The Petfinder pet classifieds

Image courtesy Petfinder

The Petfinder Classifieds

Nonmembers and private individuals who wish to list a pet in need of a new home can do so in the Petfinder Classified section. Although the classified section does not include pictures, it can be a good way to publicize an animal that needs help. Another option is to approach a local rescue or breed rescue about doing a "courtesy post" on their site. Many are happy to list animals, even if they don't have foster space to take them in physically. Some groups will even help you screen prospective homes.

The Petfinder classified section also has a place where anyone can post lost and found pets.

Next, we'll look at how you can find a pet on Petfinder.com.

The Price of Popularity

It should come as no surprise that the most popular breeds of dogs also have the highest number of Petfinder listings. Labrador retrievers and German shepherds top the list with thousands of animals regularly featured for each breed.

As certain breeds increase in popularity, often because of a fad or a movie, those breeds begin to show up in animal shelters in increasing numbers as well. When an animal becomes popular, unscrupulous breeders begin to produce dogs to meet the demand, often with little attention to genetic screening, health or temperament. Each release of "101 Dalmatians" has been followed by a surge of Dalmatians needing homes, because Christmas puppies lose their appeal and new owners discover that this high-energy breed is not the appropriate pet for every lifestyle. The popularity spike of the golden retriever has been matched by an increase in such hereditary disorders as hip dysplasia, heart defects and epilepsy. The recent interest in "designer dogs," especially those billed as "hypoallergenic," is already resulting in the surrender and abandonment of many of these animals when they failed to deliver. Sometimes it's good to be unpopular.