Don’t discount the value of pets!
Before you adopt, think.
Los Angeles CA – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) continues to applaud all efforts to find new families for homeless pets, but advises caution when offered discounted adoptions.
“Reducing the cost of adoption can unintentionally reduce the inherent value of a pet in many cases,” says Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President. “Discounting the cost of adoption right before the holidays could encourage impulse adoptions – leading to heavy returns after the holiday bliss has passed.”
Studies have found that people are more likely to keep and properly care for animals for which they have had to pay more than a nominal fee to adopt. When there is a financial impact to adopt, people are more likely to consider the other costs of pet ownership: food, veterinary care, obedience training (for dogs) and general supplies. Responsible pet ownership can cost at least several hundred dollars annually.
spcaLA always recommends adopting a homeless pet instead of purchasing one. And, for those who have carefully considered all the implications and are ready to welcome a new family member, this discount program is a great opportunity! However, if you’ve just seen an AD about cheap pets and think a puppy might look nice under the tree – think about what that will mean for the next ten or fifteen years.
To schedule an interview, tour our facilities or to receive photos of animals available for adoption, please contact Miriam Davenport at (323) 730-5300 x233 or (323) 353-4658 or by email at mdavenport@spcaLA.com.
spcaLA is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California since 1877. There is no national SPCA, parent organization, or umbrella group that provides financial support to spcaLA. Donations run programs and services include Cruelty Investigation, the Disaster Animal Response Team, Humane Education, and a variety of shelter services.
