GPSPCA--Giving Them a Chance!
What is the average cost of caring for shelter dogs? Here is a break down: (Source Petfinder/Sara, Shelter Outreach Director / https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/pet-adoption-information/what-is-included-in-an-adoption-fee/)
Adoption fees help cover the medical care of the animal while he or she waits for a new home, as well as food and transportation costs. These fees help to provide care for the other animals in the shelter or rescue group who may have medical bills that are much higher than any possible adoption fee. The money also acts as a donation to help support the organization as a whole, allowing the group to continue its efforts to rescue and rehome pets.
An adoption fee can end up saving you money! Shelters and rescue groups usually cover initial veterinary costs to prepare the pet for a new home. Adoption fees often include:
Veterinary wellness visit and exam $50-100
Spaying or neutering $150-300
Distemper vaccination $20-30×2
Rabies vaccination $15-25
Heartworm test (for dogs) $15-35
Feline Leukemia/FIV test (for cats) $30-50
Flea/tick treatment $50-200
Microchip $50
Deworming $20-50
Collar and an identification tag $5-10
TOTAL: $425-880 (Few shelters or rescue groups would ask this much for an adoption fee.)
Free pets usually come with no medical care, so while you may initially save on an adoption fee, the medical costs will add up quickly. Pets acquired from other methods may not be spayed or neutered and may not have a full set of vaccinations, adding to the expense.
Many shelters and rescue groups have reduced adoption fees for adult or senior pets or waive fees during special events.
Why is this my focus today? What will you gain if you adopt rather than shop? Satisfaction in knowing that you have contributed to a worthy cause, while gaining unlimited love and devotion from your four legged friend! Please support GPSPCA during their match event (ENDS OCTOBER 15):
https://secure3.convio.net/hlspca/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app324a?4380.donation=form1&df_id=4380&NONCE_TOKEN=75419D200E9E4B90C453C847BB0965C2
Thank you!
