ALL LIVES ARE WORTH SOMETHING:

How-and Why-to Price That "Free" Pet

     You see the ads everywhere, on the internet, in the "free" paper. Free puppies, free kittens, must re-home free dog/cat.

     And what you're looking at could be a death trap for some innocent pet. Animals that are given away for free are at high risk of winding up in one of three bad situations.

     The first is: dog fighters. These pieces of slime masquerading as humans run their businesses on the "free" supplies they get. Those supplies wind up tortured and killed, often slowly, being used as "bait" dogs to train their fighters to savage and tear other animals. They don't look like bad guys when they show up, of course. Animal aid workers say that most will send their girlfriend or wife, a sweet, cute, adorable girl who cuddles and coos the intended victim. 

     The second bad placement is with someone who honestly can't afford a pet right now. Maybe they can't admit that to themselves. Or maybe, just maybe, they don't really see pet care costs as something that's important. Vet visits, routine shots, treatments for injuries or ailments, just slide right on by. 

     The third is someone who's gotten themselves in over their heads. We all have moods and emotions. Sometimes, that picture of a cute pet will trigger a rash, and sudden decision: I want/need that pet! Thoughts of the costs of pet ownership, including food, vet, time, energy, training, just don't figure into that "ohhhh he's soooo cute!" equation. 

     Once the pet is home, piddling on the floor, crying all night because he's scared and lonely, clawing on the furniture, needing daily care, attention, training, yep, WORK, that puppy or kitten suddenly isn't quite so cute. All too often, the pet winds up tossed in the back yard, with minimal care and no interaction. Worst case, they wind up on a chain and/or just dumped outside without adequate shelter in bad weather. 

     Take a good look at that pet you were going to give away for "free". Isn't that life worth having a chance at being a good, decent life? 

     You can dramatically increase the chances of placing the pet into a caring home by asking for a "re-homing" fee. That automatically gets rid of the shopping dog fighter, because he'll just move on to one of the "free" pets.  

     It also stops the shopper who just doesn't have the money to care for the pet. They'll most likely beg a bit, citing how much their child will love the pet, etc, etc. But the facts remain: they can't afford basic care and they don't want to face that. Ask for a decent amount of money on the table, and they'll move on -- to another "free" pet.

     The third "free" shopper can be a bit more difficult to size up and handle. However, placing a dollar value, cash on the table now, on that pet can serve as a sobering reminder: yea, he's cute, but this is gonna cost you!

     Then comes the question: how do I figure out a reasonable re-homing fee that will screen out bad placements? There's no one rule that fits all, but here's a good starting point.

     Call a vet and ask the price of an initial exam for a new pet and the cost of any routine shots, worming, and any recommended tests (example: worms). Add in the cost of two weeks' worth of food, and pet supplies: collar, leash, pet, dog house for outside.

    That's your re-homing fee. It can be flexible, depending on vet costs in your area. And, sometimes, new prospective owners already have some supplies. 

    But the one part that isn't flexible: the cost of that first vet visit. Routine vet care and shots are an essential part of caring for a pet.

    If someone can't afford that vet visit, they can't afford the pet. If they can't afford the basics, they sure can't afford that emergency call for a sudden injury or illness. Instead, that owner will wind up in an internet chat group, plaintively asking "My puppy hurt his leg and you can see muscle way underneath the skin and he's been bleeding a lot. What should I do? I can't afford a vet right now." And the puppy or kitten winds up paying for that lack of support in pain, long-term illness or "bad" leg, back,whatever, or even a painful death.

     Here's a quick rule of thumb: if someone can't afford at least $50, cash right now, they can't afford the pet. It may sound harsh -- but an animal's well-being and life are at stake.

     Having a pet is a lifetime commitment that requires money, care, time, training, devotion and energy dedicated to that pet. If you've cared enough for that pet to have provided for it before re-homing, care enough to take that essential one extra step: find a home that's ready, in all ways, to provide a good, loving life. 

     Good luck with your pet placement. And, if you're the one shopping, start now to put money aside so that you are able to pay those start-up and continuing costs. 

     And remember: "free" pet means "living being that is worth... nothing". Is that really how you see this pet? Probably not!

     So, take this rule to heart: all pets, all lives, are worth something. Weed out those who only are interested if they can give "nothing" for a living being that will freely give love, joy, and trust. 

     Don't let your pet down when you re-home. Ask for that token payment, and don't back down. 

     And oh yes, spay/neuter your pets so that in a few months, you don't wind up with another litter of surprise! babies. It's easy enough to find a low cost, or even free, spay/neuter clinic. Use them!

--Patricia Phillips