Suggested Animal Adoption Guidelines

How can I help ensure that my pet goes to a good home? 

Beware of people seeking a large dog for guarding purposes or someone wanting a dog or cat for breeding. Guard dogs are often discarded when their usefulness is over, and the last thing you want to do is contribute to the overpopulation problem by allowing breeding. 

If someone wants an animal as a gift for a friend or relative, insist that the person who will spend the next decade or more with the dog or cat be involved in the selection. 

If a minor calls, ask to speak with his or her parents. 

2. Have you had animals before? What happened to them? Do you have animals now? 
People who have never had animals before should be advised of the considerable expense and responsibility involved yin caring for them, including exercise, food bills, and veterinary needs. Someone who has had several animals who were either stolen, killed by cars, lost or given away is undoubtedly a poor prospect. If the prospect has recently lost an animal, or has one currently in his or her home, ask for the name and phone number of their veterinarian. Call the vet to determine the quality of care that the animal has received--yearly vaccinations, yearly heartworm test for dogs and heartworm preventative on a yearly basis, appropriate and immediate medical care when necessary. 

3. Is someone home during the day? 
Animals accustomed to companionship may become frantic and even destructive if left alone for long periods. Also, puppies need to be fed three to four times daily and need careful attention during housebreaking. Decide if this animal will suit the prospective owner's life-style. In the end, it is the animal who suffers most from a poor placement. 

4. If you move or travel, what will happen? 
Care for an animal can a 10- 15- 20-year commitment (the life of the animal). Remind prospects that they may have to board animals during vacations and must plan for their needs if contemplating a move. 

5. Is your yard fenced? 
A well-fenced yard is advisable although not always necessary. People without an enclosed yard may allow a dog to run loose, which is illegal and dangerous, or chain him or her up, which can be a frustrating, desolate existence. Tell the prospect that you will want to see the yard. This should be enough to discourage an insincere caller. If the prospect does not have a fenced yard or lives in a condo/apartment, do not discourage them from applying. You will have to determine their level of commitment to walking the dog (on leash) frequently enough for the dog to get daily exercise and to go to the bathroom as often as is needed. 

6. Where will you keep the animal? 
Be wary of people who talk about having a dog live on the back porch, in a dog house, in the garage, or in the basement. They are probably not interested in making the animal a household companion. Do not adopt to anyone who lets a cat out without benefit of a leash or screened enclosure. It takes but one second for a cat to wander off one's property and become a victim of cars, traps, other animals, poisons, and people. 

7. How do you feel about spaying and neutering? 
Over 20 million animals are destroyed each year because there are simply not enough homes to go around. Always require that the prospective owner spay or neuter within a specified period to avoid further breeding resulting in more homeless animals. Whenever possible, sterilize sexually mature animals before adoption. If you or the prospect are concerned about neutering costs, call your local humane organization to find out about reduced fee programs. Be cautious if people already have an unaltered animal in their home: 
they may have breeding in mind. 

8. Do you own or rent your home? 
If the prospect does not own, see if his or her lease permits animals. Thousands of animals are given up each year after being discovered by the owner of the property. Is the individual aware of additional deposits and monthly charges his or her landlord will add to the rent for the addition of the animal? 

9. Who else lives in your home? 
Try to determine whether other members of the household want a companion animal or are aware of the caller's plans. Also determine the ages of children. Families with young children should be told that normal puppy play behavior often includes jumping and biting and that puppies and cats/kittens must be protected from rambunctious children.

• Step 4: Releasing Your Animal