(above: suggested changes to Craigslist, you can click on the image to get a closer look)
(what a Craigslist post form looks like )
So I thought, in addition to advertising for awareness and information, my research led me to think that Craigslist should be more specific when addressing their issues to their target user instead of having a long list of text with a brief un-categorized sentences of what is and isn't allowed on their site. I took inspiration off of Ebay Classifieds and how effective their policies, agreements, requirements and reminders were. It would take it to the next level if Craigslist could modify a specific posting form for the pets section's dogs. Dogs are the most commonly exchanged pet on their pet section every single day. Several rescue groups, shelters, foster homes and non-profits post their events their, their dogs up for adoption etc. The upside about that is that they can promote their causes for free due to Craigslist's convenience. The downside is that you get individuals as well who are most likely giving up their dog for the first time and they're not familiar with the process unlike the volunteers and professionals who do this on a frequent basis. They most likely use other amature posts as a reference, but overall there's no direct source of information they can go to to give them advice. You can try googling dog re-homing and you'll find very little information out there because until recently (such as the recession) people did not anticipate changes in their lives that would lead to this. They don't know what questions are necessary to ask, information to look for, warning signs etc...besides their gut instinct and general knowledge. I called up Wonderdog Rescue and asked them if they had people coming in asking them about advice giving up their dogs and they do get it all the time. They have long detailed screening forms on their website which is something most shelters and rescues have their potential adopters fill out for them.
