When animal lovers first get a pet, they rarely think that they may one day have to give it away. There come moments in all our lives however, when we have to choose between our beloved pets and something even more important. Even you can make ideas after visiting Animal Farm that how pets are handed over to others.
Reasons for giving away pets vary: some people move to a new home that does not allow pets, others have children who develop allergies, health problems and old age may make it difficult to care for a pet, and sometimes a busy schedule preventing a pet owner from giving the pet all the love, care and attention it deserves.
Whatever the reason may be, pet lovers want their pet to go to a place where it will be loved and cared for, and sometimes putting “to a good home” in the title of an advertising is simply not enough to ease the minds of loving owners. Finding a good home can be a long and stressful process, especially when time is short.
When you have to give away a pet, there are some things to consider in order to make the transition easier for yourself, the new owner, and the pet.
How to Prepare Before Giving Away Your Pet
First of all, have all the information about your pet lovers centre handy and be ready to answer questions. A good new owner will want to know details about your pet such as its birthday, medical history, the records of its shots, whether the pet has been spayed or neutered, de-scented, de-wormed, declawed or sexed. The new owner may also ask you about the pet’s personal habits, their feeding schedule and the diet the pet is used to. A lack of interest in these details, especially when giving away an adult pet, may indicate a potentially negligent owner.
Second, make a list of all of your pet’s things that will come with the pet. Giving away an adult pet’s things with the pet will make the pet feel more at home in a new environment, surrounded by some things it’s used to. New owners may also find it easier to adopt your pet if all the best, tried and true, care items come ready with the pet. Try to provide a crate or container which will make it easier to transport your pet.
Lastly, if giving away young animals, such as kittens or puppies, ensure that they will be at least eight weeks old, fully weaned and will no longer require their mother’s constant care on the day they are to be given away.
How to Find a New Owner for Your Pet
Once all the preparations are complete, you may begin searching for a new owner. Do this well in advance of the day you need your animal gone, or the new owner may not have enough time to prepare for the responsibility of a new pet, and you may not have enough time to properly evaluate potential candidates.
The best way to avoid giving your pet away to someone who might neglect it is by first asking the people you already know and trust. Inquire with family members, friends and co-workers, ask your veterinarian and ask your friends to relay to their friends that you are looking for a loving and responsible new owner for your pet. Giving your pet to someone you know, or someone who has been spoken well of by a friend will put your mind at ease and may give you the opportunity to visit your former pet in its new home.
If you are unable to do that, it’s time to put up an advertising. In your ad, state clearly what kind of an environment you want for your pet, in particular, if giving away a cat or a dog, whether you want your animal to be kept indoors or outdoors. Including pictures will get you more responses and help eliminate disappointments in case of potential owners who are looking for something very specific.
A good method to narrow candidates to serious and responsible is to charge a price for your pet. This may significantly lessen your number of responses, but may help to eliminate owners who do not have the proper motivation, or the means to care for your animal. Whether you charge the price in the end or not is up to you, but it is a good idea to have some screening mechanism in place from the start.
Tips for Interviewing a Candidate New Owner of Your Pet
Once you receive a response, set up a date when the candidate may come to view the animal. Have them meet and watch them interact. Have a list of questions ready when the candidate arrives. It is a good idea to know if he or she has any other pets which may have trouble getting along with your animal, or any very young children who may unknowingly or accidentally mistreat or frighten your pet.
Ask the candidate if he or she has experience caring for your particular species, and in the case of exotic or rare pets, it is not a bad idea to ask a few specific care questions to ensure your pet’s new owner is knowledgeable. Lastly, do not be afraid to ask for references and if your gut instinct tells you that the candidate is not a good match, take a moment to listen to it; often we pick up on important subtle hints about people’s characters subconsciously, without even fully realizing it.
After you have found your pet a good new home, you may want to ask for the new owner’s name and e-mail, or phone number to check in with them in a few weeks and ensure your former pet is adjusting well.