How to Give Your Animal Away

Making the decision to give away your family pet is never easy and should not be taken lightly. According to the ASPCA, many owners give away their pets because of behavioral problems. If this is the case with your pet, consider seeking help for your pet's behavioral issues before you give up on keeping your pet. With some training you might find your pet is actually your ideal companion. If you can no longer care for your pet, however, take the process of finding it a new home seriously in order to make certain its new accommodations are safe and healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Recent photo of your pet
  • Written description of your pet
  • Veterinary records
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start with your personal contacts. Ideally you will be able to give your pet away to someone you know or someone who can refer you to someone they know personally. Call your friends and family who are pet lovers and explain your situation. Explain the type of home you think would be most suitable for your pet. Ask them to pass your contact information on to anyone they know who might be interested in adopting a new pet.

    • 2

      Place an ad in your local newspaper. Typically these ads begin with a phrase like, "Free to a good home." In the ad describe your pet, including breed, size and temperament. If there are specific situations that would be less than ideal for you pet, say so in the ad. For example, if a home with no children would be best, be certain to include that information. Provide a phone number or email where you can be easily reached.

    • 3

      Prepare a written description of your pet and make a photo available upon request. When potential adopters contact you, ask if you can first send them your description and photo via email or regular post if they are not able to meet you in person to be introduced to your pet. The written description should include information on your pet's medical status, any ongoing medical needs it might have, age, breed, activities your pet enjoys, any obedience training or other classes your pet has completed and any other information you think might be helpful for a new owner to know. Try to set your pet and its new owner up for success by providing a complete history and unbiased assessment of your pet.

    • 4

      Screen all potential adopters carefully, even if they are friends or family members. Whenever possible, visit the home where you pet would be living before surrendering it to its new family. Bring your pet with you on this in-home visit to see how it behaves around his potential new family and home. If the potential adopter is not well known to you, it is OK to ask for references. Make certain the potential adopter has the time and finances necessary to care for a new pet.