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BPO Recommended Reading => Articles => : Care2Adopt March 17, 2008, 04:40:32 AM

: Posted this on craigslist... what do you think?
: Care2Adopt March 17, 2008, 04:40:32 AM
THE FREE PUPPY MYTH

The cost of a free puppy: $0 (assuming the puppy isn’t sick or needs any further work done)
Then the shots:
3 visits for distemper/parvo, rabies, deworming schedule: $375.
Neuter/Spay: $250

TOTAL BASIC COST BEFORE 6 MONTHS (not including food, crate, toys etc): $625

The average purchase price of a backyard bred puppy is $400.
Then the shots:
3 visits for distemper/parvo, rabies, deworming schedule: $375.
Neuter/Spay: $250

TOTAL BASIC COST BEFORE 6 MONTHS: $1025 (assuming the puppy isn’t sick or needs any further work done)

The average purchase price of a well bred pet puppy is $900.
Usually have first shots.
2 visits for follow up boosters of distemper/parvo and deworming: $275.
Neuter/Spay: $250

TOTAL BASIC COST BEFORE 6 MONTHS: $1425

The average adoption fee of a rescue puppy is $200.
This dog will come with all shots, spay/neuter, any and all medical problems spelled out for you, and a reasonable outline of personality.

TOTAL BASIC COST BEFORE 6 MONTHS: $200

After the first year?

Food: $150-500
Veterinary Exams: $100-350
Vaccinations: $10-200
HW check: $45-100
Worming and Fecal Exams: $20-40
Monthly Heartworm Treatment: $25-130
Grooming: $10-400
Training: $0-500
Supplies: $0-200
Miscellaneous: $100-500

And what about emergencies? What if your dog gets bloat? Or catches a cold? Or breaks a leg? Or develops hip dysplasia, heartworms, allergies or something else drastic? Can you handle vet bills that can suddenly overnight skyrocket to $3000 at an emergency vet? Are you prepared for the monthly needs of your dog?

PLEASE THINK BEFORE ADOPTING A DOG. IT IS A LIFE TIME COMMITMENT, NOT A TOY TO PLAY WITH FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND THEN DUMP WHEN YOU CANT TAKE CARE OF IT!!! If you can not afford adoption fees, or afford to take your dog in to get medical work done, YOU CAN NOT AFFORD TO OWN A DOG!
: Re: Posted this on craigslist... what do you think?
: lorim2 March 17, 2008, 06:36:49 AM
I think its great but unfortunately people just dont get it. Its like you said they go through all the process and then when it comes to having them home and the potty training or the adjustment period, then they freak out and hence start the lame excuses.  I wish pets had the same opportunity to list their families on craigslist if they werent happy!  Wouldnt that be a trip..Good luck and keep up the good work.  As hard as it gets sometimes, you are making a difference!!
: Re: Posted this on craigslist... what do you think?
: Ali March 17, 2008, 07:26:12 AM
 It's great info to post. It will certainly help some people to see the logic in adopting a healthy, cared for rescue pup.

I agree, Lorim2 - having read the post, tons of people will hopefully see the financial logic in adopting a rescue. They'll read "Puppies for Dummies" or whatever (maybe) and think, ok, yeah, this will be awesome! I can do this! Then, once they get their pup home...reality time.

The puppy piddles and poops all over the place, even though the good-intentioned new owner takes it out every 30 minutes (Kai!). The puppy "bites" the kids (Kai). The puppy whines in the crate all night (OK, not Kai, thank god!). The puppy chews up whatever is in sight (Kai). Then they give up, and it's because of an "allergy" or the puppy knocks the kids over, or whatever. Oh no, wait, the family doesn't develop the allergies until the dog is about 8, and is old news. Ah but there's moving and can't take. And there's "landlord said no". Oh, and "suprise for my girlfriend" who, it turns out, would rather have something shiny, NOT something furry.

Hey - maybe post part two about when pup is home?
: Re: Posted this on craigslist... what do you think?
: lookingfornewf March 17, 2008, 08:28:51 AM
That's great. I think you should run it as a story in the paper and yes include what happens when you get home. Maybe an average timeline of housebreaking. I got my Jack Russel at the Humane Society, reason they gave her up "couldn't house break her" , her age, 10 weeks old. She wasn't fully housebroken until about 7 months old. And with my Newfie right now we're going through grab anything you can reach and run chew it up. 
I don't know if the people that need to read the article would, but I think it would be good to put the information out there if even one person "got it", and thought about that free or cheap puppy or kitten.
: Re: Posted this on craigslist... what do you think?
: pyr4me March 17, 2008, 09:45:33 AM
I wish pets had the same opportunity to list their families on craigslist if they werent happy! 


Now that would be great! Maybe post a hypothetical post from a disatisfied dog...those are sometimes powerful for people because it forces them to see things from the dog's point of view, you know?