If you are looking for a new home for your companion animal, make sure he or she ends up in a permanent and loving home.

Don't turn your companion over to just any animal "rescuer". Some individuals post as "rescuers" to obtain animals for illegal, cruel, or inhumane purposes, such as lab research, dog fighting, and animal sacrifice.

Here's what you can do:

• Call your local animal shelter for reputable organizations in your area (check your yellow pages under "Animal Shelter," "SPCA" or "Humane Society."
• Post your pets on line. Go to www.Petfinder.com. There is a link titled "Classified," click on "Post a Pet" and list your pet. Check their "Wanted" section for a new home.
• When visiting Petfinder.com, check out their library for "Tips for finding the best home for your pet."
• Ask your family, friends, business associates, school, and vets to see if they can help.
• Beware of rescues that promise to find all pets a new home, or ones that say your pet is going to a "farm." Unfortunately, a "farm" oasis where your pet can live out its life simply doesn't exist.
• Ask for references. Legitimate rescue/adoption agencies will be happy to give out references, and will have no problem giving out the name of their veterinarian.
• Ask a lot of questions. Phony "rescuers" get nervous when people start asking questions. Get an address where your pet will be housed until it's adopted. Ask the agency for the location of where it holds adoptions, and visit that location before giving them your pet. Stay away from any "rescuer" who offers to come to your house to pick up your pet, charges exorbitant sums for taking your animal, or is evasive about answering any of your questions.