It is becoming more and more common for me to see pets that were acquired (bought or adopted) from kijiji or other online classified site. I think that it is great that there are so many ways to re-home a pet so less animals end up in shelters, but I think it is an area where many people get taken advantage of. It breaks my heart to see someone pay for or adopt a pet that is a different age, breed, or health status then that which was advertised. So, if you are the Kijiji surfing type, here are a couple pieces of advice to consider before jumping into the commitment.
Let’s put this in perspective of buying a car:

1) Check Carfax! You would never buy a used car without seeing a history of the accidents and mechanical problems, so you should be able to see the pet’s medical history from its previous veterinarian. I would love to say that everyone out there is honest, but some people are trying to offload a pet that has been diagnosed with an expensive condition that they don’t want to deal with. I also sadly see people being dishonest with the age of the pet, knowing that younger pets are easier to get adopted than older ones. You should be allowed to know what you are getting into.

2) Have a pre-sale inspection! If the pet has not been to a vet more recently than in the last year, are the sellers willing to take it for a health check? Alternatively, would they allow you to take the pet in to your veterinarian for a check-up before you commit? This would allow you to be aware of big ticket problems such as advanced dental disease and be aware what you are looking at cost wise.

3) Take it for a test drive! Are you able to do a trial period in your home? You want to ensure that the pet you are adopting is a good fit for your home and lifestyle. Some pets thrive on a busy household, others require a quiet laid-back pace. To avoid the pet requiring another rehoming, it’s best to know that its personality works with your home.

There are lots of wonderful pets out there in need of homes, so take the time to find the one that works for you and your family.