homes for animals
Posted by: wattle
13th Jun 2011 11:41am
RSPCA wants people to adopt animals but the prices are too expensive for a little more than they charge you can get a pure bred I went last week for a 6month foxie they asked $400 they had the mother so I would have to say the pups were born there so why so expensive Isn't it better to find a home then put them down
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Comments 79
CatTracey
$400 will get you a dog that is desexed and probably fully vaccinated. Have you priced those expenses at a vet? And when is the last time you looked for a pedigree dog from a registered breeder? Very doubtful that you would find any breed of pedigree dog for less than $1000.
Kassandra31376538
I can not agree more we recently lost one of our cats as he ran scared in a storm. As much as we searched and did all we could to put it out there for his return alas he did not. When I was at the vets with my dog i noticed 6 week old kittens and did i fall in love but not at $250 each. So I left a little sadder that day but do hope that they did find happy homes.
Jenny31376507
I always thought buying such pets were cheaper. I think it’d be a better idea for them to promote people buying such pets if they were cheaper than let’s say buying a pet from a pet store instead.
Jenny31376507
I always thought buying such pets were cheaper. I think it’d be a better idea for them to promote people buying such pets if they were cheaper than let’s say buying a pet from a pet store instead.
katalin
RSPCA need to be re assured that the animals they put up for adoption will go to good homes.They put allot of time effort and energy into nursing injured and or neglected animals back to health. lf they sold dogs for example for $50 what percentage of them would be properly cared for ? lf the dog was sold for $400 more likely the owner would invest money towards the cost of any ongoing vet fees and the right pet food ect. How expensive is to expensive ? my local pet shop sells dogs for $1000 dollars each most likely they come from puppy farms.and spend all day in shop window and are put down if they are not sold.
chelsb
The RSPCA gets all the animals vet-checked, micro-chipped and much more. All this work adds up to be very expensive as well as the food and looking after the animals for sometimes a long period of time. I think the price is quite reasonable as they are ensuring that the new owners will be well-suited to the animal and can afford to continuously look after the animal.
Maddddie
The prices for RSPCA pets can be quite cheap as it tends to include vaccinations, desexing, etc! Even if it may be a little more costly than other places, you always feel a little warmer inside knowing that you have rescued this animal from being put down.
MazzyJ
Yes I agree they charge way too much. Last year I lost my almost 17 year old cat and I was looking for a small dog like a Chihuahua, Pom or Maltese. Because of my health issues I needa dog that could get exercise running around the in house. I was willing to take up to a 5 year old dog. I could not get one for under $500. Being on a pension I couldn't afford that as well as buy them food and beds and toys. I cried for 2 days. Last November we had a week of 48+C and some one dumped two plastic boxes with a few hoels melted in the top over night (45C at night) at the back of the local vets. In the morning the boxes were found and wen opened inside they found in one box a Mummy cat and 2 kittens the other box had a Mummy cat and 3 kittens. They all had lived. The local vets don't have rehoming facilities so advertised them on face book. I ended up adopting 2 kitties I've named Loki & Hades. They cost me nothing (Only cost has been their shots and being neutered). I still would have liked a dog but I love my little boys to bits. They are now one year old Loki is a Silver Grey Tabby and Hades is a Dark Tabby they are litter brothers.
dollymay
I agree to this
Kessa1959
I foster dogs and they are sold for $300 - $350 but you have to remember they have had all their vet work done - microchipped, heartworm tested & treated, wormed, desexed. Desexing alone is between $200 - $300. Plus by buying from a rescue group you aren't supporting back-yard breeders.
snowflake.brat
I agree the RSPCA do over charge but i think it is to help fund the association with the running cost etc.
They probably could charge a lot less than they do but at the end of the day you are saving a pet's life and giving it the deserved love and caring it deserves.....
enzo
I agree with you . I took some friends to the RSPCA as they were looking at getting a dog and I suggested looking there , was very suprised by the prices they were wanting to charge - I understand they have to vaccinate and vet check the animals and they probably have there reasons , but I agree with you
chequers
I agree that $400 is a little high. However, I don't think the RSPCA charges too much in general. They don't receive government support. The money they make goes towards vet checks, feeding the animal, desexing, microchipping. Plus they have to pay for buildings, shelter staff, food, inspectors, etc. For what I have paid for my cats, they have been great value for money! $180 (or so) for 17 years of fun, companionship, loyalty!
