Has anyone ever heard of petfinder horror stories?

Question

Has anyone ever heard of petfinder horror stories?

I found 4 abandoned kittens, and I put an advert in the classifieds in there. Has anyone ever heard of awful ppl adopting these pets and using them for reasons other then being a companion for their family. I got some emails and they all sound very similar, almost like its the same person sending these emails from diff. email addresses. 1 even wants me to ship a kitten to California, I live in FLORIDA! Why would someone do that when there r prolly thousands of kittens in his area? I don't really have a good feeling about this, what do you think?>

Answer 1

Either look around your office or have your husband look around his and see if anyone is interested in kittens. Ask family and friends if they know someone. Post info on the kittens at pet shops, grooming places, vet clinics, etc. I really wouldn't go for the people that are emailing you with bogus info. IF YOUR GUT IS TELLING YOU SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT, THEN YOU ARE RIGHT ! TRUST IT!

Good luck, I'm glad your helping some kitties out

Answer 2

I think that what you are getting emails from is a scam for you to give them money - they offer to adopt the kittens, but you have to come up with some of the money.  This is a scam that has been going on for a long time.  Usually, people who use animals, especially free kittens for sick purposes can find them for free, in their neighborhood.

The Petfinder classifieds is nationwide, and I don't think too many animals actually gets adopted through it, especially not kittens.  Its better to put up advertisements in your local papers, grocery store, and other local spots that contains ads.  

Thank you so much for taking in these kittens!  they are sure to have a better life now, than before you found them!

Added after reading additional comments:

-I would use a price of $20, and a return of money once proof that the kittens are fixed

-and, as for humane societies, ask if you can foster the kittens for a chance that the kittens be placed on a shelters petfinder website or a similiar website.  Or if you can even bring the kittens to an adoption event.   this time of year, shelters are overflowing with kittens and they don't have enough room.

Answer 3

I like petfinder a lot but I don’t think private individuals should advertise their pets on it for those very reasons.  I do, however, think it is a particularly useful tool for shelters and rescue groups to use.  That way when someone contacts them they are then able to screen the applicants first.

Never, ever offer an animal for free. That sends the message that it is of no value, and some people out there might treat it as such.

Contact a shelter or rescue group in your area and ask them to help you find homes.  They can help with some veterinary costs and you can ‘foster’ them while the shelter places the ad on petfinder and screens the applicants.  It is nice if you also give a donation to the shelter or group that helps you with this, as they are not for profit and always hurting for money.

Answer 4

Yes, there are people looking to "adopt" free kittens for bad uses.  There are people called bunchers who round up free cats, dog, kittens, and puppies, and then sell them to research labs for around $25 a head.  And of course there are those looking for very small kittens to feed to large snakes.  Another group of people are looking for live bait to train fighting dogs.  

This is why it's important to charge a small adoption fee for your kittens.  It makes it unprofitable for the bunchers and others to take your kittens for their own uses.   And if something about someone raises some uneasy feelings, then don't adopt to them.  It is best to ask for references, including a vet reference - and then check them!  Otherwise your kittens may very well end up in the wrong hands.  

Answer 5

You should only adopt them out to people in your area and request that they have resources and/or for you to visit their house and see if they'd be a good home. Ask all the questions you can think of. If something doesn't sound right, don't let them adopt. Ask an adoption fee just like the shelter would (but if you're not spay/neutering them and getting them shots before they leave your care, don't ask too much). I would suggest between $30-50 adoption fee. $45 would be best for kittens if you give them toys to take home the kittens with. (You don't want to ask too much especially since they're just regular tom cats) Never ship a kitten. Have it either as you drop the kitten off (so you can see the home) or have them come and pick it up after everything is checked. You should also try putting an add in your local newspaper so, you can get more people from your area. Good luck.  

Answer 6

if someone doesnt sound right to you, i wouldnt respond to them.  petfinder can be a great amazing tool to use.  I got my dog there 7 years ago or so.  a shelter advertised him and we drove and got him.  he is still great.  i wouldnt ship any sort of animal that far.  it makes it hard to inspect them.  I would list a series of questions that seem a little excessive even to scare off people who arent serious.

there are some sick people out there so i dont doubt other intentions.

I wish you the best of luck.  and I would reccomend only letting a local adopt.

Answer 7

I think that your best option would be to take them to a no kill shelter, where they are going to make sure they find good and loving homes.  Unless you have an application process, where you check these people out, you will never know. If you do decide to go about it yourself, try charging a small re-homing fee.  This may weed out the ones with good and bad intentions.    

I'm sure that someone wanting to ship them across the country doesn't have the best intentions, so that is definitely something I would stay away from.