Free To Good Home Ads are Dangerous

Though you may have good intentions, please be aware that offering companion animals as "Free To Good Home" can be dangerous. Many unscrupulous people pose as loving, responsible pet owners in order to get companion animals for very little to no cost. Sadly, these pets meet tragic ends far removed from a loving family. Just a few of these tragedies include:

• Bait to train fighting dogs
• Bait to train greyhounds 
• Sold to research facilities
• Sacrifice for satanic rituals
• Innocent victim for malicious pranks
• Breeding machine if not spayed or neutered
• Fish bait
• Snake food

Whether the pet is given away on the street or advertised as free in a store flier, local newspaper, or online website, far too many companion animals suffer at the hands of fraudulous respondants of "Free To Good Home" advertisements.

What You Can Do:

If you must place a "Free to Good Home" ad, please take every step possible to ensure the companion animal goes to a truly good home! Most responsible, caring pet owners understand reasonable precautions and are willing to follow through. Steps you can take in the placement process include:

• Do not offer companion animals for free: charge a reasonable adoption fee and state it in the advertisment.
• Screen individuals thoroughly: ask questions about the intended home environment and request veterinarian references.
• Meet with the entire potential adoptive family, including children and existing pets: verify a proper home environment, responsible animal care, and quality interaction between all people and animals.  At the least, try to meet the family in a neutral location such a public park.
• Spay or neuter the animal prior to placement: deter "backyard breeders" and encourage interested adopters by alleviating upfront veterinary care.
• Require in writing that if the adoption does not work out, the companion animal must be returned to you.

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