Coshocton Tribune: Guidelines for Finding a Responsible Home for a Pet
Filed under: Pets 911 - September 9, 2008
By Holly Downing
First, I’d like to thank all the kind people who donated toward the care of Tuffy, the little dog with the broken pelvis and leg. The rescue organization he went to has paid more than $1,500 for his surgeries and he is well on his way to mending. He has been adopted and will have a safe and happy life. Thanks Coshocton!
Everytime I go to the shelter to take pictures of the cats and dogs there, I am heartbroken to see how many pets are brought there by their owners, for so many different reasons. If you are considering giving up your pet, follow these guidelines first, as stated on the Humane Society of the United States Web site, www.HSUS.com:
- Behavior Problems—If you are dealing with a pet behavior problem, consider first consulting with your veterinarian. Many problems may be due to a treatable medical condition. For example, a house trained pet may begin urinating in the house due to a urinary tract infection rather than a behavior problem. Your vet will be able to rule out any physical cause of the problem and may also be able to refer you to an animal behaviorist or trainer in your community who has experience and expertise to help address your pet’s problem. There are also several sites on the Internet that offer helpful tips on solving pet behavior problems. In fact, the HSUS’s Pets for Life campaign has more than 43 informational Web pages addressing common pet behavior problems.
- Housing Problems—In a recent study, “moving” and “landlord won’t allow” were among the top reasons for the relinquishment of pets to shelters. If you are moving and are having trouble finding animal-friendly housing, or are experiencing other pet related housing difficulties, please visit the HSUS’s www.RentWithPets.org.
- Health Problems—Do you or a family member have a health problem (for example, an allergy or an infection that weakens the immune system) that makes it difficult to keep your pet? Has a physician actually recommended you give up your pet? Before taking such a drastic step, read our information on how you can help an allergic or immunocompromised person keep their pet without sacrificing their health or comfort.
- Finding a Good Home for Your Pet—If you ultimately decide you cannot keep your pet, you have several options. If you have a dog of a specific breed, there may be a breed rescue organization in your area that will accept him and work hard to find him a new home. To locate a rescue group that specializes in your dogs breed, go to www.Pets911.com or www.PetFinder.com. You can also call the HSUS at 202-452-1100 and ask for companion animals section.If you decide to try to find a new home for your pet yourself, be sure the animal’s best interest remain your top priority. Finding a new home for a pet can be difficult. “Good” home means a home where the animal will live for the rest of his or her life, where he or she will receive attention, veterinary care, proper nutrition, and be treated as part of the family.
If you choose to find a home for your pet yourself, follow these guidelines:
- Advertise through friends, neighbors and local vets first, then try the newspaper, if all else fails. Your chances of finding a good home are increased when you check references.
- Visit the prospective new home in order to get a feel for the environment in which your pet will be living. Explain that the pet is part of your family and that you want to make sure she will be cared for properly and that you want to see how the animal responds to the new home. Screen potential homes carefully.
- Don’t be fooled. If anyone refuses to allow you to visit their home, do not place your pet with them. Individual known as “bunchers” routinely answer free-to-good- home ads, posing as people who want family pets when, in actuality, they sell pets to animals dealers. Dog fighters have also been known to obtain domestic animals for baiting through free to good home ads. These people are professionals who may even bring children or their mothers with them when picking up pets.
- Always be mindful of your own safety when you go to interview potential adopters, or if you allow a prospective adopter to enter your home.
- Carefully consider all the elements of a new home: Will your pet get along with small children? Is the family planning to keep the dog chained outside as a watch dog? Will the cat be kept only as a mouser? Does the family have a vet reference? Do not be shy about asking questions. Your pet’s life and happiness may depend on it.
- Ask for a valid form of Identification, preferably a driver’s license. Record the number for your records and require the new owner to sign a contract stating the requirements of adoption upon which both parties agree. As part of the contract, require the new owner to contact you if he or she decides at some point that they must give up the pet.
- Have your pet neutered or spayed before he or she goes to the new home. This will make the animal more adoptable and help stop irresponsible breeding.
- If your pet is chronically ill or has behavior problems, it may be difficult to find him a suitable home. A new owner may not be willing or able to deal with these issues, and it may also be difficult for the pet to adjust to a new home. The decision to humanely euthanize such a pet should not be made without thoughtful input from a vet, a behaviorist, and the family, based on how well they believe their companion would adapt to a new home.Circumstances do arise in which it becomes necessary to give up a pet, but the first step to prevent having to rehome your companion is to think carefully before getting a pet in the first place. Pets should be part of the family and should not be seen as disposable. Love your pet - give it a forever home.