How to Find a Home for Your Pet

One thing I have learned from having pets and having to move, is knowing about the possibility of finding a home for your pet. How do you find a forever home for your pet when you need to? Like many pet owners I vowed that letting go of my pets was not on the list, it is possible that letting go is the inevitable. People facing eviction, foreclosure, sudden job loss or other uncontrollable situations should consider what is best for both them and for the pet. With that in mind, here are some tips for finding a home for your pet.

Tips for Advertising

When you advertise that you are trying to find a forever home for your pet, mention that you are looking for a "forever" home. True pet lovers will know what this means. Don't advertise "free" pets. This invites people looking to harvest pets for illegal purposes. You will lose your pet and your pet will lose their life. Make sure you advertise "local" only so that you can see where the pet is going to be living. If you advertise online this will be important. Don't place ads in supermarkets, this is too general and will attract too many lookers or people who are looking to get a pet for someone else. You want to target places where pet lovers will be. Place flyers at vet offices, pet stores, kennels or pet day care centers. Tell prospective owners that you will be screening to find the best person for your pet.

Tips on Taking Responses

When you are finding a home for your pet, you will hopefully be getting a range of responses to your ads. Don't let someone offer to just come and pay for the pet and take them home. Don't release a pet to a person you don't know; have a conversation with the person first. Get references; neighbors and vets are good references. Do an interview with prospective pet owners. Do a home visit to be sure your pet is going to a good home. Don't settle for the first person which comes along.

Introducing Pets and People

When you narrow down prospects, you should allow each one to meet your pet. This will allow both your pet and them to see if they are comparable. This is an important step. Conduct a supervised meeting and take note of how both the pet and the other person act. Offer a trail period where the people can return the pet if possible. You don't want the pet or the new owner feeling trapped in a situation. Don't meet the prospects at your home; use a neutral location such as a park or vet office.

Packing the Pets Belongings

When you do succeed in finding a home for your pet, make sure you send along their favorite items with them. This helps the pets feel more at home with the new owner. Having their familiar toys, bowls, and bedding will help them adapt. Make sure you clean everything before sending it.

Saying Goodbye to the Pet

While it may be hard to do, try not getting emotional when leaving the pet behind at their new home. Pets sense anxiety and strong emotion. The pet will wonder why you are upset and why they are being left behind. They may react inappropriately at the new home. You want to make this as stress free as possible. Act calm, and remember how happy your pet made you. This will help ease the pain.