5 tips to sell pets on KSL successfully

Would you consider yourself a lucky duck? A smitten kitten? An enamored little house mouse? Puppy love isn’t about high school sweethearts. It’s all about how folks fall in love with pets online and need to cuddle them immediately. 

We also know that not every pet that needs a home is a brand new puppy. Sometimes life happens, or circumstances change, and a good boy or girl needs to find a new place to live. That’s why we’re big advocates for pet adoption, and want you to know how to successfully rehome a pet on KSL Classifieds and send that furry or scaly friend to the best possible owner.

Things to consider when becoming a pet owner

We know you’ve got a lot of love to give. But equally important is the environment and attitude you give to your pet. Figure out if you have the capacity to own a pet that requires a lot of time and attention. Here are some things to think about that will help you be a good pet owner.

• If you have children, can they handle living with a new pet? You don’t want your 2-year-old being terrified of the 65-lb Pyranees mix, no matter how cute and fluffy it is.

• Can you afford to feed your pet the amount it needs to be fed?

• Can you give the pet the lifestyle it needs and deserves? Don’t be getting a high-energy hunting dog if you’re mostly a chill on the couch type of family.

• Make sure your home is pet proof. Dogs and cats will find a way to cause a kerfuffle if they get bored.

1. Craft the perfect title

This is your audition for someone to see your pet and say, “That good boy or girl looks like it would fit right in at our home.” Make sure the title includes some key information to peak interest.

• Descriptive and positive title

• Age

• Breed

• Unique traits

Do you have any toys or homes that will go along with your pet?

Don’t write “Old dog for sale.” That’s just asking someone to scroll past poor Fido. Write something such as “Sweetest 10-year-old German Shorthair Pointer needs a loving family, preferably with someone home during the day. AKC registered.”

2. Give detailed descriptions

The more information you can give potential buyers, the better. They want to know what to expect with the pet they’re bringing into their home.

• List the pet’s breed, age, whether it is male or female and its temperament.

• Describe any unique markings, colors, etc.

• Provide health information such as vaccination history, any physical ailments or if it has been spayed/neutered.

• Describe the pet’s social behaviors and personality, such as “good with kids” or “house-trained.”

• Mention the pet’s history. Is it a rescue? Is it being rehomed? What is the breeder’s background?

Can your dog play with cats? Or the other way around? How about with kids?

3. Give your contact information

Now is not the time to be mysterious. KSL Classifieds offers secure communication through the Messages feature, but when selling something as valuable as a pet, giving more information can be beneficial. In addition to using Messages, offer several ways a buyer can contact you, such as by phone, email or a social media account. And make sure your contact information is easy to find on the listing.

Browse pets on KSL Classifieds Pets

4. Provide high-quality photos

Small kittens and teensy puppies have often been described as little potatoes, “Oh my goodness, look at that fluffy little potato! Eee!” Poor quality, pixelated images have also been described as a potato, “Yikes, it looks like someone took that picture with a potato.” So don’t use a potato when capturing images of your adorable potatoes. Luckily, most smartphones have high quality cameras with high resolution. Here are some tips to make the images look more appealing. 

• Capture photos of pets in a well-lit area, with minimal clutter in the background.

• Photograph different angles of pets including front, side and close-up images. Buyers will go crazy for the perfect snoot shot.

• Include pictures of pets doing various activities or poses. Show them how Zoey the Golden Doodle can stand on two legs, while wearing a cute fall-time sweater. 

• Show the environment the pet is living in to show the standard of care.

• Add a short video clip or two that shows the pet’s silly little personality.

Be sure to get lots of pictures of your pet!

5. Give a fun call to action

Get potential new owners excited about your pet by giving a friendly call to action at the end of your listing. This encourages them to contact you directly, whether to learn more about the pet or to initiate a fluffy exchange. Some examples of what you could say:

• Call or text (your name) at (your number) to schedule a visit with these friendly kittens!

• Call, send a text or email to (your name) at (your number/email address) to learn more about these adorable pups!

• Puppies will go fast! Call or text (your name) at (your number) to make sure you get one! 

• Visit (social media account) on Instagram to learn more about the breed.

Browse pets on KSL Classifieds Pets

Need to rehome a young or old pet? We can help you find a deserving owner. Create an account if you haven’t already, then create a listing on KSL Classifieds Pets.