How to screen an adopter safely

You're choosing a home your pet will live in for years, so it's worth taking a little time over it. Screening isn't about looking for reasons to turn people down. It's a friendly conversation to find out whether this is the right match, for them and for your pet.

Read the first message

A good first message usually mentions your pet by name, says something about the person's home and life, and asks a real question. When people fill in "About my home" (their other pets, children, yard or garden and experience with pets), you'll see it in the email we send you.

Be wary of messages that skip your pet entirely, push to move off the site straight away, or mention shipping, agents or payments before you've even spoken. Our guide to avoiding pet scams covers the common scripts.

Talk before you meet

A phone or video call saves time for everyone, and you'll learn a lot in ten minutes. Keep it relaxed: you're looking for reasons to say yes, not reasons to say no. Questions worth asking:

Have you had pets before? What happened to them?
Who lives at home, including children and other pets? Is everyone on board?
Do you own or rent? If you rent, does your lease allow pets?
How many hours a day would the pet be alone? Where would they sleep?
How would you handle accidents in the house, or habits like chewing or pulling on the leash?
Do you have a vet?
What would you do if it didn't work out?

Take notes, especially if several people get in touch. Listen for how they talk about animals as much as for the answers themselves.

Checks that are reasonable to ask for

A landlord's OK if they rent: a line in the lease, or a message from the landlord.
Their vet's name, so you can check they look after the pets they already have.
A look at where your pet will live: a few photos or a short video call of the home and yard is plenty.

Most good adopters are happy to help with these. If someone gets annoyed at a reasonable question, that tells you something too.

Meet safely

Meet somewhere public the first time, like a park or a pet store, or bring a friend along. Never go to a stranger's home alone.
Dogs often meet best on a walk together. Cats usually settle better if the meeting is at home, yours or theirs.
Ask everyone who will live with your pet to come, including children.
If they have a dog, plan a calm introduction on neutral ground. Cats are best introduced slowly, after the move.
Watch how they treat your pet, and how your pet reacts to them.

Saying yes, and saying no

Trust your instincts. If it feels right, it probably is. If it doesn't, it's fine to say no, and you don't have to give a reason. Something short and kind works:

"Thank you so much for your interest in Bella and for taking the time to talk. I've decided to go with another family, but I really appreciate it, and I hope you find the perfect pet."

The handover

Use the free adoption agreement. Your account has a printable agreement for each of your pets, already filled in with their details. Print two copies, fill in the blanks together, and both sign.
Send their things along. Vet and vaccination records, a bag of their usual food, and familiar toys and bedding make the move easier.
Transfer the microchip to the new owner, so the chip company has their details.
Agree what happens if it doesn't work out. Ask them to come back to you first, rather than taking your pet to a shelter.
Mark your pet as adopted in your account, so people stop writing.

After the adoption

A friendly check-in after a week or two is welcome in most new homes, and a photo of your pet settling in can mean a lot. If the new family says it isn't working, take the time to understand why: sometimes a little advice is all they need, and sometimes it's best for your pet to come back while you look again.

More help: How to avoid pet scams · How to rehome a pet responsibly · List your pet for free