Weare Animal Guardians, Inc. (W.A.G.)receives a large number of requests for assistance. We can only accept a limited number of animals due to space limitations. If you ask for assistance for your pet through W.A.G., you will be placed on a waiting list and will be notified if space becomes available. Currently, all of our space is full and we have a long waiting list.
We strongly recommend that you work to place your pet on your own, as well as seek the assistance of others.
Please refer to the suggestions below.
· Things You Can Do:
- First, be sure your pet is spayed/neutered and is up to date on all his/her vaccinations. This will make it easier for you to find a new home for your pet.
- Complete a "Pet Profile". Be honest about your pet’s "good" and "bad" traits. You want a union that lasts, and that can only happen if everyone knows what to expect.
- Take several color photos of your pet --- showing your pet’s cutest and most endearing qualities. Have copies made in order to make multiple posters.
- Write a story about your pet. Include the reason your pet needs a new home, the kind of home he/she needs and would do well in. Also add some "human interest" information – for example, your pet’s funniest behaviors, his/her favorite things to do, or the thing you love the most about your pet. Many people write the story from the animal’s perspective, for example, "Hi, my name is Charlie. I’m looking for a new home because my mom is allergic to me. I’m going to miss her, but she’s promised to find me somebody who likes to play and will love cuddling with me as much as she does"
- Put up posters in veterinarians’ offices, churches, pet supply stores, and the companies where you, your friends and family members work. An appealing photo of your pet helps! (See "Sample Poster")
- Talk to everyone you know. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a good home for your pet. The more people you reach, the more chances you have to find the right home.
- Contact other humane societies for assistance in placing your pet. (See attached list)
- Run ads in local papers.
- Use the "How to Place Your Pet" information listed below.
How to Place Your Pet
The best possible outcome for you and your pet is to find your pet a loving new home
without him or her ever having to leave their current environment.
- When placing an ad DON’T say "FREE" or "FREE TO GOOD HOME". This is a red flag to unscrupulous people that says
you will not ask for a fee for your pet and that you will not screen them carefully! State only that the animal "NEEDS A HOME".
Many experts strongly suggest that you charge a fee. Even $15 to $30 will discourage someone who would take your pet for free to re-sell for an inhumane purpose, including laboratory testing. Others suggest that you deliver the pet to the home. This gives you the opportunity to experience the atmosphere where your pet will be living firsthand. Other ideas include asking to see a driver’s license and checking references. Ask for the phone number of their vet and call.
- Finding the right person: -- Ask prospective owners lots of questions. Have they had pets before? What happened to them?
(If many of their pets have "disappeared", "run away", or have been "hit by cars" this is NOT a good home for your pet.) If your pet has always been kept indoors will they do the same? Will the animal be allowed to sleep in the house or on the furniture? (If your pet has always been allowed to do this, it is an important issue.) Does everyone in the household know about and want this pet? If there is a landlord, does he/she approve? Are they apt to move around a lot? What will happen to the pet if they move? Are there children or other pets, and how will they take to the newcomer?
Screen extensively over the phone before you allow the prospective new owner to see the animal. It is a lot easier to turn someone down over the phone. Be sure that they will comply with any conditions that you have set (prohibitions against declawing, keeping the animal indoors, etc.)
You owe it to your friend to find out as much as possible about how the prospective owner will treat him as you possibly can. Explain that your pet is important to you and that you want to know if you may call or come by for a visit. It is best if you can make an agreement with the adoptive owner that they will return the pet to you if things do not work out. This assures that your pet will not be passed on to another, perhaps less desirable home, turned into a shelter where they will likely be euthanized, or worse -- abandoned!
3. Observe the potential new owner with your pet. How does the person act toward you pet? How does your pet respond? You do not have to allow someone to adopt your pet because they have come to see him, or you have brought him to their home. If you don’t want to risk offending them simply state that you need to think it over and will contact them. It is helpful to tell them in advance that this is only a trial meeting, and that you will get back to them later. You can make the excuse that others want to see your pet as well.
4. When you do place your pet, follow up with a friendly call in a couple of days to see how he is adjusting. You will feel better having checked on your old friend, and the adoptive owner is usually glad to have the chance to report how their new friend is doing.
5. Your pet is entirely dependent on you to be sure that he is going to a good home. Odds are that such a home won’t be found overnight, but with patience and a bit of effort it can be done. If you take the time to do it right you will be spared any guilty feelings, and your furry friend will be grateful.