Suggested Guidelines for Rehoming a Pet
If you decide you must find a new home for a pet, take your time selecting the new home. Animals are at the mercy of their owners and most likely will not be able to save themselves from a bad placement. Weve all heard the horrors of animal abusers that get their pet victims from the free to good home listings. Besides the need to avoid such a tragic life for our pets, we also need to be sure that even a good home is the right home for our furry, feathered, or finned friends.
First, interview prospective owners thoroughly. Dont be afraid to ask LOTS of questions. If they balk at having to answer questions, consider that a big red flag. People that truly want to love and properly care for a pet will welcome your concern and questioning. During your interview determine if the new home will be a good fit for your pet and its current lifestyle. For instance, if you have a dog that is used to being very active, an apartment-dwelling shut-in would probably not work out at all. However, if you have a calm little lap dog that just cant seem to get enough attention, that same shut-in would probably be a good possibility. Children (and ages), other pets, and proper containment all are things to question.
Consider contacting breed-specific rescue groups if your pet is a purebred. Many will not accept a pet directly from an owner, but rather only take in animals from shelters. Even if they will not take your pet they may offer suggestions for finding a proper home.
Be honest about the pets shortcomings. If there are behavior problems, health problems or other concerns, say so right up front. This helps the adopter make a good decision and reduces the possibility of the animal being rejected and subjected to yet another placement change. Some behavior problems may not be a problem at all to a different owner. For instance, if your pup were sweet to everyone except the aging family cat, she would probably do just fine in a home with no cats. A pet with a health condition that requires ongoing treatment might be a financial burden to one person, but not a problem to another with more means or access to vet discounts.
Visit the prospective adoptive home without the pet. If this is not allowed, BIG RED FLAG. Some of the folks that are snagging free pets for use as bait (for fighting dogs), lab research or other dreadful acts have become quite good at playing the game, and will even bring along a child to make it seem like a wonderful family adoption. However, they usually arent quite so open to a home visit. Remember, your pet is counting on you to make a good choice. Keep in mind your own safety when visiting the home of a stranger.
Ask for and check a veterinarian reference. Discuss health needs, current vaccinations and spaying/neutering. If at all possible, have your pet spayed or neutered prior to having them placed in another home, just so you can be sure it wont be used for breeding. Discuss nutritional needs of the pet and activity level.
When you have decided on a new home for your pet, ask for and record identification information from the new owner. Consider having the new owner sign a contract with specific points of agreement regarding care, housing, visitation, etc. Give the new owner your contact information so that they can return the animal to you if the home doesnt work out for some reason.
Help your pet make the transition to the new home, which is especially difficult for older pets. Provide a supply of the pets current food and advise the new owner of the brand. Sudden dietary changes are stressful to an animal. Also send along the pets favorite bedding and toys so it will have some familiar comfort items.
By taking your time and checking out the new owners, youll be able to ease your mind and be relatively sure that your friend is happy, safe and loved.
. Was not meant to be condescending or weird, and yes, that's a hell of dumb thing to say in an ad...at least she didn't put "used as pit bait or in medical research."
