Finding Homes for Pets
You may find yourself in the position of finding new homes for
the animals of someone who has died. There may be cats, dogs, birds
or even horses and other outside animals. Did the late owner
specify his or her wishes for the animals in his or her last will
and testament? If not, the executor will be responsible for finding
loving homes for the pets.
Where to find a good home?
1. Friends, family
and neighbors
A good place to start is by spreading the word to friends, family
and neighbors who may already know the animal and/or the person who
died.
2. Veterinarian
Before you find a home for an animal, make sure the pet's
vaccinations are up to date. The veterinarian may have some
suggestions about placing the animal in a good home or refer you to
a reputable animal rescue organization.
3. Pet Supply Store
A local pet supply store may be able to refer you to a reputable
animal rescue organization. If you're looking to place the animal
yourself, they may have an "Adoptable Animals" board.
4. Local animal shelter, humane society or pet
foster group
Before you choose an animal adoption agency, first pay it a visit
to see if it's a good fit and whether they take good care of their
animals.
- Open access animal shelters take in all stray animals
and are usually county or city shelters.
- Humane societies are private facilities. Some are open
access and others are limited.
- Foster groups are usually volunteer foster parents who
don't have a physical location.
To find a local animal shelter:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals
Petfinder.com
5.
Classifieds
You can post a classified in your local paper or online. Always
interview potential adopters and charge an adoption fee. People who
take in free animals may be less likely to have the pet's best
interests in mind.
Online classifieds:
For household pets: Petfinder.com
For horses: Equinenow.com
What to do when you find a potential good
match
You don't want to give the pet away without checking up that he
or she is going to a good responsible home. Following is a link
with questions you may want to ask to find out if this will be a
suitable new home.
Petfinder.com
