Thanks to Shell at Animal Spirit for this information - alternatespirit@yahoo.com

Alert: "Free to Good Home" Ads are a bad idea!

You can use this letter when you see "Free to Good Home" ads on
Craig's List, Freecycle, online newspapers or classifieds, etc. You
can also reword this letter to send to your local newspapers and
request that they not run "Free to Good Home" ads without a warning.

The permanent URL for this sample letter is:
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/free1.html

SAMPLE LETTER:

Hello,

I'm writing to you because you posted [animal listed] on [where you
saw the listing].

It is important to make you aware that there are unscrupulous people
who operate in rings to collect cats, dogs and other animals for
abusive situations. The danger is that these people appear to be
animal lovers and could easily fool you. They sometimes bring
children to portray a "perfect family" image. Therefore, it is
important to check all references, including a veterinarian
reference, and do a home check BEFORE releasing an animal into a
stranger's care. Follow-up checks are also necessary.

What Could Happen To An Animal From A "Free To Good Home" Ad?

- Tortured or killed by animal abusers
- Sold to research labs for experiments
- Used as bait for fighting dogs
- Victims of neglect
- Used as free food for snakes or other animals

Tips On Finding A Good Home:

- Ask a trusted source, such as your veterinarian, for a
recommendation.

- Animals should be spayed or neutered before adoption.

- Never use a "Free To Good Home" ad. Animals given away in these ads
are easy targets for abuse and neglect. Contact your local newspaper
and ask them to run a warning about placing "Free To Good Home" ads.

- Beware of "bunchers!" A buncher is a person who either steals
or "adopts" for the purpose of selling the animal (e.g. medical
research labs, bait to train dogs for fighting rings, breeding stock
for puppy mills or catteries). Bunchers can be very deceptive. They
will sometimes use children as part of the ploy and present
themselves as a "perfect family." Beware of ads in the paper that say
something similar to: "Looking for a new home for your pet? We can
help. We will pick up your pet and find it a new home. Call now!" If
something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

- Be honest about medical history & behavior. The goal is to find a
good, permanent home. The adoption will not work if you misrepresent
the animal.

- Screen people very carefully over the phone and check all
references before proceeding. The best reference is from a
veterinarian. It's easy for a person to list their friends, who may
not be honest, as references.

- Some individuals and rescues screen people based on appearance.
This is not a safe way to find a home. You cannot tell if a person is
responsible and caring by the way s/he looks.

- Ask for identification. Copy down the full name, address, and phone
number. Also copy the driver's license number and car license plate
tags.

- Do a home check before you agree to adopt out the animal and, when
it is time, bring the animal to their new home. Never let someone
take the animal from you to an unknown location.

- All applicants should complete an adoption application and, if the
adoption is approved, sign an adoption contract.

- Require a reasonable adoption fee or a donation to a chosen animal
organization. Never give the animal away for free, but do not charge
an exorbitant fee or try to profit from the adoption.

- Cats should be adopted to people who will provide a strictly indoor
home and will not declaw.

- A dog should not be adopted out as a "guard dog" or an "outside
dog."

- Ask to take a picture of the person with their new adoption.

- Call a few times during the first few weeks to make sure all is
going well. Make yourself available to give advice and support.

- Do not turn the animal over to a stranger. If you can't find a good
home, locate a reputable no-kill shelter or rescue where you know the
animal will be safe. Please use shelters and rescues as a last
resort; the majority are already overwhelmed with abandoned animals.

Sample Adoption Application:
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/sample1.html

Sample Homecheck Form:
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/homecheck.html

Sample Adoption Contract:
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/sample.html

Thank you for taking the time to read this information. Feel free to
contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - Apr. 23, 2005