 |
Finding a New Home for Your Pet Yourself
Re-homing your pet yourself takes a little bit of effort, but your pet will be so much better off for your efforts. There are a few easy steps you can take that will make it much easier for you.
- Get your pet spayed or neutered. Animals who are altered are much easier to find new homes for. Please look at our list of low-cost spay/neuter clinics, and if you’re having trouble finding one in your area, please call 425.787.2500 x450.
- Make a list of your pet's characteristics. Brainstorm a list of physical attributes, personality traits and general behavior that your pet has – include the good and the bad. Develop a short biography for the cat or dog to give to potential adopters. Be honest so the person giving a home to your animal will know what to expect.
- Take photos of your animal. Use the photos to make fliers to post at shelters, pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, places of worship, work bulletin boards and in newsletters. Be sure to talk with family and friends so they can tell the people in their community. PAWS will only post fliers of animals that are spayed or neutered.
- Use the Internet. Post information about your animal on websites such as petfinder.com, craigslist and Muttmatchers Messenger which publishes pet rescue and placement listings of available animals every two months. If the animal is a purebred dog, contact the Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue. If he or she is a purebred cat, contact the Purebred Cat Rescue.
- Do not list the animal for free. Unfortunately there are people who acquire animals and resell them to research laboratories, or place them in illegal dog fighting rings or other inappropriate situations. By asking the adopter for an adoption fee (even if it is a small donation to your local shelter), you help to ensure that the person who is adopting your pet has his or her best interest at heart.
- Interview potential adopters. You want to make sure that the people adopting your pet are a good fit. Download and print this list of suggested interview questions.
Remember - be patient and stay realistic. Older animals, sick animals, and those who have medical conditions or behavioral problems can be hard to place. Keep in mind that the very problem that is causing you to relinquish your pet may be the same reason someone is reluctant to adopt him or her. Despite this, it is always best to be honest – you don’t want people to find out about problems after the fact.
Sad as it is, there are times when medical conditions or behavioral problems cannot be resolved and you may want to discuss humane euthanasia with your veterinarian. While this choice is not always necessary, it is much better to provide the animal with a humane death than have them end up on the street because their new guardian was not told all the information about the behavior problems or medical conditions.
|
|
|
Re-homing Services
Donate to PAWS
