At Corsos in the Community, we receive surrender inquiries nearly every day. While we understand life can present unexpected challenges, our mission is to promote education, responsible ownership, and breed preservation. We do not rehome, rescue, or take in Cane Corsos under any circumstances.

This page outlines what you should know and the steps you must consider before even thinking about surrendering your dog. Please take the time to read through everything carefully.

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Start Here: Did You Do Your Research?

Before surrendering, ask yourself:

- Did you read Is the Cane Corso Right for You?
- Did you review How to Choose a Responsible Breeder?
- Did you check our Backyard Breeder Reports on Instagram?

If you haven’t reviewed all of these resources, we strongly encourage you to do so. As adults and responsible pet owners, it is our duty to understand the unique needs, temperament, and demands of the breed we choose to bring into our lives. Many of the surrender requests we receive stem from a lack of awareness or preparation which is something that can and should be addressed before ever purchasing or now surrendering a Cane Corso.

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We Are Not a Rescue

Corsos in the Community and CaneCorsoMeetup.com do not accept or rehome Cane Corsos. Our focus is education, community engagement, and breed advocacy.

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First Step: Contact the Breeder

If you purchased your dog from a responsible breeder, there will be a surrender or return clause in your contract. Ethical breeders will accept the dog back at any time, regardless of your life circumstances or the dog’s behavior.

If your breeder is refusing to help, please contact us with documentation. We maintain records of unethical breeders based on repeated reports.

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Real Alternatives Before Surrender

Training Support:
Most behavior concerns (including reactivity, leash pulling, and aggression) are solvable with proper training. There are in-person and online programs to help you build the relationship and skills needed to succeed.

Baby on the Way?
A new baby is not an excuse to give up your dog. Corsos can absolutely be trained to live with infants and children.

Recommended resources:
- Dog Meets Baby 
- Pooch Parenting 
- ASPCA Website

Time Constraints:
We recognize that managing time can be difficult, especially when balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities. However, if your schedule has changed, we encourage you to consider training support, enrichment strategies, dog daycares, and routines that can help you maintain your commitment. With the right tools, many owners find a healthy balance that allows them to continue providing a good life for their Corso. Your dog being alone at home for a while is better than them being alone in a kennel at a shelter with no one to love all day.

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What If It’s Truly Out of Your Control?

We understand that life can change unexpectedly, whether due to domestic violence, temporary homelessness, serious illness, or the death of a loved one. In some cases, you may have inherited a Cane Corso after a family member passed away, even if you were not prepared or consulted beforehand. If that’s the case, we strongly encourage you to reach out to the original breeder first. If that’s not possible, contact reputable nonprofit rescues who may be able to help.

Please be aware: due to the breed’s rising popularity and high surrender rate, many nonprofits may be at capacity. Be persistent and patient, but understand immediate help is not always guaranteed.

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Rescue Organizations We Trust

- Arizona Mastiff Rescue
- Operation Reset Rescue
- Cane Corso Rescue

⚠️ Due to West Coast Cane Corso Rescue’s documented history of unethical conduct, including repeated negative community reports, AKC fines for breeding without privileges, and accepting donations prior to obtaining nonprofit status in 2022, we cannot in good conscience recommend them. We strongly encourage you to seek alternative, reputable rescue organizations.

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The Reality

Most Cane Corsos surrendered to shelters are euthanized. They are large, misunderstood, and labeled unadoptable due to their behavior or energy. If you give up your dog, and you haven’t already secured a proper home, they may not survive.

We share this not to place blame, but to help you fully understand the difficult reality many Cane Corsos face when surrendered. Our goal is always to advocate for the best outcome for the dog.

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Reporting a Bad Breeder

If your breeder refuses to honor their contracted return policy, or you have reason to believe they are breeding irresponsibly, please send full documentation to:
info@corsosinthecommunity.org

We only post to our Backyard Breeders list after multiple confirmed reports. We take this seriously and want to hold unethical breeders accountable.

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Final Note

We love this breed!! They are deeply bonded, loyal, and intelligent dogs. In the care of an informed, dedicated owner, they can thrive and bring immense joy to a household. Without proper guidance and commitment, however, their potential can be lost.

Please do everything you can before giving up. Your Corso deserves that effort.

Thank you for reading and caring enough to explore options first.