Craigslist.org is an online forum where users can place classified ads for just about anything. The site allows users to post ads to re-home, but not to sell, pets of all kinds. While thousands of users peruse this resource daily, giving your ad a lot of exposure to potential adopters, you'll have to carefully screen candidates to ensure that your furry friend receives a good home.
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Place the Ad
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Craigslist allows users to post ads online for free with or without an account, using a valid email address. Post your ad in the city you live in or the city closest to you. Place your ad in the "community" section of the website. Include several clear pictures of your pet to give potential adopters a good idea of what he looks like. List your pet's age, physical characteristics, vaccinations and information about his temperament. State that you will charge a small re-homing fee, around $50, for your pet. This discourages potential animal abusers, those involved in dog fighting and hoarders from responding to your ad, warns Forgotten Felines of Toledo.
Question Potential Adopters
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Craigslist users can respond to your ad directly, via email or phone. Ask potential adopters why they want to adopt your pet and what kind of home they can provide for him. Question them about their past experience caring for a pet similar to yours, especially if you are trying to re-home a pet with behavioral issues or an exotic pet who requires special care, such as a reptile or parrot. Rule out potential adopters who give you vague or sketchy answers about why they want the pet.
Perform a Home Check
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Request a home visit with a potential adopter. If an adopter refuses, don't re-home your pet with her, as she may have something to hide or may have improper intentions for your pet. Never go alone to a potential adopter's home, for safety's sake; bring along a friend. Ensure the home's clean and safe; ask if the adopter has the approval of her landlord to have a pet like yours, if she rents; request the contact information for the landlord to confirm this. If the potential adopter has young children or other pets, re-home your pet with her only if you feel your pet will get along with them and will be safe in their company.
Re-Home and Follow Up
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Bring your pet to the home of the adopter. Allow the pet to interact with the potential adopter and family. If all goes well, explain your pet's routine to the adopter so she can use it to ease his transition into his new home. Have the adopter sign a contract stating that you will take the pet back if things don't work out. Accept the adoption fee in cash or through an electronic payment service. Give the adopter copies of your pet's veterinary records. Check back with the new owner after a week to determine if the pet is doing well. Delete your ad from craigslist; ads automatically expire within seven to 45 days.
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