I adopted one cat from a different shelter, and she cost $265. Yet, I never see anyone complain about their prices.
simla
As i see it, many people would not regret paying a high price to the RSPCA if that guaranteed that no animal, no matter what, was put down. Not all are suitable for kids pets or town life, eg cattle dogs may not be ideal in town, but make good watch dogs for businesses, the legendary 'junk yard' dog. Some RSPCA 'not for adoption' dogs ended up in experimental labs or university vet schools. Can you believe that they would just put them down on site, when they can get thousands of $ selling them for profit to institutions. A friend, a vet student tells of the horrors inflicted before they finally die, and all hush hush from the general public. Vivisection is not a popular subject. Where do you think these places get their animals?
Ottosgirl
I think in a way it is good so people who can't afford that purchase price how are they going to afford vet bills? quality food ? maintenance on coat and health? Though i do believe these animals need homes as soon as possible so a more reasonable price wouldn't be a bad idea, but also understand the cost of them keeping the dog in their facility, the food, bills, staff, its not cheap, so also a fair price in that sense.
jules06
The price asked by the rspca is to pay for desexing , microchip, vaccination & working, not to mention feeding & paying staff to work there. If u buy a puppy it will have had 1 of 3 of its first injections needed to cover it 4 serious life threatening diseases, 1 injection cost $90 but both rspca & a breeder or private seller would have all done the 1st inj. But a private purchase you will then have the outlay for a microchip anything from $70 - $110 depend on vet. Desexing will vary in price depending on weight of the dog but that these days is for a small female dog its no less than $250 - $290 a medium dog $350 - $400. For a male possibly a small dog $210 - $250 and a medium male $300 - $350 but if the dog is cryptorchid it will be equal to price of a female dog, possibly more depending on the time taken to find & retrieve the retained testicle. if they have excessive pain & need extra pain tablets they cost around $1.20 per tab 4 - 7 tabs 1day until pain better + $20 - $25 dispensing fee then run of the mill antibiotics for 7-10 days $2.30 - $2-60 per tab & dispensing fee $20 - $25. And if there is a major infection issue then they may need a 2nd course of antibiotics. Another 7 - 10 tabs,@ $2.30 - $2.60 + dispensing $20 to $25. Of course dogs will need to be prevented from chewing or licking stitches the best is to purchase a buster click collar 10cm estimate $10 - 25cm @ around $16 or $18. Or don't buy 1 & if stitches are licked and skin sluffs and stitches pull through the skin u can go back for resuturing on a regular day another 10 min surg will cost $150. Or if it happened out of hrs and the wound is gaping, u need 2 attend an emergency centre that would be a $260 minimum bill. For attending & re suture plus start again w- course of antibiotics so if were 5 days in to the course u need an other 5 tabs & definitely the longer course due to the infection risk having had the wound opened up. The emerg centre will charge more for those tabs maybe $2.80 per tab plus dispensing after hrs $25 - $30 fee. So the rspca charge $300 - $350 even $400 to $450 sincerely do you still think that's too expensive??? Oh yes plus the outlay of a dog from a breeder or any pure bred dog is minimum $1200 tenterfield terrier was the cheapest breed i cld find when i was looking 8 yrs ago & majority other breeds averged $1600 - $1800 pet shops are dogs from puppy farms in horrific conditions they will charge you $650 - $800 still. If you ask me rspca & animal welfare league are selling you a dog far cheaper than you will ever pay to get all puppies needs met. Also if they sold them at $50 or $100 people think nothing of monetary factor. A puppy or dog is easily bought on a whim or as a gift and before you know it their mind has changed & the poor darling ends up back at the rspca that much older & less cute possibly unable to then find a forever home. Not to mention its emotional scarring from being dumped in the 1st place. Finding a home, being dumped again cause after all what's $80 or $100. Then sitting in a cage after experiencing a home & space waiting for someone to love them again. If some one is asked for & pays $400 to get a dog then they obviously seriously want the responsibility of a dog they are in for the long haul. That little animals life to me is worth every single cent asked for and more . In the years i have had my 2 current dogs 10yo & 8yo i would have easily spent $15 000 on health issues that have cropped up plus's every day care & preventative health, training etc etc i don't regret 1cent spent. They are my life & my absolute treasured companions. Think about it! What value do you put on your best friends life???
