Adopting out a pet (petfinder)

[ampad]

What do you look for when adopting out a pet? I listed a puppy on petfinder and I am a little uneasy about one of the e-mail exchanges I am getting from a potential pet parent. I tried to place the dog with someone I know, however, that did not work out. I am going to conduct interviews and all. Some of my family members think I am crazy to want to interview people but I am insist on doing so. What are some red flags to look for when conducting interviews? The reason he is being adopted out is because circumstances have changed in my home and I do not want to get into that right now. I just want to find the best home for this puppy because he deserves that. Thank you in advance.

[hamsterjill]

1. Ask for veterinarian references

If the potential adopter can give a vet reference, that's a plus. And DO call and ask the vet about the adopter. Most vets will respect this process and either speak with you themselves, or pass a message through their staff to you.

[la_chupa]

2. references and a gut feeling

When I contacted the breeder for the puppy I have now, she wanted references. After talking to her and sending her some pictures of us with the dog we had who had just died though she didn't bring it up again. We wanted a dog who would run with me, play frisbee in the yard, go hiking, spend weekends at the cabin in the mountains...basically I described Aussie heaven and she liked what she heard. Everything turned out great.

Which is beside the point, I'd say that really if you have a bad feeling about someone don't let them have your puppy.

[Lorien]

3. Charge something for the puppy

animal bundlers search online for "free to good home" pets. They then turn around and sell the animals to research facilities. You might try placing the puppy through a reputable no kill shelter.

[ampad]

4. Thanks everyone

I will be checking out vets and charging an adoption fee. I really feel crappy about charging a fee because he was free. Someone left a bunch of sick puppies on our property some months ago and he was the only one that survived. I listed him on petfinder and so far I do not feel comfortable with any of the three people who have e-mailed me. I had one guy ask me to ship the puppy to South Carolina. I told him no way as I had to meet him first. Why would someone want you to ship a puppy across the country? Don't they have shelters in South Carolina? Thanks again.