Week One- Post Four: Adoption Fees

Adoption Fees

There are many reasons why someone would want to adopt a pet. 

At Wake County Animal Shelter there are adoption fees.

Dog & Cat Adoption Fees

Dog Adoption	$ 45
Dog Spay/Neuter Fee	$ 50
Cat Adoption	$ 15
Cat Spay/Neuter Fee	$ 30

Little Critter & Exotic Animals Adoption Fees

Bird.............................................	$ 20
Ferret..........................................	$ 45
Guinea Pig...................................	$ 15
Reptile.........................................	$ 30
Rodent.........................................	$ 10
Rabbit..........................................	$ 20

 The Wake County Animal shelter states the reasons for these fees

"The adoption fees include the pet's first series of shots (DA2PPV or FVRCP), a general dewormer, a heartworm test for dogs, a FIV/FELU test for cats, a topical flea and tick treatment, a microchip and a rabies vaccine. If the animal is under the age of four months at the time of adoption, it will be considered too young to receive its rabies vaccination. The adopter can return with the pet once it reaches four months of age to receive its rabies inoculation."

The shelter also requires that the animal be spayed or neutered before going to their Forever Home. 

If the animal cannot be surgically altered due to young age or health conditions, the animal can be temporarily fostered through the Foster-To-Adopt program. The family will pay a $200 deposit and will get the animal spayed or neutered when they are old enough or well enough. Once the surgery is complete the difference between the adoption fee and the deposit is giving back to the adopter.

I think the shelter doesn't give homeless pets away for free because they want to make sure the pets are going home with responsible pet owners. If the person can't afford to pay $95 to adopt a puppy, how will that person afford the necessary basics like dog food, health care, lease, collar, and toys? I think the shelter also has adoption fees because they need some source of income to provide the animals at the shelter and in foster care with basic needs. Also to help prevent the spread of disease.

The pros of having an adoption fee are:

• The animals will more likely go to a home that can financially support them
• May prevent the animal from going to a home of abuse or hoarding
• There is money coming in to provide basic needs for the animals in the shelter 
• There is money coming in to provide supplies for animals in foster care

The cons of having an adoption fee are:

• Not as many animals will be adopted
• More animals will have to be euthanized

The shelter wants to make sure that the animals are going to go to good homes. Homes where the families can financially support the animal and it is free from abuse or neglect. They also want to make sure that the animal is going to their Forever Home and won't return to the shelter. The adoption fee gives the adopter a reason to make sure they are financially ready for an animal.

 For more information about the shelter, adoption, or adoption fees can be found at the Wake County Animal Shelter website. 

Information above courtesy of Wake County Animal Shelter 

http://www.wakegov.com/pets/shelter/default.htm
Accessed May 13th, 2012