I tried to arrange a free adoption group a while ago, which had different retired/special Evelon pets basically for free that users could get given to them. In most cases, they didn't have to do too much to get them, either just ask or offer up an idea that they had for a character for it.
Perhaps this could be seen as helpful for new members? It's basically giving away some rarer pets for free.
I honestly like the idea of giving new members a few pets to get going with, though, I'm sure everyone slightly fears that person leaving and having the pet go to waste. =/ On sites like Wayas and Aywas, there are newbie boards where people give pets away, but their pets are much more easily attained there then they are on Evelon.