jules06
The price asked by the rspca is to pay for desexing , microchip, vaccination & working, not to mention feeding & paying staff to work there. If u buy a puppy it will have had 1 of 3 of its first injections needed to cover it 4 serious life threatening diseases, 1 injection cost $90 but both rspca & a breeder or private seller would have all done the 1st inj. But a private purchase you will then have the outlay for a microchip anything from $70 - $110 depend on vet. Desexing will vary in price depending on weight of the dog but that these days is for a small female dog its no less than $250 - $290 a medium dog $350 - $400. For a male possibly a small dog $210 - $250 and a medium male $300 - $350 but if the dog is cryptorchid it will be equal to price of a female dog, possibly more depending on the time taken to find & retrieve the retained testicle. if they have excessive pain & need extra pain tablets they cost around $1.20 per tab 4 - 7 tabs 1day until pain better + $20 - $25 dispensing fee then run of the mill antibiotics for 7-10 days $2.30 - $2-60 per tab & dispensing fee $20 - $25. And if there is a major infection issue then they may need a 2nd course of antibiotics. Another 7 - 10 tabs,@ $2.30 - $2.60 + dispensing $20 to $25. Of course dogs will need to be prevented from chewing or licking stitches the best is to purchase a buster click collar 10cm estimate $10 - 25cm @ around $16 or $18. Or don't buy 1 & if stitches are licked and skin sluffs and stitches pull through the skin u can go back for resuturing on a regular day another 10 min surg will cost $150. Or if it happened out of hrs and the wound is gaping, u need 2 attend an emergency centre that would be a $260 minimum bill. For attending & re suture plus start again w- course of antibiotics so if were 5 days in to the course u need an other 5 tabs & definitely the longer course due to the infection risk having had the wound opened up. The emerg centre will charge more for those tabs maybe $2.80 per tab plus dispensing after hrs $25 - $30 fee. So the rspca charge $300 - $350 even $400 to $450 sincerely do you still think that's too expensive??? Oh yes plus the outlay of a dog from a breeder or any pure bred dog is minimum $1200 tenterfield terrier was the cheapest breed i cld find when i was looking 8 yrs ago & majority other breeds averged $1600 - $1800 pet shops are dogs from puppy farms in horrific conditions they will charge you $650 - $800 still. If you ask me rspca & animal welfare league are selling you a dog far cheaper than you will ever pay to get all puppies needs met. Also if they sold them at $50 or $100 people think nothing of monetary factor. A puppy or dog is easily bought on a whim or as a gift and before you know it their mind has changed & the poor darling ends up back at the rspca that much older & less cute possibly unable to then find a forever home. Not to mention its emotional scarring from being dumped in the 1st place. Finding a home, being dumped again cause after all what's $80 or $100. Then sitting in a cage after experiencing a home & space waiting for someone to love them again. If some one is asked for & pays $400 to get a dog then they obviously seriously want the responsibility of a dog they are in for the long haul. That little animals life to me is worth every single cent asked for and more . In the years i have had my 2 current dogs 10yo & 8yo i would have easily spent $15 000 on health issues that have cropped up plus's every day care & preventative health, training etc etc i don't regret 1cent spent. They are my life & my absolute treasured companions. Think about it! What value do you put on your best friends life???
Rachiiee
I so agree places like RSPCA and other pet shelters are asking way too much to adopt an pet that needs and is also looking for a much needed better future.
simla
Absolutely, the money saved could be kept for any unexpected accident / illness, then the low income people could better afford the care needed, and every one benefits.
Anonymous
i heard that most of them are put down due to shortage of people adopting animals but if they will lowered down the fees it might help all our animals to find a fur ever home..
simla
Yes dogs have become expensive in recent years. Unfortunately there will always be some people who have too much money and will still offload or discard their latest 'new toy' when it's past it's use-by date. They have too much money, and will not value anything in the real sense of the word. They should be free for pensioners and low income / health card holders. They can save on the upkeep of housing, food and care costs, making room for more inmates. The Animal Rights organizations people could or should see to it hat none end up at institutions that practice vivisection for any reason. eg research.
