Below are directions you should take to place an unwanted animal. However, the first few things you need to do is to have the animal examined by a veterinarian, tested, spayed or neutered, and given any necessary vaccinations. If you would like to learn more about low-cost vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries, please visit PAWS Chicago Spay/Neuter Clinic.

1. Take a nice color photo of the animal/pet.
2. Write up a short biography on him/her. Include age, sex, breed (if applicable), personality, likes and dislikes, etc. as well as the reason you cannot keep them.
3. Make a flyer by putting the photo and biography together on one page along with your contact information (name, phone number e-mail, etc.)
4. Make copies (in color if possible) of the flyer and post everywhere--veterinarian offices, pet grooming businesses, pet supply stores, and grocery stores. Email is another great way to get this information circulated to many people- ask everyone to pass it on to their friends and family members.
5. Place adoption ads in your local newspapers. Indicate in your ad that you will be charging an adoption fee. This is very important for two reasons, 1) not only should you at least get back some of the expenses you've incurred in making the animal ready for adoption, but more importantly, 2) there are many evil individuals who are searching for animals that they can obtain for free, then sell to testing laboratories, dogs fight promoters (who use animals to bait fights), or puppy/kitten mills. These people are quite devious and very good at what they do--they know all the tricks to appearing as though they have only the animals best interest in mind. Charging an adoption fee will screen out most (but not all--so be careful!) of these individuals. They are typically not interested in animals they have to pay for...it takes away from their profit margin to do so.
6. Be sure to establish that if a family is chosen to be the animal's new owner, you will be checking in with them for follow-up to see how the pet is doing. Letting potential owners know you intend to follow-up and stay involved will help eliminate prospective owners who are inappropriate.
7. Remember, you owe it to this animal to find them a safe, stable and responsible new home, one they will have for life. There is no point rescuing an animal only to place it with an owner who is irresponsible, and of course, you will want to find the best home possible if it is your own animal you are attempting to place.
8. Do not forget to enlist the help of family members, neighbors, and co-workers. Sometimes all it takes is a little networking. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP! Placing an animal on your own takes time and effort, but it can be done and it is worth it. Not only are you ensuring a safe, stable responsible home for your particular animal, you are taking an active role in helping to reduce the unbearable burden faced by all shelters as they try to keep up with hundreds of stray animals and unwanted pets left daily at their doorsteps. 

Good luck, and thank you for your efforts!