find an appropriate foster home and plan for any veterinary needs.
Do not wait until the last few days
The earlier you reach out, the smoother the transition can be. Complete the surrender form now — even if your move is weeks away — so the team has time to plan the safest path for your Yorkie.