jules06
Absolutely fair to charge $400 the more the better in my eyes. Firstly when you purchase the dog it is s desexed, micro chipped, wormed & temperament tested, if you go to the vet for desexing the cost varies as the amount of anaesthetic, amount of drugs used varies depending on the weight of the dog plus the time it takes. So desexing estimate in today's market includes the surgery & aftercare. antibiotics which may be required after surgery, as well as pain relief given + hospitalisation, often they are placed on a drip for the afternoon to keep them hydrated. They are being fully supervised 'intensive care' post surgery ensuring successful pain free recovery. At the time of the surgery they receive antibiotic injection which covers them for 24 hrs then may be placed on further oral antibiotics oral antibiotics for ten days is about $35 even morre. Also they have morphine type in initially to cover for 24hrs also: price for all this comes to approx min $220 - $ 350 not including the oral antibiotics. Now this rescued dog will not go into the hands of an irresponsible owner who may allow their dog to reproduce and add to the hundreds of unwanted dogs. Then there is Microchip which is inserted at the same time $70, OK when your dog crimes home they probably need a buster click collar over their head to stop them licking and pulling out their stitches cost $12.50 - $20. Depending on size neded. Vaccination along with complete health check - cost $70 - $90 depend on vet. intestinal worming flea treatment cost another $20 - $25 So there between $392.5 - $555. (Not including oral antibiotics or ongoing pain relief which often are needed they would beva further $30. Now you have covered medical costs, your dog is temperament tested and you know what you are getting there is the information giving relating to individual needs of dog is if they need excessive excersize or large grooming commitments or if they are not recommended to be with children etc. Now at this point you haven't even paid for the dog itself just the medical treatment. Look in the paper, You are lucky to find a bitzer under $250 or $300 and if you want a purebred which u can come across at the RSPCA you will definitely pay in excess of $1200 most pure bred $1400 - $2000. Lastly but not least, many people take a dog without thinking about it. Maybe see a give away or pay $80 readily affordable and takes little thought to purchase and thinking the decision through thoroughly, then the realisation of the commitment both financially and physically that realisation leads to people thinking they made the wrong decision so the dog is anothrr forgotten soul left in the back yard undesexed, untrained, unsocialised, not worm treated etc etc or easier still id to dump it again or surrender back to rspca. How committed to the animal is a person paying $1400 or even just $400. I know for a fact that the more people pay the more serious they are that this dog is a wanted and important part of the family. If a person got a giveaway dog or pay even justt $100 then decide they don't want it has no impact on them to get rid of it. The person who pays $400 will think twice their hip pocket hurts. We all know money is really what drives people. If you cant afford or u don't want to pay $400 for the beautiful rescued soul and the hard work and commitment of the RSPCA to bring this dog to full health ready for its forever home then u shouldn't get the dog. $400 doesn't even cover the full cost of caring for that dog before u have purchased it. RSPCA should charge more at least cover their expenses plus get a donation to their amazing service to the animals of Australia.
simla
Yes, people who can afford it wouldn't mind paying a lot more if they were sure that ALL will not be put down or sold on for vivisection, all secretively done, and under the counter, no records kept. It is why so many volunteers cannot continue to work there and so many other rescue places are supported instead. I pity the poor souls that end up there at the RSPCA when there are other better options available. The public should be more informed about other more humane ' no kill ' places that can be contacted instead of RSPCA
Blossom
Did the charge include the cost of immunisations, worming, desexing and other vet checks having alreadt been done. Some animal rescue orgainsations also do behaviour and socialisation assessments to ensure a pet is suitable for release for people to have.
Dumb Dumb
I also think the price is to high to get a dog from them. It would be so much easier if the cost was less then people would go and take a look at the dogs there and more than likely find the one they want and could love and become a member of the family. I find it terrible that so many animals are put down some are just the nicest but people just can not afford the price to pay for an animal from there . May be if they could bring the price down more would go there and they would be paying to register the animal there and then and also in the years to come so money does go back.
simla
They sure are Top Heavy, not a charity but a business, with brutal business strategies. Now they are required to keep books, which they have not had to do in the past. A look at their annual report will show numbers of dogs surrendered, numbers sold, and number died or put down. The numbers dead or passed on reflect the supply numbers of dogs sold to institutions for vivisection. No paperwork available for this. Who gets the cash from ' culled temperment tested, old or ugly', deemed to be in the thousands? Where do the blood products and transpant organs come from? Some who work there are genuine caring people, but unfortunately many in admin are greedy, and there to 'feather their nest' and recent scandals in Tasmanian admin reflect this. The whole area is a unethical and seething cesspit, enough to warrant a Royal Commission!
Sammbo
The RSPCA adoption fees are considerably higher than many other Pet Adoption organisations around Australia.
Admittedly these "other" organisations are mainly volunteer manned and naturally have much lower overheads than the RSPCA . But their service is as good if not better than the RSPCA in t0he role of Pet Adoption.
However, I question if the RSPCA isn't "top heavy"?
They have a brand new building in Burwood East sometimes called "The Shrine" and lots of people in admin and they are always fund raising.
How much of the fund raising is going into admin staff salariesd and the "new " building?
