Dog For Sale
From LoveToKnow Dogs
Although every dog owner dreams of being with their pet for years, sometimes it is not possible, and they place the dog for sale. Whether you are selling your dog or are interested in purchasing a pet, following certain precautions will insure that the transaction is smooth and gives the dog a new, happy home.
Dog for Sale: Selling Your Pet
Dog owners may need to sell their pets because of unexpected allergies, moving, new puppies, inability to care for the animal, or incompatibility. Whatever the reason, having a dog for sale is not like holding a yard sale or placing a general newspaper classified ad. To sell a dog quickly and easily, the owner must first have the integrity to be open with potential buyers: explain why your dog is for sale. Be honest about any medical conditions or training concerns, and always answer buyers’ questions as thoroughly as possible.
Price
The first question many people have about purchasing a dog is the price. Be prepared to provide ownership papers that verify the cost you paid for the dog, so potential buyers do not think you are inflating the price. Providing proof of vaccinations, training courses, or breed registration can also help explain a high price. If you are including materials with the dog, have as many receipts available as possible to substantiate your asking price. Purebred dogs are naturally higher-priced than mongrels, and demonstrating the animal’s lineage is another way to reassure buyers. Dog prices range from “free to a good home” to several hundred dollars, depending on the specific animal and the sale’s circumstances, and providing documentation can help sellers achieve an agreeable price.
Materials
Buyers may or may not already have dogs, and offering to include different materials with the pet purchase can sway undecided or inexperienced buyers. Consider including these materials when selling a pet:
- Bedding or blankets
- Dog Toys
- Food and treats, including bowls
- Crate
- Leash and collar
- Breed-specific or general dog books
- Vet referral information and vaccination reports
- Grooming supplies
When you are selling a dog, you will not likely have any use for these materials. Including them with a dog for sale not only helps convince buyers to purchase the animal (perhaps for a higher price), but it gives the dog familiar objects in its new home, providing continuity and comfort to help it adjust to a new family.
Where to Sell
Homemade advertisement posters can be placed on public bulletin boards in supermarkets, libraries, and community centers (ask permission first – many locations need to approve such flyers). This is one of the most popular ways to advertise a dog for sale because you can include a photograph, list of available materials, and several tear-off slips with contact information for interested buyers.
Dog for Sale: Buying a Pet
If you have seen a dog for sale sign and are interested, always approach the transaction cautiously. Ask to see the animal’s paperwork, including vaccination records, particularly for young pets. Inspect the animal’s home for cleanliness and watch the dog interact with people and other animals to gauge its temperament. Where you purchase the dog and how much you pay will vary according to the circumstances of the sale, but it always pays to be careful, particularly when buying a dog.
Where to Buy
If you are looking for a dog for sale, the first place to look may be newspaper ads. Many dog owners will place breed-specific advertisements for both puppies and adult dogs, and you can get a general idea of what pets are available in your community. Dog magazines list reputable dog breeders by breed and location, and you can visit breeders to see their facility before purchasing a pet. Avoid Puppy Mills – disreputable breeding farms that mistreat animals by confining them in inadequate kennels, under poor conditions just to create additional litters.
Price
Dog prices vary, but before agreeing on a final figure always investigate what you are purchasing. In addition to inspecting the animal’s health, temperament, and general condition, ask about additional materials such as food, toys, and other dog supplies. Many sellers will add such small items in order to guarantee a sale, giving the purchaser a better bargain. Be sure to compare prices at several pet stores or breeders before agreeing on a price, to insure you are getting a competitive deal.
Guarantees
When buying a dog, new owners often fail to ask about guarantees. Many dog breeders and pet stores offer limited guarantees about the animal’s health and may pay for necessary veterinarian visits for a limited time. Ask about a trial program if possible, in case owning the animal is not feasible due to unknown allergies or other unforeseeable conflicts between you, your family, and the new dog. Reputable sellers will agree to limited guarantees in order to place the dog with the best possible home.
Summary
Whether you are selling or buying a dog with classified ads, fliers, or through word-of-mouth, it pays to take precautions to insure an honest and profitable sale. Including supplies in the transaction can help bring a better price and a more secure deal for both the buyer and the seller, and inspecting the animal prior to the transaction is a wise precaution against potential health or behavioral problems. Offering and obtaining guarantees is another way to be certain the animal is going to the best possible home and can give both parties piece of mind about the sale.
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