REASONS FOR DENYING PET ADOPTIONS – HOW THE OPEN ADOPTION MOVEMENT CAN REDUCE THE STRESS OF APPLYING TO ADOPT A PET, CUT THE TIME AN ANIMAL IS CONFINED IN THE SHELTER, AND SAVE MORE DOGS AND CATS

  There are as many reasons for denying pet adoptions as there are shelters and rescues. You walk into a shelter, your heart set on adopting a new family member, and, for one reason or another, your application is denied.  There are a host of reasons, differing from organization to organization, why people are denied the opportunity.  But there is a relatively new movement in animal rescue – open adoption – which can simplify and humanize the process. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.  WHAT OPEN ADOPTION IS AND WHAT IT ISN’T There have been numerous articles written by shelter professionals which come down decisively against open adoption.  The fear is that animals who have already been rescued from a bad situation will be placed in yet another.  On reading these articles, however, the problem seems to be with the definition of open adoption. Open adoption does NOT mean that anyone who walks into a shelter will walk out with a pet. …

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THE “NO-KILL” MOVEMENT. HOW THE ANIMAL RESCUE FIELD IS REDUCING THE EUTHANASIA RATE ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND HOW YOU CAN HELP.

THE NO-KILL MOVEMENT WITH ONE IMPORTANT EXCEPTION THE GOOD NEWS Since 1984, the no-kill movement in the United States has made tremendous strides lowering the euthanasia rate of household pets.  From an estimated 17 million animals euthanized annually in shelters in the United States, we have dropped to a much improved 1.5 million per year.  Figuring that a percentage of those still performed are for terminal illnesses or severe aggression issues, the numbers become even better.  Still, not one healthy adoptable pet should ever be killed. Because of the never-ending efforts of hundreds of shelter and rescue animal advocates, starting with Rich Avanzino, the President of the San Francisco ASPCA in 1984, we’ve come a long way. The efforts now continue through many local and national organizations.  The result?  Many shelters with previously high euthanization rates are now either considered “no-kill” or are rapidly heading in that direction. PRIVATE SHELTERS So, why do some shelters still euthanize for reasons other than health or behavior?  There are two types of shelters to consider.  The first is a private organization, run as a…

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ARE THERE TOO MANY ANIMAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES IN THE U.S.?

TOO MANY ANIMAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES? Are there too many animal shelters in the U.S.?  What about breed-specific rescues? The answer is, like most things, yes AND no.  There is no accurate count of how many rescues and shelters actually exist.  And the numbers change all the time. NO There are still 2.7 million companion animals euthanized outside of a veterinarian’s office every year in this country.  Approximately 1.2 million dogs, and 1.5 million cats.  Discounting those animals who are terminally ill, or whose behavior problems include aggression extreme enough to not allow a safe home placement, there are still 2.3 million companion animals who are essentially thrown away every year due to lack of alternatives.  This is unacceptable. More shelters and rescues are needed in order to cut this number down. We must provide safe options for people who cannot, or will not, keep their pets. BREED SPECIFIC RESCUES   More breed-specific rescues are needed, especially for pit bulls, and other bully breeds. These breeds are the most often euthanized in shelters due to a lack of willing and able…

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ADOPTION FEE STICKER SHOCK

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? Pet adoption fees - why is there such a big spread among different organizations? You’ve walked into an animal shelter, found and fallen in love with a cute little poodle, or a beautiful tabby.  You fill out the questionnaire, and are approved.  Then they tell you the fee – you’re in a state of disbelief. While compiling the shelter directory, I have come across all ranges of fees.  At the low end, a few shelters and rescues ask for a donation of your choosing; at the highest, I’ve seen adoption fees up to $700.00.  Some shelters charge more for puppies than adult dogs, some charge more depending on how much vetting they’ve done beforehand.  Many shelters will give a discount if you’re adopting a senior animal, or if you, yourself, are a senior.  Some even give veteran’s discounts. WHAT’S A REASONABLE PET ADOPTION FEE? In my opinion, a reasonable fee for adoption is $350.00 or under.  Many shelters would argue that, if a high adoption fee is an obstacle to a family, then they won’t have…

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