Bathe and groom your pet before taking photos so that it looks as attractive as possible. [2] X Trustworthy Source Best Friends Animal Society Nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving animal lives by operating and supporting no-kill animal shelters Go to source Be honest about any of your pet’s major shortcomings. If you aren’t, your pet might get rehomed by the adopter, without you there to make sure that it gets a good home. This information should be included in the description in case it is a deal breaker for potential adopters. [3] X Research source It is also important to disclose any medical problems or behavioral issues. You want to make sure that any potential adopter is aware of likely financial responsibilities and that they have the necessary resources to handle them. [4] X Research source
When approaching people, you could say: “I’m looking for a new home for Fido, and I’ve noticed how well you two get along. Would you be interested in adding a new dog to your family?” If someone turns you down, react graciously and ask if they may know of someone who is looking for a new pet: “Thank you for being up front with me about not being able to take on another pet right now. Can you think of anyone who might be looking for a pet and would be a good fit for Fido?” It is also a good idea to check with your veterinarian and groomer. They may be aware of someone who can adopt your pet. [6] X Research source
You may also be able to post your flyer in veterinary offices, pet stores, and your workplace.
Some shelters and rescues may be willing to post your pet’s profile on their websites. Contact your local shelter and rescues to ask if they would be able to do this for you. [10] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Research the shelter beforehand by looking up online reviews, talking to people who have adopted animals from the shelter, and if possible, visiting in person. [12] X Research source When scheduling your appointment, ask about a surrender fee or any other requirements so that you are prepared. If you have a purebred animal, there may be breed-specific rescues you can contact. It’s also a good idea to make a donation to the rescue that is rehoming your pet.
If the caller is a child or teenager, ask to speak to an adult in the household. If the person seems young, ask if their situation is stable or if they will be going to college, moving soon, or entering the military. Ask if the pet is for them or a gift for someone. In general, gifting pets is not a good idea, especially if it is to a child. Pet ownership involves a lot of responsibility, and the pet’s new owner should be involved in the decision to take that on.
The potential adopter should seem confident that they can provide your pet with a good home, and they should have a realistic view of the responsibilities of pet ownership. A good way to gauge this is to ask how they plan to care for your pet on a day-to-day basis. Ask for references who would have insight into the adopter as a pet owner. This could be a veterinarian, landlord, or neighbors. Other possibilities include someone the potential adopter has pet sat or walked dogs for. [16] X Research source
Children under six are not a good fit for a young animal because the child may treat the animal roughly and it will react badly. An adult animal is usually more tolerant of small children and may have experience with them. Keep in mind that even if potential adopters don’t have children of their own, they might have grandchildren who visit regularly. Consider your pet’s personal temperament around other pets and children. If there are other animals in the home, ask about the potential adopter’s plan for introducing the animals to each other. [18] X Research source
If the potential adopter rents, confirm that their lease allows pets and that there aren’t breed or size restrictions that would affect your pet. You may want to ask for their landlord’s contact information so that you can verify this for yourself. For cats, ask whether they will be keeping it indoors or outdoors. Outdoor cats have much shorter life spans due to traffic accidents and other mishaps. For dogs, ask how many hours it will be alone during the day. If it is for long periods, check if the potential adopter can make arrangements for a dog walker or doggie daycare.
Only meet with the adopter in your home if you feel comfortable doing that. Otherwise, you could meet in a neutral, relaxing environment for your pet like a dog park or on a walk around the neighborhood. Keep in mind that your pet may be shy at first around the new person. If that is the case, a good potential adopter will react in a sensitive manner and remain calm and reassuring. The potential adopter should be patient with your pet and seem comfortable with it. Watch to make sure that they are handling your pet correctly.
You may wish to waive the adoption fee if your pet is being adopted by a family member or close friend.
If you pet has any food sensitivities or allergies, you should provide this information to the new owner in writing.
Consider spraying the items with a pheromone spray that can help relieve anxiety. These can be purchased at your local pet store. If your pet’s new owner needs them, you can also pass along items like leashes, food bowls, and pet food.
Once you have adequate reassurance that your pet is well cared for, it is time to let go. You don’t want to bother the new owners, and you want your pet to successfully acclimate to its new home and bond with its new family. It is okay to grieve. Remember that you have done the best you can for your pet by finding it a good home. It can be helpful to focus on the good times that you had with your pet and keep in mind that it will have a happy life in its new home, too.
