[Mackenzie’s Admin]

1. Consider neutering/spaying the pet, and also bringing the pet up-to-date on vaccinations. An animal which is neutered and current on basic vet care will be more appealing to an adoptive family. By ensuring the pet is neutered, you are helping the pet to live a longer healthier life, and also preventing them from causing/having additional unwanted litters.

ORIGINAL RESCUE ADOPTION
If you obtained your dog from a rescue or shelter, contact them first or check your adoption agreement – you may be required to take the dog back to them. If not, refer to the options below:

2. Consider contacting animal rescue organizations in your area. Search online for general “dog rescues” or “cat rescues” in your state, and also search for breed specific rescues. Search the "Find Animal Welfare Groups" link at http://www.petfinder.com or the KAR Animal Websites list at http://www.kalamazooanimalrescue.org/michlink. Your local animal shelter may also be able to refer you to some animal rescues near you.
Please remember, you will want to get as much information as you can about any rescue group before you place your canine companion with them.

3. Advertise the pet for adoption.
Consider placing an ad at several places, such as:
– Local vet offices
– Local pet supply stores
– Online at http://www.petfinder.com
– Bulletin boards at shopping centers
– Newspaper ad

When placing an ad, it is important to remember to:
-Be honest when describing your pet, its behaviors, and what type of home it would be best suited for. List whether or not the pet is good with children, other pets, is housetrained, etc. You want to make sure that you find the right home for your pet, and that the adopting family is prepared for your pet. If you mislead the adopter and they are not prepared to handle your pet’s needs, they may return the pet to you, or just get rid of the pet.

-Always ask for a donation for the pet – never say “free to a good home.” Why? There are several reasons:
~Saying "free to a good home" might attract some dishonest people, or some people who may not truly value a pet. Ask yourself this: If they cannot afford a reasonable adoption donation, how will they afford to give the pet adequate vet care, and pay for food, toys, bedding, etc.? What if the pet gets sick, will they be able to provide necessary medical care?
~So many “free” pets get put into situations where they become abused, neglected, abandoned or used for terrible purposes. These owners tend to not value their pets, and see them as a disposable item.

-There are several dishonest people out there, trying to get free pets to use for terrible purposes, such as:
~using dog as a “bait” dog to train fighting dogs. These bait dogs are literally torn up and severely mutilated by other dogs, and are usually abandoned after they are severely damaged since the person no longer has a use for them.
~selling animals for research and experiments. These animals are abused, and once the research is complete many euthanize the animals.
~using dog for breeding in a Puppy Mill environment. The dogs are bred over and over, without any regard to their health or well-being, usually in very unsanitary and poor living conditions.
~using animal as live food for exotic animals such as snakes.

-You have the right to do a phone interview to find out if the family is the best fit for your pet. (View a sample phone-screening form: http://www.petrescue.com/library/dog-phone-screen.pdf)

Ask questions about:
~What other pets are in the household?
~What are the ages of children in the household?
~Do they own a house, or rent? (if they rent, does the landlord allow pets?)
~Are their pets usually indoor or outdoor pets? Where do the pets sleep?
~Do they have a safe fenced in area?
~Have they owned this type of pet before? If yes, what happened to it?

-You have the right to request a preliminary visit with the family (and their other dogs) to do an Introduction to see how they all interact. You want to ensure the best fit for your dog, and for the family members, including the family’s current dogs/cats.
You should do this in a neutral territory area.

-You have the right to request references, such as their veterinarian.
Find out if the family keeps their current pets up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm preventative, spay/neuter, and any other care that the dog needs. If the family does not provide their current dogs with the adequate care recommended by their veterinarian, why should you expect them to care for your dog’s needs?

-You have the right to visit the home and see for yourself if it is a safe place for your pet. You should see the home with your own eyes before you ever leave the dog there. Make sure the house is safe, that you have no concerns, and that the dog seems comfortable with the family at the home.

-You have the right to have them sign an Adoption Contract. For a sample contract, visit http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomele … orpets.pdf

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