Has something happened in your life and you can no longer take care of your pet? Or perhaps you have found a stray cat or dog and need to find him/her a home. Maybe a friend or relative has died, leaving one or more pets to be placed in a new home. You want to be able to do something to help find a new and loving permanent home, rather than turning the pet over to the Regina Humane Society (RHS), where there are already so many animals needing new homes.

We hope the suggestions on this page will help you achieve your goal. First, we will talk about what to do if you found a stray.

If you do need to find a new home for the pet, we will show you how to get the word out. We will talk about how to create an effective flyer, how to take a good photograph of the pet and how to write imaginative text (to capture the attention of a prospective adopter) for a flyer or a classified ad. We will show you how to take advantage of the networks already established to advertise your animal.

We then discuss the preparation of the pet: making sure that the animal’s vaccinations are up-to-date and that he/she is healthy, bathed and groomed.

We also walk you through the adoption process. We suggest questions to ask to find out if the prospective adopter will provide a suitable home and provide information on how to finalize the adoption.

At the end of this guide, you will find examples of a medical record and an adoption screener’s worksheet.

Finally, we offer some words of encouragement in your quest to find a good new home.

How to Get the Word Out

If you need to find a new home for a pet, you will want to advertise as widely as you can in as many places as possible. Creating a flyer is a great way to start. Here is what to put on the flyer:

• Describe the appearance, size, and age of the animal.
• Include the pet’s name and a good photograph of the pet (see below).
• If the pet is spayed or neutered, include that information.
• Describe his/her nature and appealing qualities.
• Define any limitations the pet might have (e.g., not good with cats or small children).
• Do not forget your phone number and the times you can be reached.

When you have made copies of the flyer, post them throughout your community, wherever a good prospective adopter might see them. Ask to put them up at veterinarians’ offices, pet supply stores, and the workplaces of your family and friends. Places like health food stores, supermarkets, libraries, churches, and health clubs often have community bulletin boards where anyone can post flyers.

Tips on Taking Good Animal Photographs

Since photos really help people connect to an animal, you will want to use a good-quality photograph. Colour is best. When you take the photographs, use a background that is in contrast to the animal to highlight his/her best features. Keep the photo simple and clear with few background distractions, though you might want to use a person, a hand, or some other means to show the scale of the pet.

Before snapping the photos, take the time to get the pet as calm and relaxed as possible so the photos do not show an animal that looks anxious or scared. Ideally, the photo you choose for the flyer should have the animal’s eyes in focus.

But do not stop with posting flyers. There are many other ways to spread the word:

• Many rescue organizations or breeders require adopters to return the acquired pet to them as outlined in the adoption contract. Please check with the rescue or breeder where your pet was acquired regarding the return of your pet.

• Check with the pet’s source, i.e., the breeder. Good ones will attempt to help you with any problems or will take their animals back.

• Contact as many shelters and rescue groups as possible. They might be able to put you in contact with someone looking for the kind of pet you are trying to place, or they could have some other suggestions.

• Contact breed rescue groups if you are trying to place a specific breed. For example, if you have a pug or a Persian cat, rescue groups or clubs may have lists of people looking to adopt that particular breed. Some breed rescue groups might even be willing to place a mix as long as the animal is close to purebred. You can find local listings of breed rescue groups by doing an Internet search on a search engine such as Google.

• Place a classified ad online with sites such as Used Regina or Kijjii. Be creative when you write the ad (see sample ads on the next page). Try to make the animal appealing, but tell the truth. Put that in the ad if you are trying to place a dog that absolutely cannot be around cats. Run the ad as often as you can afford if there are costs – you want to reach a wide audience. It is a good idea to mention in the ad that an adoption fee will be required. Asking for a fee will discourage people who are not serious adopters from following up on your ad. If you feel uneasy about asking for a fee, you can always donate the money to your favourite charity.

