Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) I have a pet that needs another home Assemble a portfolio Include basic details (age, breed, gender, habits, etc), veterinarian records, and photos. Photos tug on people's heart so it is worthwhile to include or make color copies. Include your contact information (email, phone, cell number). Help the new owner. For instance, perhaps your cat will only eat X food, does/does not like certain foods, and will do anything for a particular flavor of a X treat. They may also be particular in what bowl they like to eat from and what time they consider their dinnertime. Provide as much detail as possible. If your pet can carryover some of their habits to their new home, it will make the adjustment go smoother. Also, it is critical that you are honest. If the pet has behavioral or medical problems, include that information. Some problems can be prevented or addressed. It isn't fair to the new owner to discover your dog's disdain for cats too late. Biting histories and behavior with children is especially important. If the pet has a biting history, that needs disclosed as there are liability issues. Owners can try training and limit situations for the pet. Promote your pet Some options include: WJBC.com - See left side of main page, click on "Pet Hotline". This is a registry for lost/found/available pets. Flyers at vet offices, churches, your workplace Co-workers, friends, and family members These methods are especially good for a pet that may be toward the end of their life or have problems that will require extra understanding. Include the basics: age, gender, breed. If under 18 months, then state age in months to emphasize their youth. We strongly encourage you to not publicize the pet as FREE. "Free" presents problems. It often attracts the wrong adopters --- those that won't be willing to spend money on food, vet care, etc when needed, those who easily give the pet away (a pet benefits from a stable life), and those who allow the pet to run loose which certainly endangers the pet. A fee will discourage individuals who may not be committed or who want to sell the pet for research or fighting purposes. People have a tendency not to value what is free. You don't need to list a price at all. If you don't specify a price, then you can discourage unsuitable prospects by naming a price above their means. When the right adopters come along, you can set a reasonable fee to cover your ad expense, or give the pet away. Consider listing "References Required": This prepares callers for the interview you will require. If there are special requirements, it is best to state them in a positive way, as in "kids over 10" instead of "no kids under 10". Meeting prospective adopters We always recommend you meet the individuals before making a decision. It may be ideal to go to their house so you can meet other pets, meet all those in the household and see the living conditions the pet would experience. Check to see if they are allowed to have pets or not where they live. Observe the condition of current pets. Ask for a vet reference. Inquire as to their knowledge, experience with pets. Look for red flags such as a different dog every month, pets that run away, their interaction with current pets, etc. If you have a dog, it is best for dogs to meet at a neutral spot so there are not territorial issues. You might want to consider a park. Choosing a home Trust your instincts!  You don't have to give your pet to anyone. More options In addition to a privately arranged adoption, there are more options to try Original Source: Did you obtain the pet from a shelter or breeder? It is common for both to expect pets to be returned for any reason. McLean County Animal Control: offers an adoption program and can be especially useful if you need immediate help. Other shelters: To find other shelters near you, try this website. Keep in mind that shelters vary drastically in their standard of care, living environments, medical treatment, and human contact with pets. We strongly encourage you to visit a shelter first without the pet. See the pets currently available and the living conditions. Don't just ask questions --- ask to see the medical records for a specific pet. A special note --- many people look for no-kill shelters. There is often a waiting list of a year or more for pets to enter these facilities. Pets can be in this environment for years. Be sure to visit to see the conditions and see if the medical care/socialization is comfortable for you. If so, begin their process. Newspaper listing: See advice on promoting your pet. Rescue Groups: If your pet is a purebred or a mix of a particular breed, a rescue group may be available. This can be a good avenue to pursue as the volunteers and adopters are often more prepared to deal with medical and behavioral issues unique to the breed. To find a rescue group, simply use a search engine such as Google and put in the name of the breed and your state with the word "rescue". Health Matters Have the pet spay/neutered, current on vaccinations and vet visits so the pet is ready to go. Some shelters and some adopters are willing to work with pets with medical issues. Be honest about what they are so the pet can receive the medical care they need and both shelters and adopters can assess whether they are indeed able to care for the pet. Lastly, realize that if your pet is dying finding a shelter or another owner is likely not in the best interest of the pet. The change of living in a group environment or having a new home can be extremely stressful to the pet. An ill pet has few prospects for a home. If you find yourself after knowing the pet, unable to care for it, there may be few strangers willing to take on those responsibilities. For some health problems, your veterinarian, our staff, or a rescue group might be able to provide advice on how to manage the health issue so the pet can remain at home. It would be best for the final days of the pet to be in a home they know with people they know. We realize how difficult it is to experience a pet's death. Euthanasia is a difficult decision but can be a very humane, compassionate act. Many veterinarians will come to your house if you prefer.

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