Craigslist is an excellent place to post and advertise dogs in need of homes.
Shelters and rescue groups should definitely be posting dogs on Craigslist. If they don’t, they’re missing out on a huge market of dog lovers.
Unfortunately, the site has gotten a bad rap lately in the animal rescue world, but there is no proof that animals re-homed through Craigslist are more likely to go to abusive homes.
It’s another one of those animal rescue myths we’re all too familiar with.
The following are some of my examples on why I believe Craigslist is such a valuable tool for re-homing dogs. Whether you agree or disagree, I hope you’ll add your thoughts in the comments.
Craigslist helps more dogs find loving homes.
Whenever I foster a dog or a cat, I always post the animal to Craigslist every other week or so. Why wouldn’t I? It’s free publicity, and it gets the animal in front of pet lovers who are already looking to adopt pets.
The rescue groups have screening processes in place for all adopters, so it shouldn’t matter where the adopters are coming from initially. Craigslist helps get the dogs in front of more people.
Last week I asked on That Mutt’s Facebook page if any of you use Craigslist to find homes for shelter or rescue animals. Anna Sieh said she advertises all of her foster dogs on Craigslist too because it’s a free way to get them noticed.
Makes sense to me!
Craigslist helps people re-home their pets on their own
If we want to stop killing so many healthy dogs and cats in U.S. shelters, one step is to prevent pets from entering shelters in the first place.
Since shelters and rescue groups are already stretched to their limits, many of them can’t or won’t accept incoming animals from individuals. So, they turn these animals away.
Well, what are people supposed to do if they have to re-home their pets?
Thankfully, Craigslist can help match people up with other loving pet owners, allowing them to have an easier time finding new homes for their pets. This cuts back on the number of dogs and cats that are surrendered to open-admission shelters.
It’s a great resource to find a dog to adopt
When I’m ready to adopt another pet, of course I’m going to be checking Craigslist.
I adopted Ace directly through his previous owner (versus going to a shelter or rescue) and it was a very positive experience for me. I got to meet him, ask a lot of questions, observe his behavior and eventually take home the world’s best dog for free.
See my post on how to get a dog from Craigslist.
A lot of people use Craigslist!
Really, what it comes down to is pretty much everyone reading this post uses Craigslist or other online classified advertising. This is because it’s the fastest and easiest way to get information!
The blog Beyond Breed has a well-researched post about re-homing pets on Craigslist, and the post pointed out some facts about internet users and online classified ads.
For example, the post cited research from the Pew Internet and American Life Project that said Craigslist is the most popular classified advertising website in the United States. No surprise there!
The research also said:
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- people ages 25 to 44 are the most likely to use online classified ads, but even 48 percent of 45- to 54-year-olds use the ads
- 56 percent of adults with household incomes of at least $50,000 use online classified ads
- 54 percent of college graduates use online classified ads
[/check_list]
People are using Craigslist already, and the numbers are going to keep growing. We might as well use this to our advantage when trying to advertise dogs in need of good homes.
Craigslist does not increase the risk of attracting abusive homes.
There is no proof that dogs adopted out through Craigslist are more likely to go to abusive homes or to homes that will neglect them. If anyone has some research on this topic, please let me know. I think the concept is a complete myth.
Yes, there are a few isolated incidents that are very sad and unfortunate, and these have of course been blown way out of proportion.
We simply don’t hear about all the wonderful people adopting dogs and cats through Craigslist every day because these stories are boring and ordinary.
I want to hear your stories
I am interested in writing a post featuring people who adopted pets through Craigslist. Please email me at Lindsay@ThatMutt.com if you’d like to share your story.
How do the rest of you feel about Craigslist and using it to attract good homes?
Ashleigh
Thursday 29th of September 2016
We don't really have Craigslist in Europe but I adopted Archie from his previous owners through a similar website, gumtree.com. I liked that I was able to meet him at his home and meet the whole family, meaning I could see how he was with them, and understand his background. I made sure I brought a friend with me for safety (and to make sure my heart didn't total rule my head) but I think seeing him at home and being able to ask lots of questions was really helpful. He was really well cared for and loved, but sadly his first family just didn't have the ability to look after him anymore. He came with a full folder of instructions, his own bed, toys, etc. which I think made it easier for him to settle in.
I would definitely use it again - not least because many shelters wouldn't let me adopt as a single woman who works full time.
scott wollins
Wednesday 28th of September 2016
I got my fur-son from Craigslist -4 1/2 years later he is my joy - there was no fee - only issue was last owner did not know he is ME (Mega-Esophagus) special needs dog - but she did not know that...
KA
Monday 11th of April 2016
I got my dog from Craigslist from a very nice family who were in tough financial times. They used Craigslist to put out feelers to see if they could possibly find a good home for their dog. The dog was healthy, vaccinated, trained and neutered, and the poor people were heartbroken to give him up. I keep in touch and send them photo updates once or twice a year. He's such a good dog and it was nice to have lots of information from his family (who adopted him from the pound as a pup six years prior). At the time I knew I wanted another dog, but couldn't really find one that fit the bill from a rescue. We took our dog to meet him, and a few days later his people dropped him off so they could see where we lived. He's such a great dog and we're lucky to have found him. I would never condone craigslist for buying puppies, but it's a great way to promote rescue animals and for people looking to rehome pets. Craigslist is great for many things!
AuntSue
Tuesday 27th of May 2014
Our area has a local radio station that hosts an on-line classified ads for free. They are a great place for rehoming dogs. I fostered my niece's Brittany spaniel when she was down in bed for 4 months with a difficult pregnancy. I made sure the dog was up to date with shots and was neutered. I posted her at midnight and had a call at 10 am. The adopter was a high school history teacher with 3 young girls. Their home backed onto open hills and they had been looking for a Brittany for 2 years. Perfect match. They were happy to pay for the shots and spay, and everyone was happy. Last year I needed a rat terrier to deal with a horrible mouse problem. I took a free dog that needed a new home because they couldn't take her with them. She got rid of the mice, a much better diet and daily walks. Win all around.
greyskytoday
Saturday 24th of May 2014
Craigslist is where I found my dog (rehomed from someone who adopted him from the pound a few days before) and he is very well taken care of. I love Craigslist! I would never support BYB's by purchasing any puppies from Craigslist or anywhere else. I flag those immediately.
Lindsay Stordahl
Sunday 25th of May 2014
Glad to hear you found a great dog through Craigslist.