• Post your pet on adoption websites. There are general adoption websites and specific sites for certain types of animals (for example, FIV-positive cats, disabled pets, or senior dogs). Petfinder is a good example of a general adoption website.

• Use all of your community contacts. Ask friends and family to mention the animal in their church or community newsletter, email about the pet through your office memo system, post a notice and photo on your Facebook page, or share some flyers with members of clubs or associations you belong.

• Do not underestimate word of mouth. Tell anyone and everyone about the pet that needs a home and ask friends and family to help spread the word. You never know—your father’s neighbor’s daughter could be looking for just the pet you have to offer.

• Get the pet out there (this works especially well with dogs). The more your pet interacts with people, the more likely he/she will charm the right person. If you are trying to place a dog, take him/ her on walks, to pet supply stores, or the local park. Put a colorful bandana on the dog that says, “Adopt me.”
  

  Sample Classified Ads

  “Betty Lou has a new pair of shoes and is ready to walk right into your heart! Betty is a two-year-old spayed female terrier mix who loves to dance, prance, and play. She is a doll! She is good with cats as well. Call Kelly or Doug at 306- 555-3576 after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays or all day Sunday. Adoption fee required.”

  “Joe Cocker is coming to town and wants to sing for you. Joe is a three-year-old neutered male cockapoo with a great personality. He loves kids and dogs but is not as keen on cats! He has had all his shots. Call Morris after 6:00 p.m. at 306-555-4674. Adoption fee required.”

  “Persian cat with attitude. Martha thinks she rules the world! She is gorgeous and knows it. She loves to sit on laps and be petted. She would prefer a home where she is the only cat. Adoption fee required. Call Beth at 306-555-8474 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. any day.”

  “SHAMBU is the kind of companion that we all long to have. Loyal, playful, tender, and kind best describe this beautiful orange tabby. He is 3 years old, neutered, and has had all his shots. He prefers an adults-only home. Call Jeremy at 306-555-2189 before 11:00 a.m. any day. Donation for my favorite animal charity required.”

The Adoption Process

How to Prepare the Pet for Adoption

First and foremost, spay or neuter the pet or the stray you are trying to place. Pet overpopulation is an over­whelming problem, and we all need to do what we can to prevent more unwanted animals from being born. Next, make sure the animal is up-to-date on vaccinations. Prepare a complete medical record that you can give to the adopter. A sample medical record is included in the sample forms section of this guide. If you are trying to find a home for a stray, you should bring the animal to a veterinarian for a thorough checkup.

You should also prepare a general history of the pet. Include as much information as possible about the pet’s likes and dislikes, current food preferences and favourite treats, relationship to other animals and preferred types of toys. All this information will help the adopter get acquainted with the pet and make the transition easier for the animal.

To show the pet’s best side, groom and bathe him or her before taking your flyer photos and before showing the pet to a prospective adopter. Talk to a trainer about your pet’s disposition if it is relevant. The help of an experienced and caring professional can often help you resolve quirky or destructive behavior, making it easier to place the pet in a new home.

How to Screen Potential Adopters

When someone responds to your flyer or ad, you will want to interview them over the phone before introducing them to the animal. By doing so, you can eliminate unsuitable potential adopters early on. The following are some guidelines for helping you find the best possible new home for your pet or rescued animal.

First, if the caller is a child or a teenager, ask to speak to an adult. If the caller sounds young but is not a child, ask for his or her age. You should not consider rehoming your animal to anyone under the age of 18.

Remember to always:

• Charge a nominal fee for the animal.
• Be honest about why you are giving up your pet.
• Look for an adopter who has as many questions as you have to ask them. They will be truly interested in your pet’s personality and will be looking for a match.
• Talk to the potential adopter about the importance of obedience training, exercise, and grooming.
• Ensure all potential family members meet, like, and want the pet.
• Do not be afraid to refuse an adoption if you do not feel comfortable.

Interviewing the Potential Adopter

The following is a list of questions to ask a prospective adopter. You might want to take notes as you talk to the person. An adoption screener’s worksheet is at the end of this guide that you might find useful.

