We appreciate you reaching out to our sanctuary with inquiries about placing your horse or donkey with us. We truly understand how challenging and emotional it can be to make the decision to rehome an equine companion. Our mission is to provide lifelong care for the animals already in our forever home, and unfortunately, we’re currently at maximum capacity. This means we can’t accept new residents at this time. However, we’re committed to helping you find the best possible solution for your animal. In this blog post, we’ll share local resources in Montgomery County, Texas, where you might explore options for rehoming, as well as practical tips and guidance to ensure a safe and responsible transition.
Why Rehoming Can Be Tough—and Why It's Important to Do It Right
Local Organizations in Montgomery County, Texas
Montgomery County, located north of Houston, has several equine—focused organizations that may be able to assist with rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, or sanctuary placement.
We’ve compiled a list based on reputable sources—note that availability can change, so contact them directly to discuss your situation. Focus on groups that align with your animal’s needs (e.g., donkeys vs. horses).
- Location: 17617 West FM 1097, Montgomery, TX (Montgomery County)
- Focus: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, rehoming, and retiring equines since 2003.
- Services: Handles horses in need, including those requiring long—term care. They work on finding forever homes or providing sanctuary.
- Contact: Check their Facebook for updates: facebook.com/countIesshorses | Alignable profile for more info: aIignabIe.com
- Tip for You: Ideal for horses needing rehabilitation. Reach out via social media or their listed contacts to discuss surrender options.
- Location: Todd Mission, TX (near Montgomery County, in Grimes County but accessible for locals)
- Focus: Specializes in donkeys, mules, and horses—home to over 400 equines. Emphasis on rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming at—risk animals.
- Services: Accepts surrenders, especially donkeys and mules, and works on adoptions.
- Contact: Website: tmrrescue.com
- Tip for You: If you have a donkey or mule, this is a top choice. They handle both wild and domestic equines, so describe your animal’s background when contacting them.
- Location: Houston, TX (adjacent to Montgomery County; serves the greater area)
- Focus: Rescues 400—600 horses and donkeys annually through their animal cruelty investigations and surrender programs.
- Services: Adoption by appointment; they rehabilitate and rehome equines.
- Contact: Website: houstonspca.org/adoption/adopt-a—horse | Fill out their online form
- for inquiries.
- Tip for You: Great for urgent cases. If your situation involves neglect or inability to care, they may prioritize intake.
Additional Nearby Options
- Ranch Critters Equine Rescue/Sanctuary: Located in Hempstead, TX (Waller County, bordering Montgomery). Focuses on giving equines a second chance, including permanent homes for seniors. Contact: ranchcritters.org | Address: 24520 Levy Ln., Hempstead, TX.
- Animal Shelter Volunteers of Texas: Based in Montgomery, TX; involved in animal rescue, potentially including equines. Check Yelp reviews or contact for specifics.
- For broader Texas resources, consider the Texas Horseman’s Directory for more listing.
Before contacting any organization, prepare details about your animal: age, health history, temperament, training, and reason for rehoming. Many require vet records or photos.
Step-by-Step Guidance: How to Find a Forever Home
If local options don’t fit, or you want to explore private rehoming, here’s a structured approach based on expert recommendations from equine welfare groups.
Assess Your Options:
- Adoption/Rescue: Donate to a reputable nonprofit like those above. They often have screening processes for adopters.
- Private Sale or Lease: Sell to a vetted buyer or lease for companionship/therapy. Use platforms like Equine.com, Facebook groups (e.g., “Texas Horse Rehoming”), or Craigslist with caution.
- Retirement Facilities: For older animals, look for farms offering lifetime care (fees may apply).
- Euthanasia as a Last Resort: If the animal has severe health issues, consult a vet—it’s sometimes the kindest choice to prevent suffering.
Prepare Your Animal:
- Get a current vet check-up, including Coggins test (required for transport in Texas).
- Update vaccinations, deworming, and farrier care to make them more adoptable.
- Gather records: Registration papers, photos, videos of behavior/riding.
Find and Vet Potential Homes:
- Network: Talk to local vets, farriers, trainers, or 4-H clubs for leads.
- Advertise Safely: Use contracts specifying no resale to auctions or slaughter. Include a right-of-first-refusal clause if the new owner can’t keep them.
- Screen Buyers: Visit their facility, check references, and ensure they have adequate space (at least 1–2 acres per horse), fencing, shelter, and experience.
- For Donkeys Specifically: Look for homes with companions, as they’re social. Test interactions—see if the donkey approaches calmly for petting or treats.
Avoid Common Pitfalls:
- Steer clear of “free to good home” ads—they attract unscrupulous people.
- Research rescues: Ensure they’re 501(c)(3) nonprofits with good reviews (use Guidestar or Charity Navigator).
- Consider transport: If relocating far, use licensed haulers.
- Legal Notes: In Texas, transfers require bill of sale; report to authorities if abuse is suspected.
Other Ways to Help:
- If rehoming isn’t immediate, volunteer or donate to local rescues to support the community.
- Join online forums like Reddit’s r/Horses or The Horse Forum for advice from experienced owners.
Final Thoughts
Rehoming takes time and patience—aim for the best match rather than the quickest. By choosing responsible paths, you’re giving your horse or donkey a chance at a happy life. If none of these fit, consider state-wide groups like Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society or national ones like the ASPCA for more referrals. We’re here if you have questions about this process, but please understand our capacity limits. Thank you for caring enough to seek the right home—your equine friend deserves it.
