The name "free to a good home," is borrowed from the traditional term describing a pet or pets available to a good home. Like many things in today's society, the use of the term "free" usually has a catch. petstoAgoodhome.com believes that a pet should be adopted as a companion and that "price" determining factors are often overrated methods of selecting a pet.

Individuals listing their pets for adoption provide the animals expecting a reasonable "care" reimbursement fee. At the parties sole discretion, it is reasonable to refund all or part of the cost assumed by the previous guardian, for spay/neuter, vaccination and any other relevant "care" expenses.

Most agencies and shelters are non-profit organizations and utilize donations to provide food, shelter, medical testing, spaying/neutering and vaccinating sheltered or rescued pets. When you adopt a pet from these agencies or shelters you are expected to refund in whole or part of the expenses incurred. Often referred to as an "Adoption Fee" or "Donation," these fees assist in the uninterrupted supply of food and services for the animals.

We support reimbursement in whole and when economic situations permit, an additional donation to the agency or association for further care of other animals.

The process of pet adoption is relatively simple. It is suggested individuals placing pets for adoption develop a screening method to determine the suitability of the new "parent." If you are uncomfortable determining a suitable candidate, contact your local Humane Society, SPCA, shelter or rescue. They have forms and suggestions and may even agree to assist in the adoptive efforts, especially if they know you are as concerned as they are with facilitating a successful adoption. Whomever you choose to assist in the adoption effort, offer to make a donation to their organization.

If you are adopting from an organization, you might feel like the paperwork involved and selective screening process ranks up there with getting a home mortgage. These organizations have developed processes that discourage adoptions to animal resellers and collectors. Additionally, as much as they may want to see you back again for another pet, they don't want to see you back again to return the pet you've just adopted. Though most organizations have friendly return policies, their screening processes are fundamentally designed to avoid a poor pet or parent selection in the first place.

There are two classes of licensed animal resellers. Class A licensee's deal only in animals that they breed and raise. Class B licensees include brokers, operators of auction sales, and "bunchers." "Bunchers" supply dealers with dogs, cats, and other regulated animals collected from random sources.

According to the most recent data from the USDA, there are 2996 Class A licensed dealers and 1047 Class B licensed dealers. The APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) estimates that fewer than 40 of the licensed Class B dealers supply dogs and cats to research.

Nevertheless, you may be exposing your pet to animal resellers who don't intend to provide a loving home for your pet. There are several deterrents and screening methods you should consider before placing your pet into the hands of an unknown individual. You can review the Protective Adoptions section for more information.

petstoAgoodhome.com is a free service for you that is designed to be good for pets. We do not suggest you give a pet away for free. Most pets require an adoption fee. Be careful when placing pets for adoption. Screen new homes carefully, ask to visit the home, or check out references.