From the answers to these questions, you can start to build a profile of the person. Try to ask the questions conversationally, so it does not sound like you are conducting an interview. To start, you might say: “This dog/cat is very special to me, and I am looking for just the right home for him/her. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions about yourself and your home?”

1. Is the pet for you or someone else?

If the dog or cat is for someone else, tell the caller you need to speak directly to the prospective adopter. If the pet is for a child, tell the person that the dog or cat needs to be seen as a family pet. The parents must be willing to take on the responsibility for the day-to-day care of the animal for the rest of his/her life. Children can be involved in the animal’s care, but their attention span is often sporadic. Many pets are turned into shelters because the children have lost interest.

2. Do you have other pets at home? Would you tell me about them?

Their answers can help you determine whether the pet you are placing will fit into this household. For example, if you are trying to place a dog who hates cats and the household has cats, this is obviously not a good choice.

If they do not have pets now, ask these questions:

3. Have you had pets before? If so, what happened to them?

Responses to these questions can reveal a lot about the person’s level of responsibility. One negative incident in the past should not immediately rule that person out; accidents can happen to even the most caring people.

4. Do you have children? If so, how old are they?

This will be your own judgment call regarding the pet you are placing. Some pets do well around children, while others do not. Keep in mind that even if the prospective adopters have no young children, they need to be aware of the animal’s history since adults-only homes may receive visits from grandchildren or neighbor kids.

On the other hand, an adult cat or dog used to being around small children can make a wonderful family pet. A larger animal is less vulnerable to being hurt by children. An adult animal is usually more tolerant of a toddler’s inquiring hands pulling at his/her tail or ears.

The child/animal bond is very special and can be of tremendous value in producing a compassionate, caring person who will bring those qualities into his/her life. So, the decision to take on a family pet must be made carefully.

5. Do you live in a house or an apartment?

It is not necessarily a negative thing if they live in an apartment. Many dogs and all cats do very well in apartments. The proximity encourages close companionship and bonding.

6. If you rent, does your lease allow pets?

If the people are renting, you must confirm their permission to have a pet. You will also need to inquire if there are any size restrictions (especially for dogs since some landlords restrict the size of dogs).

7. Can I come to your home to see where the animal will live?

If they are unwilling to let you visit, you should cross them off your list. If they are willing, we strongly recommend that you visit for your own peace of mind. Seeing the other pets (if any) in the household will tell you a lot about the level of care your pet will receive. Also, you might notice something that needs to be taken care of before the adoption occurs. For example, say you are placing a dog who is an escape artist, and you notice the potential adopter’s fence has large holes. Some discussions about repairs could solve the problem, and the repairs can be done before the animal goes to live there.

8. How many hours would the animal be alone during the day?

The number of hours an animal will be alone during the day needs to be taken into account. Young dogs and cats can get very lonely and bored—and consequently very destructive—if they are alone a lot. Many adoptions do not work out because prospective adopters are unaware of their pet’s social needs.

Dogs have an especially hard time being alone for long periods. They are social animals, so they need companionship from the family or another pet. A lonely, bored dog or puppy can chew through the couch, rip up the carpet, or destroy the table legs for something to do. Prospective adopters should be encouraged to make provisions for a young dog if the family is away daily for long hours. There are dog-walking and doggie daycare services in most cities. Perhaps a neighbor or a local retired person could spend some time with the animal.

Cats do not appear to need the same level of social interaction with people that dogs do, but anyone with more than one cat knows what a difference companionship of their kind makes to a cat.

If you are trying to find a home for a dog:

9. Does your home have a yard, and is it completely fenced?

You will want to ensure the yard is completely fenced, with no gaps, so the dog cannot escape. If the prospective adopters do not have a fenced yard, ask how the dog will be safely monitored outdoors.

