Removal of Petfinder Pets in Need of Homes Classified Section

After years of enjoying the benefits of Petfinder.com as an effective adoptions networking page, we have become increasingly concerned with the fact that Petfinder is now facilitating the frequent exchange of unaltered pets.

The Post an ad tab says that all postings for Adoptable Pets will be reviewed before appearing on the website. Clearly, the ads are not being reviewed. People are abusing the site and posting pets for adoption that are actually for sale if you email and ask about the fee.

Pets are also changing hands with zero screening process; not to mention the fact that many of these pets are not up to date on shots or heartworm preventative and are not spayed or neutered. No where on the classified page does it mandate that posted pets must be spayed or neutered before changing hands, nor does it mandate that the fee be clearly posted with information about what vet care the pet has had.

This contradicts the mission of Petfinder and threatens the credibility of legitimate rescue and animal welfare organizations. Based on Petfinders reputation, people who adopt from Petfinder postings assume it is only via legitimate rescues and rescuers.

As Petfinder rescuers and members of the animal rescue community, we are officially requesting that you remove this portion of your site. Lost and found ads are appropriate. The Pets in Need of Homes ads are not. One possible alternatives to this service, more in line with Petfinders stated mission, would be to offer information to people who need to re-home their pets and directing them to the many valuable and helpful resources available to them.

We are looking forward to your cooperation in making sure that as many homeless pets are placed in loving homes in the safest possible manner.