Free To Good Home....Are You Sure?

You are forced to move and decide the dog isn't going with you.   You think you are doing the right thing by posting your dog on Craigslist as "Free to Good Home" instead of taking him to the pound.   In your mind you are doing the right thing in finding him a home.   But wait.......
This is how some people see your "free" loved one:

• Free snake food
• Free animal for Malicious pranks
• Free animal to set on fire
• Free to breed indiscriminately
• Free animal to hoard or neglect

Free to Good Home No No/Facebook.com

                                             

Then you may be contending with a "Buncher" (one who "adopts" to sell)  These animals end up sold

• To be used in research labs
• To be used as bit dogs to train fighting or hunting dogs
• To be used as breeding stock in a puppy mill (if not altered)

Free To Good Home Pet-abuse.com


Then there are dog fighters who pose as loving dog owners to get their hands on your dog.

Furthermore 41% of animals at the shelter were animals from "Free to Good Home" situations.

Before you panic this is not the case for all "Free to Good Home" pets, but it is a growing problem that many unsuspecting pet owners are under the impression they are sending their pet into another loving home when this is not the case.

So now you ask....So now what do I do???

First and most importantly is don't get a pet unless you have every intent to keep it until the day it dies.  This alleviates a situation as this from ever happening.

Secondly in the rare occasion that you have no option and you have to surrender your pet, finding it a new loving home is the lesser of two evils....the alternative, the pound.  You just need to be aware and responsible in finding the dog a new home.

The most important thing is DO NOT chance "Free To Good Home."   Charge a reasonable adoption fee and include food, toys, crate, and the things that will make your pet more comfortable.   A true potential adopter will have no problem doing this and it shows you good faith on their part.   Something to take into consideration....if a potential adopter cannot afford a 40-50 dollar fee, how will they afford vet visits, food in the future, and the necessities your pet will need.  If you feel real uncomfortable have them write a check for the amount to your favorite rescue organization.

Use a pet adoption agreement and fill it out using their identification.  A legitimate adopter will have no problem doing this in-fact they will be reassured that you have gone to the lengths that you have to find a loving home, and that you chose them.

Adoption form

Require a home check.   What someone will say to you may be one thing.   Visiting the place where your pet may be living might be a whole different story.

Let the adopter know you will be checking on your pet.

If someone has any issues whatsoever with any of your conditions they are not worthy of being the new forever home.

Some ways you can help alleviate the problem.....

Convince your local newspaper to post warnings in their classified section  (many already are)
Call "Free To Good Home" ads and warn them.  Many are unsuspecting and the information may save a life.
Share this information with others...spread the word.
"Free To Good Home" ads around Halloween are extremely dangerous.  Especially solid black and solid white cats
Fix your pet prior to adoption...this avoids more "Free to Good Home Ads"  If this is something you cannot afford many rescue organizations have free or reduced rate spay and neuter programs.

Tragedy of Free to Good Home

I am sure the majority of dog owners would never want anything to happen to their dog or cat in the event they were forced to rehome them.  Unfortunately most people do not know that this is potentially the situation they are leading their pet into.  For me it is easy, once I agreed to bring pets into my home it was forever.  I have made it through all the situations that many people use as excuses to get rid of their pets.  I lost a job, moved, and had a death in the family.  Never once did the thought cross my mind to rehome them.   Sadly the only way you can guarantee this will not happen to your pets...fix them, keep them, love them, and ensure they stay by your side until their last day.

Free to Good Home@ Google Images

Take a moment to tell a friend or pick up the phone when you see an ad and share this information.  It may be you who saves a dog's life.