Do not automatically write off prospective adopters if they do not have a fenced yard. Many people without fenced yards (such as apartment dwellers) are much more conscientious about taking their dogs for walks. Some dogs with a nice fenced yard are outdoor dogs left to fend for themselves most of the time.

10. Will the dog get regular exercise?

Dogs need to get off their home turf at least once a day to sniff, explore, and get some exercise. If the animal you are trying to place is a young, energetic dog, you might want to find out if the prospective adopters are realistic about how much exercise the dog needs. Letting the dog out in the yard a few times a day is often insufficient.

If you are trying to find a home for a cat:

11. Will the cat be an indoor or outdoor cat?

On average, cats that go outside live for about two to three years. They are vulnerable to traffic accidents, attacks by dogs, and accidental or deliberate poisonings. A cat that stays indoors can live up to 20 years. Cats do very well as indoor pets, but some people like to add a cat enclosure onto the house or screen-in porch so that their cats can enjoy the open air and remain protected.

12. Would you consider declawing a cat?

Declawing is a cruel and unnecessary procedure in most cases. Most people just need to be informed about how to accommodate a cat’s need to scratch: getting a scratching post that is the correct height (as tall as the cat when fully extended), clipping the cat’s claws regularly, and giving the cat lots of toys for play and stimulation.

Meeting the Potential Adopter

Once you have the answers to these questions, you will have a pretty good idea about whether the prospective adopter will provide a good home for the pet you are placing. You will need to use your instincts. The next step is to meet the people, see their home, and introduce the animal.

You have some choices about where to introduce the animal. The prospective adopters could come over to your place, you could take the pet to theirs or you could meet on neutral ground, like a park. We advise you not to give up the pet until you have checked the home and living situation. But, if the prospective adopters have another dog and you are placing a dog, a park setting could be a good place to arrange a first meeting. Wherever the meeting takes place, you will want to observe closely how they relate to the pet and how the pet relates to them.

Hopefully, you will be as impressed with them in person as you were on the phone. If you have any doubts, you can either talk to them about your doubts or decide not to adopt them. Do not feel uncomfortable about having doubts – it is fine to be concerned about your pet’s well-being, and any reasonable person understands this. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry. To make a graceful exit without confrontation, you could mention that other people are interested in seeing the pet and that you will get back to them.

Finalizing the Adoption

When you give up the animal, collect your adoption fee, and remember to hand over any medical and vaccination records and any special food, bowls, toys, or bedding. The sample medical record in the sample forms section of this guide can be used as a template if you need to write one up.

Once you have made a match, stay in touch. Call regularly to see how things are going, particularly at the outset. Be careful not to bother the adopters, though. There is a time to let go and allow them to form their bond with the animal.

Some Final Words of Advice and Encouragement

As you go through placing a pet, remember that creativity, persistence, and a positive attitude are usually rewarded. Think about the best possible environment for the pet and explore all your options. Try not to get discouraged, and do not give up after just one or two interviews. Finding a home can take some work and time, but if you persevere, you will surely find a new person for your pet.

If you are trying to place your pet in a new home, you are this pet’s best option for finding a good new home. Since you know the animal, you can provide the most information to prospective adopters, and you can best determine the appropriateness of a new home. Please remember that your dog or cat has been a faithful companion to you, so he/she deserves the best new home you can find. You will sleep better knowing your pet is happy, healthy and safe in a wonderful new home.

Whatever you do, do not abandon your animal. They absolutely do not deserve treatment like this, and you, as their owner, have a responsibility to ensure they are somewhere safe.

We hope the advice in this publication helps you place your pet or an animal you rescued. We understand this may be a difficult and stressful time for you, but we hope you will be patient and give our suggestions time to work.

If you are feeling discouraged, remember: it can be done. People find new homes for pets every single day. With some effort, creativity, and perseverance, you can do it, too. We wish you the very best.

The information contained above is for general guidance on matters of interest only. The Regina Humane Society has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. The Regina Humane Society does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, or reliability of the information contained.