Anonymous
I completely agree. There are those who dont, stating that if you want to rescue a pet, then price shouldn't be an option. This may be true... But my issue with this is that for those who want to give a furr baby a home, but cant afford a lump sum payment, keep walking. There are so many animals being euthanized by the RSPCA each year, surely it is more important to find them a home then it is to make money? I understand that they have costs to cover, but if they were really serious about helping the animals, then they would drop the prices and focus more on finding them a home, even if that means they are given to a new owner and not sold.
jakai_mum
Wow. When we bought our dog about 7 years ago we paid $200 and I feel that is a reasonable price. She was desexed, micro chipped and vet checked before taking her home. $400 does seem excessive, I wonder if they are struggling to get the fundraising dollar they need. That seems like a giant leap.
jester123
The thing you have to remember that when you buy an animal from a shelter it's de-sexed, vaccinated, wormed and giving a thorough vet check. Often they have basic training and assessed for suitability for re-homing. This is what the cost covers. You can buy a pup from a breeder but then have to pay for all the above on top and vet bills are expensive.
Bel
I think they more raise the prices due to the fact that they want people to really want this animal and will be willing to pay extra for it and to actually have the money to accomodate it. That price is ridiculous and I do understand where they are coming from but putting down an animal is cruel. In the pet show i used to work for we used to take on AQWL I think thats what its called its a queensland animal rescue place and they don't ever put down animals. We took them into our pet shop to try and sell them so that they could try and help out these animals. People used to come in wanting kittens or puppies and we say well here is dogs and cats already trained can be just as playful and in much need of a loving home. We didn't always sell the animals we were given but then they would go off to another pet shop for a fortnight and we would get a new lot in. it was great for our company and for their organisation and helped people adopt more animals. Again I think its wrong they put down animals yes there are a lot of strays or animals that have been given up but to raise prices to excessive amounts is a bit ridiculous when a loving family who really want to take care of an animal can't afford that but could give that animal everything it needs
simla
A great service you provided, not so easy these days, with the '' Anti Pet Shop'' policies these days. Always some well meaning Animal Welfare Law, coming in to stuff things up. They should look into the real abuse, like farm dogs chained up in mud, under the tractor, if it's lucky it dosn't get kicked if it wines. And for days on end, Fed once a week.
kaz0
I have worked at the RSPCA for a number of years as a volunteer. The reason some (not all) animals are priced higher is the breed. The Government does not put any money towards this organization it is all funded through charity. We make sure that all the animals are vet checked before the public can view them. All these animals need feeding which comes from the money people give to purchase an animal. We worm them ( which costs ), we haveto pay for the vet to come out. The ambulance needs petrol, rego, insurance which all costs. Then we have the animals who have been mistreated which in quite a few cases can cost 100 of dollars. Plus once you purchase the pet you get their needles, wormed, supply of food, collar, microchiped and more. The money is used for our beautiful 4 legged buddies. I love it when they go to a new family and we get photos and cards from the owners and pet:)
simla
Hi kazo, I used to be a vet nurse, and I know what would help the animals find a good home. Its a two pronged approach that is needed. 1. reprieve the animals from 'death row' (the image is not a good one) people rather support a more ''humane" group of true volunteers.2. the next step is to have a more realistic price, not based on 'market trends' popular breeds.
legs
we have bought 3 dogs from the rspca all at different times our first dog going back nearly 10years ago cost a $10 the last one cost us $300 and they are all xbreeds
TATTY
The prices are way too high. I donate to the RSPCA on a monthly basis. If more people did, maybe they can afford to drop their prices. Me, personally, I will only take strays is I want an animal.
anne
YES I ALSO THINK THEY CHARGE TO MUCH I KNOW THAT THEY HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND HAD THEIR NEEDLES AND WORMED ETC ETC BUT PEOPLE GO TO GET A PET BECAUSE THEY NEED A HOME NOT TO HAVE TO PAY A WEEKS WAGES FOR THEM MY FAMILY ENDED GETTING A PUPPY FROM A FRIEND OF A FRIEND BY THE TIME WE GOT NEEDLE AND HAD HER WORMED CHECKED IT COST AROUND $200. I THINK THEY NEED TO LOOK AT THE PRICES THEY CHARGE MAYBE MORE ANIMALS WOULD GET A HOME IF PRICING WAS LOWER
Rev.Wal
A lot of people think $400 is a lot others say it's not because of all that they have done desexing, needles etc but remember they pay a lot less than we would have to at the vets. They often have a vet on retainer and don't pay any or little tax so what would cost us $100 only costs them $30. The whole idea is for them to get these animals into good homes not run at a huge profit.
