Pet Classifieds: Why “Free Pets” and Classifieds Aren’t the Safe Bet

You’ve probably seen the posts: “Free to good home,” or adorably small puppies listed on pet classified sites or social media, maybe even a purebred with AKC papers attached. It’s tempting, fast, and no adoption hoops to jump through.

But here’s the thing: classifieds are hit-or-miss at best. There’s usually no vetting, no context, and no safety net if something goes wrong. And AKC papers? It doesn’t guarantee ethical breeding or even a healthy dog. It just means the dog’s parents were a certain breed and someone paid a fee. That’s it. And there are a lot of pet adoption scams to be wary of on pet classified sites.

Meanwhile, shelters, rescues, and humane societies are overflowing with pets who need homes. These pups come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and breeds. There are puppies and purebreds, and some are even trained, but all are definitely deserving.

Adopting isn’t just a feel-good move; it’s the smarter, safer choice and it helps reduce the cycle of pet overpopulation. And yeah, there are stricter pet adoption requirements, so it might take a little time and paperwork. But finding your BFF through adoption is worth it. Because you’re not just getting a pet. You’re giving a dog a second shot at a real home.

Are you looking to rehome your pet safely?

Rehome by Adopt a Pet is a peer-to-peer service that allows pet parents to post their pets on AdoptaPet.com for millions of potential adopters to see. The site also provides pet parents with the tools they need to choose the right new family for their pet.

We know that you care about pets’ safety as much as we do, and we want you to join us for this Rehome challenge. Head over to Facebook groups, Craigslist, NextDoor, or any other site you’ve seen with “free to a good home” posts. Reply to the posts with a link to Rehome by Adopt a Pet. Then you can copy and paste the following text: “If you need to find a new home for your pet, try Rehome by Adopt a Pet — the safer and reliable way to rehome!”