I did a bad thing today . . .

[sirrahbed]

A new kitten without anything already done is an expense. It will need a vet checkup, bloodwork, worming, series of shot initially. Then later comes the neuter or spay. All of this is usually provided when you adopt from a shelter - I just don't see any problem with paying the $100 or whatever. We are about to get kittens from Kim - who were born at home to a stray and I am sure each baby will cost much more than that for their initial care. Kitten care is expensive - and that is if everything goes well.

[christa]

Originally posted by sirrahbed
I just don't see any problem with paying the $100 or whatever.

I feel like this thread is going in the wrong direction!

I understand that $100 is a good price instead of paying to have it all done yourself . . . I'm just saying that instead of me going to PetSmart and adopting one there for that much, I could go to my local shelter and get one for half that price, same deal. Plus, I'm sure that the kittens at PetSmart will get more exposure to people wanting to adopt . . . much more than the kittens at the Louisa, KY Animal Shelter.

I'm sorry if I misled anyone. I'm taking this very seriously . . . I want what's best for me and for the cat, and that's even if I decide to get another.

[sirrahbed]

Oh sorry Christa! I did NOT read the whole thread and I should have!! It is odd now that I read it because here at our PetSmart, cats are $50 which is the same price as the shelter (Fayetteville)where they get the cats from. The humane society in a neighboring county (Montgomery) charges $85. We got Dylan in Franklin County - about an hour away - and he was $80. None of it is outrageous - but a big difference in price. Then I read others pay as little as $40 and as much as $150 and it does not make sense to me!
Sorry I misunderstood the point of the thread - MY FAULT!

[jazzcat]

I just wonder what the deal is with PetsMart. I adopted both Jazz and Scout from Animal Works, a shelter/rescue clinic that was running an extra adoption site in SuperPetz pet store. They charged $65 for cats/kittens. Now Animal Works had pulled out of SuperPetz and moved into PetsMart and they charge $110 for cats/kittens. Thing is you can go to Animal Works clinic in a neighboring town and adopt directly from them for $65. Sounds like PetsMart is the reason for the increase. Do they charge a big fee to the shelters for use of their store? That's a real shame if so.

Christa, I agree that the animals in PetsMart probably have more exposure and better chance than one at a shelter, especially a kill-shelter. Good luck with whatever you decide and I think you are wise to take your time and find that perfect match for you and Josie.

[sirrahbed]

When we got Emily and Eliot at PetSmart - they specifically explained to us that they made NO PROFIT from the adoption and that all the money went right to the shelter - we asked why they did it and they said the pets drew in business. I asked because I did NOT like the idea of "buying" a pet. If I had thought or known they profitted, I do not think I would have taken Emily and Eliot. It bothers me to think they charge extra - hopefully my PetSmart did not fib to me!! Maybe some DO charge extra?? Now I am really curious because I would want to feel all of my money went to the shelter and even made a point to ask!!
One thing - the Fayette County animals go into the "adoption center" - a nice little room with cages, glass doors, etc and the price on them is the $50. On weekends, Montgomery County brings in animals in cages and their's cost the $85 fee and maybe part of that goes to the store?? I do not know the cost of adopting directly at that shelter. We did adopt directly from Franklin County and that was $80.

[leslie]

queenscoopalots cats and kittens go to a shelter and often go from shelter to pet smart. I don't know if there is a price difference, I was assuming not because it's the shelter employees and volunteers at petsmart so all pet smart is doing is loaning space...

[christa]

Originally posted by sirrahbed
Oh sorry Christa!

Don't worry about it! I'm just glad we got things straight. I was afraid I was beginning to come across as one of those people who want a cat but don't want any responsibility.

I have no clue about the price differences. All I know is that at the Lexington, KY PetSmart, they ALWAYS have cats there from the Lexington Humane Society and they are ALWAYS 100 bucks. Sometimes they bring in pets from local shelters and they are usually lower priced. Usually 50. But I seldom ever see any of those cats. Seems like on the weekends, they bring in more from local shelters.

[QueenScoopalot]

Originally posted by leslie
queenscoopalots cats and kittens go to a shelter and often go from shelter to pet smart. I don't know if there is a price difference, I was assuming not because it's the shelter employees and volunteers at petsmart so all pet smart is doing is loaning space...

I find it an absolute Godsend that the shelter I bring all my rescues to got a space in the new local Petsmart! Not only do the volunteers from the shelter take care of the cats/kittens 2x daily, but also Petsmart pays for the litter/food/toys etc! Not to mention the space involved! It is the individual shelters responsibility to care for the animals in the space, but also they are fully responsible to say who does, and does not adopt. The shelter charges $125.00 now for kittens, but have "sympathy adoptions" where if a cat is elderly, and all medical work is done, they let the cat go for free. To the right home. Elderly cats get matched with elderly persons in the best case as well! Too often elderly persons come searching for kittens, and are sent in the right direction, and usually go home with a loving, altered, older lap cat!