Hello,

I'm writing to you because you posted [animal listed] on [where you saw the listing].

It is important to make you aware that there are unscrupulous people who operate in rings to collect cats, dogs and other animals for abusive situations. The danger is that these people appear to be animal lovers and could easily fool you. They sometimes bring children to portray a "perfect family" image. Therefore, it is important to check all references, including a veterinarian reference, and do a home check BEFORE releasing an animal into a stranger's care. Follow-up checks are also necessary.

What Could Happen To An Animal From A "Free To Good Home" Ad?

- Tortured or killed by animal abusers
- Sold to research labs for experiments
- Used as bait for fighting dogs
- Victims of neglect
- Used as free food for snakes or other animals

Tips On Finding A Good Home:

Put an ad in the paper, make a flyer, and ask everyone you know to help spread the word that you have an animal who needs a new home.

Never use a "Free To Good Home" ad. Animals given away in these ads are easy targets for abuse and neglect. These animals could be tortured or killed, sold to medical research labs, used as bait for fighting dogs, or even used as food. Contact your local newspaper and ask them to run a warning about placing "Free To Good Home" ads.

Beware of "bunchers!" A buncher is a person who either steals or "adopts" for the purpose of selling the animal (e.g. medical research labs, bait to train dogs for fighting rings, breeding stock for puppy mills or catteries). Bunchers can be very deceptive. They will sometimes use children as part of the ploy and present themselves as a perfect family. Beware of ads in the paper that say something similar to: Looking for a new home for your pet? We can help. We will pick up your pet and find it a new home. Call now!

Be honest about medical history & behavior. The goal is to find a good, permanent home. The adoption will not work if you misrepresent the animal.

Animals should be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and have a routine veterinary check-up before adoption.

Screen people very carefully over the phone and check references before proceeding. Some questions to ask are:

* Do you have animals now? If so, how long have you had them?
* Have you ever had animals in the past? If so, why are they no longer with you?
* Why do you want an animal? (Some people may not want a companion but are looking for a cat to keep their home mice free or a dog to protect their property.)
* How long do you plan to keep the animal?
* Are you prepared for the possibility of a twenty-year commitment?
* What if your life circumstances change, e.g., you move; get married or divorced; have a child; get a new roommate; you or someone you live with develops allergies?

Please remember that you can never ask too many questions or be too careful. Animals deserve loving, safe homes -- their lives are literally in your hands! "Gut feeling" is very important. If something seems wrong, trust your instincts and do not proceed with the adoption!

Some individuals and rescues screen people based on appearance. This is not a safe way to find a home. You cannot tell if a person is responsible and caring by the way s/he looks.

Do a home check before you agree to adopt out the animal and, when it is time, bring the animal to their new home. Never let someone take the animal from you to an unknown location. If you do the home check and are not satisfied with the conditions of where the animal will be living, do not go ahead with the adoption. You are under no obligation to turn the animal over simply because you have visited the potential home. Remember, the animal's life is in your hands.

Cats should be adopted to people who will provide a strictly indoor home and will not declaw.

A dog should not be adopted out as a "guard dog" or an "outside dog."



IF YOU ARE PROCEEDING WITH THE ADOPTION:

Ask for identification. Copy down the full name, address, and phone number. Also copy the driver's license number and car license plate tags.

All applicants should sign an adoption contract.

Require a reasonable adoption fee. Never give the animal away for free.

Ask to take a picture of the person with their new adoption.

Call a few times during the first few weeks to make sure all is going well. Make yourself available to give advice and support.

NEVER turn the animal over to a stranger if you become desperate to find a new home. If you are unable to find a good home, locate a reputable no-kill rescue where you know the animal will be safe. Please use shelters and rescues as a last resort; most are already overwhelmed with abandoned animals. Also, note that even shelters that label themselves "no kill" do kill animals. If you relinquish your animal to a shelter, find out under what circumstances your animal would be killed.

Sample Adoption Contract:
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/sample.doc

Sample Homecheck Form:
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/homecheck.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this information. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]