Why Aren't Rescue Pets Free?

We are asked this question frequently. Some people think that, since they are willing to take a homeless dog or cat off our hands, they should be given the pet without an adoption fee.

Well, that would be nice, and in a perfect world, it would be possible. But vet care for rescue pets costs money, which our members must recover, at least in part, in order to go on rescuing. Each pet must have a physical examination, receive any required vaccinations, be desexed and, for dogs, be tested for heartworm. The rescuer pays for these procedures out of her or his own pocket.

For the most part, the adoption fees reflect the basic medical expenses incurred for the pet. If that pet had any extra medical treatment, it's likely that the fee you are charged won't cover these costs and the rescue will actually be out of pocket.

Please keep this fact in mind: The adoption fee for an rescue pet is usually somewhere between $50 and $300. The going rate for a pet store puppy that, in all likelihood came from a puppy mill, is between $400 and $700. A kitten up to $100. And you still have to pay for vaccinations, microchipping and desexing on top of that. Rescue pets are a bargain!

OK, I'm convinced - where do I sign?

Adopting a pet is a great joy and a huge responsibility, so shouldn't be taken lightly. Examining your lifestyle and household is critical to making a good adoption match.

• If you travel a lot and work long hours away from home, it's probably not the right time for you to adopt. If your schedule keeps you busy, adopting an adult cat might be the best option for you.
• If you're planning a major lifestyle change - marriage, moving or a new baby - hold off on adopting until things settle down in your life. Marriage, moving and new babies are the primary reasons pets are relinquished to the RSPCA and other shelters.
• Pets can be expensive; food, pet supplies, grooming, and veterinary bills that can easily reach hundreds of dollars. Are you prepared to pay for everything your pet needs for the next 10-15 years?

I'm still keen - what should I expect and how do I find a good rescue group?

Before adopting, you will probably be screened. Most rescue groups conduct thorough interviews before allowing you to adopt an animal in their care. This might seem intimidating, but it's actually also your chance to screen the rescue group!

There are plenty of people and organisations who claim to be rescue. Some are fantastic; how do you tell?

Signs of a good rescue group:

• They are willing to spend time discussing your requirements, lifestyle and expectations. They should be happy to address any concerns and answer any questions you have. They should also be open to you contacting them in the future for pet advice if you need it.
• They have a genuine interest for the welfare of their animals both now and in the future. There should be an adoption contract that includes a clause that you return the pet to them should the adoption not work out.
• They have an in-depth adoption screening process. While it can be intimidating to have a stranger ask personal questions, the more open and detailed you are with the group, the better able they are to match you with the right pet.
• And most importantly - Desexed, desexed, desexed! If the group is willing to give you a pet of breeding age that has not been desexed then you are not dealing with a reputable organisation interested in animal welfare. Do not do business with them.

Some of the information presented on the Why Adopt? pages was adapted from:
Why Adopt a Rescue Dog (www.almosthomerescue.org)
Animal adoption is a life-saving option (www.fortwayne.com)