Surrender a Yorkie in South Africa — Private, Respectful and Judgement-Free
If you need to rehome your Yorkie, you are not alone — and you are not being judged. SA Yorkie Rescue (SAYR) helps owners across South Africa review safe, suitable rehoming options for their Yorkshire Terriers. Guidance is private, respectful and judgement-free; SAYR does not operate as a physical animal shelter or kennel facility. You are doing the responsible thing by reaching out.
Learn how the surrender process works
This page explains what happens when you surrender a Yorkie through the official rescue process. The actual intake form is managed on the official Yorkie Rescue site — that is where you submit your details to start the process.
What happens when you surrender a Yorkie to SAYR
Tell us about your Yorkie, your situation, and what kind of help you need. The team reviews the circumstances and available options; a particular response time or placement cannot be guaranteed.
SAYR assesses urgency, health, behaviour, and location. If next steps are available, the team will explain them based on the individual case. A particular response time cannot be guaranteed.
SAYR does not operate as a physical animal shelter or kennel facility. A foster option may sometimes be considered when genuinely needed and when a suitable foster home is available. The surrender family can provide information about the dog's personality, habits and needs.
If a suitable placement is identified, the Yorkie may be matched to a screened home based on the dog's specific needs. Approval and placement are not guaranteed.
Common reasons owners need to surrender
These are the situations we hear about most often. If any of these sound like your circumstances, you are not the first person to face this — and you will not be judged for it.
I can't afford my Yorkie's vet bills anymore. Can SAYR help?
Yes. Financial pressure is one of the most common reasons owners reach out. If your Yorkie needs veterinary care you cannot afford, SAYR can assess the situation and plan a safe path forward — whether that means support with rehoming or finding a possible foster option that covers their medical needs. You are not being judged for this.
I have to move and can't take my Yorkie with me. What do I do?
Relocation — whether for a new job, emigration, or moving to a rental that doesn't allow pets — is one of the top reasons Yorkies are surrendered in South Africa. SAYR helps owners in this situation plan a safe rehoming that doesn't involve rushed handovers or classifieds.
My Yorkie has developed behavioural issues I can't manage.
Owners often feel ashamed or guilty when their dog's behaviour changes. Aggression, separation anxiety, house soiling, or reactivity can be overwhelming. SAYR assesses each case honestly — some behaviours can be managed with the right home, others need specialist support. Submit the form and be honest about what is happening.
Allergies in the family are making it impossible to keep my Yorkie.
Allergies — especially in children or partners — are a valid reason to seek rehoming. No one should feel guilty for prioritising a family member's health. SAYR handles these cases with understanding and without judgment, and reviews available options for a suitable match.
A family member has passed away and I cannot care for their Yorkie.
When an owner passes away, their dog is often left without a plan. The team can review the circumstances with sensitivity and respect for the owner's memory. A foster option may sometimes be considered when genuinely needed and when a suitable foster home is available; placement is not guaranteed.
I have a new baby and my Yorkie isn't adjusting well.
A new baby changes the household dynamic, and some Yorkies struggle with the transition. If you are worried about your dog's behaviour around a newborn or toddler, or simply don't have the bandwidth for both, submit the circumstances so the team can review available options for the individual case.
Why surrender through SAYR instead of doing it yourself?
Surrender help by province
Select your province for specific guidance on surrendering a Yorkie in your area, then submit the official form with your town or suburb and urgency details.
Ready to submit the official form?
The official surrender form is hosted on yorkierescue.co.za. It is private and respectful. The team reviews the circumstances and available options case by case; a response time, foster option or placement cannot be guaranteed.
See how rehoming works · Read FAQs · Contact & official links
How SAYR manages rehoming
SA Yorkie Rescue primarily coordinates carefully managed home-to-home rehoming. Where safe and practical, a Yorkie remains with the surrender family while SAYR manages applications, screening, matching and the handover. A foster option may sometimes be considered when genuinely needed and when a suitable foster home is available.
The public process
Surrender → Application → Case Review → Matching → Approval → Handover
Applications and enquiries do not guarantee approval or placement. Matching is not first-come-first-served. Available options depend on the individual case and current capacity.