As most of you know, I post in this section all the time. Of course I check petfinder but I also search Craig's List. What I have been doing lately is going down the line of listings on the Craig's List Pet section. Whenever I see FREE dog or cat or To a Good Home, I quickly email them the DANGERS of giving a pet for Free, especially on CL. Unfortuantly, I can not be the only "police" ~ so I am asking others to take a few minutes here and there and spread the word. (I focus on Long Island and NYC - then I will check NJ and AZ bc I have family there) There are just so many cities and states that have the Pet sections and I can't get them all...
In the past couple of weeks that I have been doing this, I can't even begin to tell you the THANKS that I am getting from these people that I email, they do love their pets and never knew the dangers and were so grateful to me ~ which brings tears to me eyes, but in the end makes the effort I spend, worth it....
Here is what I email:
Please READ this – NEVER give a Dog / Cat for Free….
If you can’t find a good home ~ consider a Reputable Breed Rescue ~ You can search petfinder for a Reputable Breed Rescue in your Area: Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder
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Hello,
It is important to make you aware that there are unscrupulous people who operate in rings to collect cats, dogs and other animals for abusive situations.
The danger is that these people appear to be animal lovers and could easily fool you. They sometimes bring children to portray a "perfect family" image. Therefore, it is important to check all references, including a veterinarian reference, and do a home check BEFORE releasing an animal into a stranger's care. Follow-up checks are also necessary.
What Could Happen To An Animal From A "Free To Good Home" Ad?
- Tortured or killed by animal abusers
- Sold to research labs for experiments
- Used as bait for fighting dogs
- Victims of neglect
- Used as free food for snakes or other animals
Tips On Finding A Good Home:
- Ask a trusted source, such as your veterinarian, for a recommendation.
- Animals should be spayed or neutered before adoption.
- Never use a "Free To Good Home" ad. Animals given away in these ads are easy targets for abuse and neglect. Contact your local newspaper and ask them to run a warning about placing "Free To Good Home" ads.
- Beware of "bunchers!" A buncher is a person who either steals or "adopts" for the purpose of selling the animal (e.g. medical research labs, bait to train dogs for fighting rings, breeding stock for puppy mills or catteries). Bunchers can be very deceptive. They will sometimes use children as part of the ploy and present themselves as a "perfect family." Beware of ads in the paper that say something similar to: "Looking for a new home for your pet? We can help. We will pick up your pet and find it a new home. Call now!" If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
- Be honest about medical history & behavior. The goal is to find a good, permanent home. The adoption will not work if you misrepresent the animal.
- Screen people very carefully over the phone and check all references before proceeding. The best reference is from a veterinarian. It's easy for a person to list their friends, who may not be honest, as references.
- Some individuals and rescues screen people based on appearance. This is not a safe way to find a home. You cannot tell if a person is responsible and caring by the way s/he looks.
- Ask for identification. Copy down the full name, address, and phone number.
Also copy the driver's license number and car license plate tags.
- Do a home check before you agree to adopt out the animal and, when it is time, bring the animal to their new home. Never let someone take the animal from
you to an unknown location.
- All applicants should complete an adoption application and, if the adoption is approved, sign an adoption contract.
- Require a reasonable adoption fee or a donation to a chosen animal organization. Never give the animal away for free, but do not charge an exorbitant fee or try to profit from the adoption.
- Cats should be adopted to people who will provide a strictly indoor home and will not declaw.
- A dog should not be adopted out as a "guard dog" or an "outside dog."
- Ask to take a picture of the person with their new adoption.
- Call a few times during the first few weeks to make sure all is going well.
Make yourself available to give advice and support.
- Do not turn the animal over to a stranger. If you can't find a good home, locate a reputable no-kill shelter or rescue where you know the animal will be
safe. Please use shelters and rescues as a last resort; the majority are already overwhelmed with abandoned animals.
Sample Adoption Application:
Animal Adoption Application
Sample Homecheck Form:
Sample Home Check Evaluation Form
Sample Adoption Contract:
Sample Animal Adoption Form
Thank you for taking the time to read this information. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Someone who cares.