Transfer of Ownership

Transfer of Ownership

There are several scenarios where a pet owner may have to rehome their pet. Of course, this can be a difficult decision, especially if the need to rehome your pet is unavoidable.  However, PetLink makes transferring ownership simple to complete.  

How to Legally Transfer Pet Ownership

Legally transfer ownership of your pet through PetLink by following these steps:

  1. Login to your account and select the pet you are transferring to a new owner
  2. Click “ Transfer Ownership.”
  3. When prompted, fill in the new owner’s email address. PetLink will email the new owner to set up their new account with their pet’s information.
  4. The new owner will need to pay a one-time transfer fee of $24.99 in order to complete the transfer.

It is also recommended that you inform your town/city pet licensing department that you no longer own the pet.

Pet Ownership Transfer FAQs

Transfer my new pet to my name

Your adopted pet may already be registered in PetLink. Enter your pet’s microchip number in the box below to get started

*Enter your email address to see if you have an existing PetLink account

Please be advised PetLink requires proof of ownership that you are the rightful owner of this animal. ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN THE NEW OWNER’S NAME – we cannot accept anything handwritten or in the previous owners name.

How do I transfer ownership of my pet to someone else?

To transfer your registered pet to a new owner electronically, please follow these instructions:

  • Login to your account (input your e-mail address and password)
  • Select the pet who is to be transferred to the new owner
  • Click on “ Transfer Ownership”
  • Input the new owner’s e-mail address and click “OK”
  • PetLink will e-mail the new owner and ask for confirmation
  • PetLink will request a transfer fee of $24.99 from the new owner. Once paid, the transfer will be confirmed and completed.

You will receive a confirmation email from PetLink once we receive an acceptance from the new owner and the transfer is complete. Please ensure the new owner’s spam filter allows emails from PetLink. From then on, you will no longer receive any communications from PetLink regarding this pet. For assistance, please email us at petlink@petlink.net

I am an animal professional and I need to transfer a pet to my organization

You will need to download and complete the Animal Professional Pet Transfer Form accompanied by any one of the following:

A copy of the owner surrender agreement

A copy of the intake form

A copy of the pet’s rabies certificate/license

Vet records or bills in the organization’s name

Once you have all the proper documentation needed to complete the pet transfer, please return the form to petlink@petlink.net or mail to the following address:

PetLink
C/O: Datamars
345 West Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801

Do I need to notify any organizations or authorities when transferring ownership of my pet?

You should always report the transfer of pet ownership to the state you live in by submitting a pet transfer form. These may differ from state to state, so it is best to research what your specific state requires.

What paperwork is required for transferring pet ownership?

Check to see what form your state requires for transferring a pet to a new owner.  Usually, there will be a signed transfer form requiring the pet’s information, as well as your information and the new owner’s information. It is also recommended that you advise if the pet being transferred has any special medical needs or history.

Can I transfer ownership of my pet if it has medical conditions or special needs?

Yes, you can transfer ownership of a pet with special medical conditions or needs. Inform the new owner of the situation in full detail and have them confirm that they were given the proper information regarding the pet’s conditions or needs prior to the transfer.

What if I adopted my pet from a shelter or rescue organization?

If you adopted your pet from an animal shelter or rescue organization, they will provide the proper documentation to transfer ownership to you. If the pet is already microchipped, the organization will provide you with the microchip number, and you can register it through PetLlink.

Do I need to include any additional provisions in the transfer of ownership agreement?

It is not legally necessary to add additional provisions to the transfer of ownership agreement; however, you may discuss any terms of the transfer with the new owner. If agreed upon, provisions can be added and signed for on the transfer agreement. These could regard how the animal should be treated, certain medications to be administered, or even visitation.