A New Project for Everyone

[cassiesmom]

We'd also like people's thoughts on the questions I posed and any others - like what to ask a shelter employee, and what you should expect to pay - if you can list examples what your shelter charges, that would be helpful.

1) My shelter fee was $50, but that was 10 years ago. It went up to $75 and then to $100. The shelter affiliated with the Petsmart at which I shop also charges $100. That seems to be the "going rate" around here. There are fund-raisers for potential adopters who can't afford the $100, and my shelter can refer cats to free or low-cost spaying/neuter programs for families that qualify.
2) I had to agree that I would not have Cassie declawed. Her front paws had already been declawed when I got her, and I have never had a reason to have her back claws removed. That would be another question I'd ask - must I agree not to declaw?
3) What steps do I take if the adoption does not work out and I need to readmit the cat to the shelter for some reason?
4) Can you help me obtain a copy of the cat's medical record from the shelter DVM (if I'm not planning to continue using the same doctor).
5) What follow-up can I expect from the shelter - if I have a problem, can I call you? Will you call or e-mail me to see how we are doing?

Terrific cat book: Cats for Dummies, by Gina Spadafori and Dr. Paul Pion. I have the first edition but there is a second edition out now.

Let me know if I can help! Thanks - Elise, Cassie's Mom

[BC_MoM]

Funds For Furry Friends
- cat & dog rescue
Brandon, Manitoba, CANADA
www.fundsfurfriends.com
^where Mickey was from

Winnipeg Animal Services Agency
- cat & dog kill shelter
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA
www.winnipeg.ca/animalservices
^where Molly was from

[cassiesmom]

I learned about the shelter from which my cat was adopted through a former co-worker. I live in a pet-friendly apartment building, so I've learned about a couple of other no-kill shelters in nearby suburbs. I used to shop at a Petsmart near my work until one opened up near my home. Each of those 2 stores have a relationship with a different animal shelter. I'm on a team of pet people at work and we swap information, too. The same shelter programs and centers keep coming up in our conversations. If I have learned anything in the past ten years it is that pet people love to talk about their pets!