Concerns and suggestions

[mel]

I usually refer people to an experienced rescue when either looking or needing to rehome. I figure even if they want to sell their glider they could at least learn to screen potential forever homes. There are numerous cautions to take into consideration for the seller, buyer and the glider. Free gliders lure potential unethical breeders and invite harm to the glider as snake food or abusers. If I understand it correctly you do not have an application or screening process. The only warning I could see was that you aren't responsible for deals just to be smart or cautious. It seems this is simply an advertising spot. If this is just an advertising spot then it makes it easier for scammers to use suggies as victims of unethical breeding, abuse and snakefood. Please do not take offense to my concerns. I'm sure you have good intentions but it seems you need to be cautious of what you are providing to the public as well.
1- Perhaps you should educate on the reputable rescue sites and homes with the screening process and safety concerns for all parties.
2- Even Craigslist warns of possible dangers of 'free' pets. www.craigslist.org/about/PETA.html
Perhaps go directly to www.peta-online.org .
3- Provide sample applications, screening concerns and scammer warnings.
Perhaps this will help others recommend some avenues.

[aproductof]

No offense taken, whatsoever!
I know that Gina, Becki, and myself discussed the idea of "free gliders" or "cheap" and unethical people out there finding and using the board. While not 100% preventable, we do allow our users to report suspicious activity, and we will follow through. Keep in mind, though, all of the posts on the board are already out for the public to see. If these people are that desparate to find gliders for these reasons, sadly, they are going to find them one way or another. We just hope to provide an avenue to connect those gliders with knowledgeable homes. There are a few stickies on the board that refer new users to some of the boards that are full of information. Like any board, I would hope people would investigate and read the stickies--they are stickied for a reason, lol!
Also, the gliders on this site aren't necessarily rescues. Just gliders needing a new home for whatever reasons. Through this board, we hope that the new homes are actually knowledgeable about the gliders. I'm sure we can agree that Craigslist is not the best place to find homes. At least here, the board is glider-oriented, and whatever home is going to have some prior knowledge and board support. Again, while not able to prevent EVERY bad home, we hope to help stop gliders from being bounced from home to home to home...
We actually do have scammer warnings on here. Check out the Alerts section in Help and Announcements.
OH, and as far as referring to experienced rescues... This is one of the reasons we are trying to put together a database of rescues willing to take gliders IN. I'd urge them to fill in the section in the appropriate region, so if someone does need to rehome, they can easily find one nearby. Unfortunately, with the ads we are finding and posting, a lot of times people ARE asking for a fee--something rescue homes may not be able to do. The only free gliders posted currently are readily available on Suncoast's site. Free Sugar Glider Exchange is dedicated to help find homes for older gliders (7 months +).

Let me know if I didn't cover everything--I'm at work, so my brain is a little scattered. Becki and Gina may be able to provide further insight.

Also, if you are willing to author any sections that may be used to help find these guys GOOD forever homes, feel free! I'd still love to get a section on getting adult gliders and the challenges that may occur (as opposed to getting a sweet, hand tamed joey), as well as the importance of neutering males--especially in rescue AND rehome situations.

The best we can do is provide as much information as possible and hope for the best.

[mel]

Thank you for not being offended. The site I referred to that offers stories and advice to rehoming and free pets is the People for the Ethical Treatments of Animals. PETA