How to Find a Free Pet or Adopt One

Adult dogs often need homes and make wonderful companions.

Finding a pet for free or for a reasonable adoption fee is possible in nearly every city, but what pet best suits your lifestyle? Fish require little attention while dogs need a lot. And Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T., ASPCA Companion Animal Programs Advisor, National Shelter Outreach, advises when considering getting a cat, "Time must be found in hectic schedules for grooming, feeding and interactive play." This ensures both you and your pet can live a happy and healthy life as the perfect companions.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Telephone
• Computer with Internet

Instructions

Look Local

1. 

   Many people give kittens away for free.

   Search the classifieds section of your local newspaper to see if anyone is giving away or selling a pet you like. Call or email the person to see if the pet is still available.

2. 

   Check Craigslist in or near your city for adoptable pets looking for new homes. People often advertise on this site because it is free and communication is handled via email.

3. 

   Look online for local animal shelters. Most post pictures and descriptions of adoptable pets.

4. Ask local pet stores if there is an upcoming adoption fair. This allows you to meet the pet and its foster owner in person.

5. Search national pet-placing websites such as Petfinder.com for animals in need of a new home. The site also offers articles about pet owning and a variety of information on pet health and training.

6. 

   Call or drop in to local veterinarians' offices. They normally have bulletin boards of pets in need of new homes.

7. Contact local kennels (boarding houses for pets while the owners are at work or on vacation) to see if they know of any pets up for adoption. Like the vets' offices, these businesses often have bulletin boards announcing adoptable pets.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a list of important questions to ask when you find a pet you like. It is easy to become excited about owning a pet and in turn end up taken for your money, especially via the Internet. Make sure to ask about vaccination papers, health, special needs, house training, etc.

• Pet owning is a job as well as an investment. Understand that keeping a happy and healthy pet takes time and money.

References

• Petfinder: Adopting the Right Cat for You

Resources

• Petfinder