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Never say Free to Good Homes

Unscrupulous dealers scan these advertisements and send wives or girl-friends, perhaps with a child, to collect the unwanted puppy or kitten. They are careful to present a respectable image, they tell a very plausable story and can be very persuasive. These animals are then sold on to research laboratories, the fur trade, for dog-fighting, and other lucrative reasons.

NEVER USE THE WORDS "FREE TO GOOD HOMES".

A suitable alternative might be: "GOOD HOMES WANTED FOR ..."

NEVER LET ANYONE COLLECT AN ANIMAL FROM YOUR HOME

Take the name and address and visit the prospective home FIRST - without the animal.

If the home seems suitable then deliver the animal yourself on an 'approval or return' basis. Make it clear that you intend to visit at a later date - the DO visit.

IF A CALLER'S FIRST QUESTION IS "HOW MUCH?"

QUOTE A FEE:

Only when you are happy to leave the pet in the new home sould you waive the payment.

WHAT IS AN UNSUITABLE HOME?

* Homes near busy roads are especially bad for cats.

* Homes where there is a reluctance to have the animal speyed/neutered once it reaches the required age (kittens - over 4 months, puppies - about 7 months).

* A home without an enclosed garden might pose problems for dogs since they roam. Ask whether the prospective owner will ensure that the dog is always on a lead and not allowed to roam.

* A home with a large or aggressive dog might be unsuitable for a young kitten. Homes where young children could ill-treat animals, especially small or young animals.

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER

A person responding to an advertisement on impulse may not have fully understood the implications of owning a puppy or kitten. The problems of house training/litter training; damage to furniture from teeth and claws; the cost of injections; vets fees; neutering/speying may not have been considered. It is important, therefore, that the prospective owner is made aware of these issues and has the resources, patience and commitment to cope with them.

Look ahead - do not home a puppy that is likely to grow too large or boisterous with, elderly people since they cannot give the animal sufficient exercise when it is fully grown.

Take time to assess the needs of both the prospective owner as well as the animal needing a home.

Ask how long the animal will be left on it's own. Advise new owners to keep their animal in sight as much as possible, especially after dark, for although animals can be stolen at any time, more are stolen when it's dark. A lock on gates should be safe from people breaking it.

For further information on pet care, neutering/spaying, good pet ownership - contact National Petwatch, Cats Protection League, PDSA, RSPCA.