You really can get free pets if you know where to look. But make sure you’re prepared before you bring a pet into your home.

You can find free pets being offered every day in almost any newspaper and online at websites like Craig’s List. Of course, dogs and cats are the most common animals offered, but you’ll see other types of pets as well. In my local newspaper I have seen dogs, cats, ferrets, goats, rabbits, snakes, parakeets, tropical and marine fish, hamsters and even horses offered free to a good home.

Why would someone give away their pet? There are tons of reasons. They can move out of town and cannot take it with them. The pet may have grown too large to be cared for. They may have a new baby or a new job that requires all of their time. Or they may just be tired of caring for a pet.

Sometimes you will see relatively valuable animals offered for free to a good home: purebred dogs and cats, pythons, ferrets, horses, etc. The owners may have tried to sell the animal, but found no buyers. And if they are really desperate, they may have to give the animal away or give it to an animal shelter.

Before you bring a free pet or any kind of pet home, make sure you’re prepared. All animals require a certain amount of time (some more than others) and certain basic supplies.

The right food and feeding dishes are a universal necessity for almost all pets. Dogs and cats will need collars and leashes. Snakes, lizards, and most rodents will need some type of aquarium with a lid. And of course a bird will require a cage. Just think and plan exactly what you’ll need and have it set up and ready before you bring your new pet home. Trust me, it’s no fun having to run around in a panic, gathering supplies, after bringing home a new pet.

When you’re out looking for a potential new pet, be sure to choose a healthy animal. A healthy animal will have bright, alert eyes. They will have no mucus (dry or wet) around their eyes, nose, or ears. And they will have a healthy-looking coat and/or skin, with no visible sores. Use your common sense and stay away from any animal that appears sick, unless you are prepared to pay potentially high veterinary bills. Whenever possible, be sure to ask the owner for a health history and any available veterinary records.

Free pets can be a wonderful thing, if you are willing to take your time and are not in a hurry. You may find yourself stuck with someone else’s problem.