Finding a New Home for Your Pet, takes some thought and consideration prior to beginning your search. Trust me when I say that there are millions of animals out there "waiting for a new home" - otherwords, competition is tough, there's so many cute, cuddly, pleasant animals, who's pet owners are trying to make the sales pitch that says "take me home"
**Please remember that just because someone "wants" your pet, doesn't mean that they'll look after your pet. Sometimes when one has an urgency to find their pet a new home, the animal is placed in surroundings that do not meet it's requirements, so please take this into consideration. And lest we forget that Labratory Animals come from "somewhere" - friendly smiling "couples" can sometimes be those who work in white jackets, so protect your pet, even if the pet is leaving your care.
Depending on why you must find a new home for your pet, can sometimes hinder your thoughts, so I've laid out some suggestions to make things a little less compicated to deal with.
Begin by asking Friends and Family
First and foremost, begin with people you know and or people who know your pet. On occasion, there may be someone within your social group, who has thought to themselves, "if ever they can't keep their pet anymore, I'd love to bring the pet home with me" - it's worth a try.
Co-Workers, Neighbors (in a complex, apartment building, condos or residential, even the Grocery Store Attendant you speak to.
No harm in asking, just cuz you have a pet doesn't mean that whoever you do speak to, isn't looking. Folks normally don't ask out of the blue "hey, you want to give me your pet? - So ask around.
Posters, Posters, Posters!
Go Crazy with POSTERS! 'Nd be sure to leave small cut tags along the bottom, with your number, that folks can rip off and take home!
Definately Posters! Print up or make posters, preferably with a picture (a color picture), pictures speak a thousand words in any language. If you can't put a picture, then describe the pet's habits, character, likes and dislikes.
IE: likes children, dislikes children but likes adults better, dislikes other animals, loves to cuddle and will purr you to sleep, snores, sits pretty for treats, likes to be your pillow - knows several tricks like..... etc - all the pluses you can think of that will be attention getters to those who read!
If your animal is spayed or neutered, that's a PLUS, so add that information if it is accurate, the more you put, the more someone might pay attention.
Ask if you can place your posters in places like:
- Convenience Stores
- Grocery Stores
- Community Hall
- Bingo Hall
- Health Spas
- School Newsletters
- Your Vet's Office
- Pet Supply Store
- Pet Grooming Facility
- Shopping Mall Entrances.
- At Work or the local Diner
- Post Office Bulletin Board even Light Posts
Place Posters everywhere and anywhere - where the public will see.
Ask the local Vet if they know af anyone looking for a new (cat or dog) pet.
Quite frequently, pet owners discuss the option of taking on yet another pet and inquire how it may effect their first pet. If this is the case, then maybe the Vet will take your number and discuss the option with their client(s).
If possible, place an ad in your local or community paper
Frequently there is a Free Give-Away Section that costs nothing to post - inquire to see if this is applicable to you.
When potential inquiries come in, meet the person or people by having them over and judge for yourself if your pet seems to be attracted to the individual(s). I suggest that you do not let anyone leave with your pet, as a matter of fact, I suggest to make them wait by telling them that you have a few more people to see before deciding, even if you don't.
Take their phone number and say that you'll be giving them a call one way or another shortly and that you've appreciated their time. Don't be intimidated and certainly don't be shy in making them wait.
If you get grief and are told things like "I came all the way here and thought I was leaving with the pet" or "well if I don't take the pet now, I won't be taking it" or even guilt trips like "Oh, my son/daughter will be so disappointed, I told them I was coming home with a surprise" then be cautious of these statements. Believe the latter the most, but stick to your guns. Individuals who truly want your pet, will compromise and wait to hear from you, even if they are disappointed.
