We have recently encountered some confusion with regards to us charging adoption fees and I’d like to clarify. Please try to understand that in order for us to take in, rehabilitate and neuter animals and then house them until they are adopted (or in the case of nervous cats, released) we need to charge an adoption fee.
People often criticise the SPCA for putting animals down but if you know the cost involved in getting any animal into a fit state for a new home, you’d hold your tongue. It is expensive, time intensive and sometimes unsuccessful.
I am currently fostering a Border Collie called Ryan. A couple of weeks ago, he bit me and I appealed for a home for him via Facebook and said I would have him PTS if no suitable family would take him. Cruel? What a waste of a pedigree? Think again. What kind of person would I be to pour resources into a dog that bites just because he is a purebred? What of the safety of the people who take him in? What about Ryan himself? Will his next owner tie him up outside because Ryan bit someone? Or will he be tossed onto the street to survive alone? It’s all possible isn’t it?
Well, when I posted the appeal, lots of people were galvanised into action and spread the word. I was then put in touch with a couple who have a permaculture farm in Perak. I thought, how perfect!!!! Ryan would love all that open space and goats.
When we started discussing taking Ryan for a visit, they mentioned offsetting my petrol costs with a FOC overnight stay. Alarm bells tinkled. It would cost me over RM100 to get there and back not including tolls. If Ryan didn’t like them, I’d have made the trip in vain. When I asked if I could bring the children, I was told yes but I’d have to pay (which is no big deal, after all it only RM75). I then kinda realised money might be an issue and wanted to double check before making arrangements to make the trip. So I sent a text.
—— SMS ——
To: +60109051628
Sent: Jun 17, 2010 9:31 PM
Subject: Hi,
Hi, before I make arrangements to come up, I’d just like to clarify that there is an RM350 adoption fee for Ryan. This doesn’t cover the blood tests, neutering and vet bills but will help with some of it. Am not sure if you were aware of this, so just thought better to mention to avoid any awkwardness later on. Let me know if you are still interested. Thanks.
—— SMS ——
From: +60109051628
Sent: Jun 17, 2010 11:11 PM
Subject: Hi,
Hi, sorry to inform you but the whole thing is off. We wanted to help and are not interested when somebody tries to recover expenses she had with upkeep of dog. We offered to offset petrol and inconvience for bringing the dog here and rather give a home local mongrel. Sad, you didn´t deal with us straight from beginning. Regards Ladia
—— SMS ——
To: +60109051628
Sent: Jun 17, 2010 11:17 PM
Subject: Apologies if you feel I have…
Apologies if you feel I have misled you. I have been fostering and rehoming for over 17 years and this is how we can continue our work. Also prevents ppl from taking dogs on a whim. I will be sharing this conversation on my blog and facebook for transparency’s sake. Regards, Alicia.
Now, I’m a little offended that it was implied I was less than honest. But I understand the confusion. So for those of you who want to spread the word, please remember to mention the adoption fee. It serves more than one purpose. And I wish I had a money printing press, but I don’t.
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