Day Four: Why aren't homeless animals free?

At the shelter I’m volunteering at to adopt a dog it would cost 85 dollars and to adopt a cat it would be 70 dollars. This includes rabies vaccination, first round of shots, deworming, spay/neuter surgery, Dare County dog license and microchip.

I’m not very informed in the area of animal shelter protocol but I think they don’t give homeless pets away for free because while the animals are at the shelter, the volunteers and staff must take care of the animal (i.e. food, shelter, water). Also, the money is used for a variety of other things ranging from vaccinations to electricity. (I wrote this before I asked the shelter personnel)

Turns out my answer and thoughts were supported. When I asked a shelter worker why animals are not given for free, she explained and confirmed what I had also been thinking. The money goes towards expenses. What I found interesting and almost surprising was, there had once been an animal that needed to be sent away to have an operation and the shelter paid for the transportation and surgery. Also the shelter worker also made a good point, “No animal is free. Even if you get a ‘free kitten’ from a neighbor, you still have to pay for its food, toys, nutrition, etc.” Going off of that, since a pet isn’t free this also encourages the pet owner to realize the animal is a continuous charge. Even in the beginning with the adoption fee, the money just continues with food to medical charges. This is definitely a pro, or bonus, because if the individual cannot afford the initial cost then this is a clear indicator that this individual probably cannot fairly care for the pet. To have a pet, it cost money. But more importantly it’s responsibility. It’s the pet owner’s responsibility to be able to take care of the animal, which is accomplished by love and care along with having the money and supplies to provide for the animal. Since the adoption fee shows financial stability and takes care of vaccinations, there are no evident cons I can think of when referring to having an adoption fee.

When I asked a shelter visitor the same question, she very simply said, “The animal shelter is a non-profit organization. The money is put to use to help the animals. I intend to help in every way possible because all animals need a home. I’m actually here to volunteer today.” It was a very enlightening message. With a little bit of effort and one step at a time, animals can find good homes.

I think this is a really catchy flyer. One that will certainly be remembered. There are several posted all over the animal shelter as well as a stack in the lobby with a sign "Free: Take Some and Hang Up Everywhere!" I think this contributes to the common message of how with a little effort from a bunch of people will make a BIG difference.

This is just my first attempt at photographing a shelter animal. I still need some practice; good thing I've got five more weeks of practice!

This shelter is certainly smaller than Wake County Animal Shelter. I actually almost drove passed it. As I've said many times before, I live on an island, so an animal shelter here can only be but so large. I do find it interesting though that right outside the shelter is a vending machine.