How to Avoid Pet Harvesters

Everybody who has anything to do with pets knows that there are animals who are stolen or sold for fighting, testing or food. Pet lovers know that there are people who prey on unprotected pets. What pet lovers may not know are the telltale signs of a pet harvester.

Pet harvesters look for free finds. Anyone posting "free to a good home" is an automatic target for pet harvesters. If you want to place a pet in a good home, list an "adoption fee" in an amount that would cover a vet visit. This proves the prospective pet owner is responsible and actually wants the pet. Another method is to have prospective owners meet the pet, and then tell them that there is a waiting period so you can check all information and allow everyone to see the pet. Pet harvesters want quick results and will not willingly wait; and if they do really want pets, responsible owners will make them pay for every life they take.

If you find a pet, don't advertise your address when looking for the owner. Don't give the pet to the first person who shows up. Pet harvesters prey on unknowing people who don't realize this is another method for harvesters to find free animals. Call the local vets or animal shelters and ask if anyone has looked for a pet fitting the description of the animal you have. Post fliers in vet offices and shelters only. Use only a phone number and notify the vet or shelter; if the office will allow it, put a notice on the flier that the office will call you with the contact number for the person asking about the pet. Pet harvesters won't want to go through this much trouble.

Another way pet harvesters find free pets is to cruise streets looking for wandering cats or dogs. They look for pets that wander and roam without their owners. Pets without collars or tags, pets who are not watched or controlled are targets. The best way to stop this is to keep your cats indoors if possible; if not, keep them in the yard with fencing. Keep your dogs fenced in, or on dog runs, or on a leash where you can keep an eye on them.

Pet harvesters love when they are allowed to come and see the pet at the current owners home. This gives the pet harvester a point of identification. They will ask leading questions to see if the pet is let outside alone during the day; or if the pet walks up to people or cars; another leading question once they find out answers to the above is if the pet comes out during the morning or afternoon. The first thing you should do to avoid this is not allow anyone to see where you live. Choose neutral locations such as a pet park or vet office; and bring someone with you if possible. Don't answer questions about if your pet stays outside, or when. This allows pet harvesters to plan their move. You can tell people that the pet gets plenty of fresh air under your supervision.

If a person shows up wanting to look at your pet, you can agree to show the pet if you want. Do not allow the pet out of your arms or sight. It is not hard for a pet harvester to simply walk away once they have the pet under their control. If a person shows up asking about your pet, ask them how they heard of the pet and how they found your house. Pet harvesters can find information from phone numbers. Do not post pictures of your pet where your face or home are visible; this is another way for pet harvesters to find you (along with other scammers). If you meet a person in a neutral location, still keep your pet under your control with your hand firmly on the pet at all times.