2.  If someone calls about your free pet(s) and wants more than one or two, be very suspicious!  Most people do not adopt more than two pets at one time.  There are people who "collect" free pets and then sell them for medical research or use them for cruel, inhumane purposes.  Screen your callers very carefully.

3.  Ask lots of questions!  It is important to know the type of living conditions your pet(s) will be in.  If possible, take your pet(s) to their home.  Be sure and take someone along with you for safety precautions.  This may help you to make a good decision about a home for your pet.  Seeing where they will live will tell you a lot about the owner.

4.  Ask them if they have other animals.  If so, ask them who their Vet is.  If they do not have a Vet, you may want to ask how they are taking care of their current animals.  If they provide you a name of their Vet, ask them if they would mind if you called them for a reference.  (This may seem a bit pushy for some, and if so, just ask to see current vaccination papers on their current pets.) Those who are wanting to provide a good home for your pet will understand your concern.

5.  Trust your instincts!  If anything seems peculiar about the situation or you don't feel comfortable with the person you are speaking to, find someone else!

6.  Once you have found a suitable home for your pet(s), make sure and get their phone number and address and be sure and call the very next day to see if things are going well.  Continue to call for about a week.

7.  Offer to take your pet(s) back if after a few days things aren't working out!  This will help reduce the number of pets taken into local shelters and rescues.