Anonymous
if they are wanting good homes for them then they should be close to free
woodie
If you go through the Dog Adoption Agencies, you can get them a lot cheaper. The ones in the Foster Homes are free but you get them as they are .The others are at the RSPCA but not part of it and they include, worming, desexing etc. Our little Maltese/Poodle was from a home and free but the others are Maximum $200 from what I can gather.
woodie
If you go through the Dog Adoption Agencies, you can get them a lot cheaper. The ones in the Foster Homes are free but you get them as they are .The others are at the RSPCA but not part of it and they include, worming, desexing etc. Our little Maltese/Poodle was from a home and free but the others are Maximum $200 from what I can gather.
nelly2
i know i think there prices are bit high ,they want people to give there animals a home ,of which i did 4yrs ago ,the dog was only 1 yr old thats what they told me and i paid 200 dollars for her,she was a lovely dog she gave me 3yrs of love and affection ,but sadly she got really sick and i could not save her,she had to be put to sleep,and we paid 300 for her to be cremated ,im not complaining but ,im on a pension ,it was hard to get the money up ,but i loved her ,my daughter just had to have her dog of 14 yrs put to sleep ,and her 2 children want her to get another puppy ,but to get one through the rspca is to expensive ,she is on a center link benifit ,i dont know why they charge so much,i heard it was so when people pay a lot of money for an animal they would look after it propelly ,and it would not come back to rspca,if people got them for nothing they would not look after them as well.
Maz
Maybe the high prices are to demonstrate committment. If it is too cheap to buy an animal then it can be too easy to give them away/ desert them if they can't be looked after/ are difficult. It does cost money to look after a pet so perhaps it's important to the RSPCA to know you have the funds to do so. That's a theory anyway.
I myself prefer organisations that don't euthanase animals when they're not placed within a certain time.
simla
I think you are right Maz, the' Middle Road' again is the best course, price not too high so as to make it prohibitive, or too low so as to devalue the animal.Prospective new owners prefer to support 'no kill' policies. Quicker turnover= $'s saved in care and food.
Anonymous
I agree 100% If you didnt have to pay so much, more of these animals could be adopted and people could better afford all the items needed at home for these new pets. I enquired about getting a kitten for my God daughter in P.N. and they wanted $120. In my opinion that is rediculous.
wattle
I always thought that was the main thing to find homes for the dogs and cats. I also understand that it cost money to desexed etc but what about money received from
the fund raising they do.It really don,t cost that much to feed them and I am sure if they wanted they could get quite a bit of food for next to nothing.they use volunteers for a lot of the work. Even if they had dog &cat care for people going on holidays it is a way to get money that say around $12 a day would be able to feed more then one dog or cat. I have a friend that wants somewhere to leave her dog she was asked $35 dollars a day to have a small dog minded.
simla
I wouldn't advise leaving an animal there whilst you go on holidays. Something might happen to it. Like accidently get sold. Has happened. Also , could pick up some virus like Parvo. If boarding an animal anywhere, always make sure the vaccinations, (all of the ones available) are recent.That advice is from personal experience.
wattle
I always thought that was the main thing to find homes for the dogs and cats. I also understand that it cost money to desexed etc but what about money received from
the fund raising they do.It really don,t cost that much to feed them and I am sure if they wanted they could get quite a bit of food for next to nothing.they use volunteers for a lot of the work. Even if they had dog &cat care for people going on holidays it is a way to get money that say around $12 a day would be able to feed more then one dog or cat. I have a friend that wants somewhere to leave her dog she was asked $35 dollars a day to have a small dog minded.
Anonymous
I lived next to an RSPCA shelter for a while and often went in to see the dogs and help I. People often came in to adpot animals only to find out how much they were and due to cost not. I know they do great work and it must be a very expensive job but isnt the aim to give teh cats and dogs a home?
simla
it used to be....now it seems to be to out-sell the breeders and go into opposition with the pet shops!
wattle
totally agree
pauline50
I agree far to expensive why would you pay $400 for a pet when you can pay that for a pet from a good breeder which most times the pets have had their vaccinations and flea treated and you would get papers too.If they were a cheaper price i would defiantly adopt but can' afford to at that price,maybe something realistic like $100 and donate some blankets and food?then they would not have so many animals .
ceanna jane
ceanna jane
ceanna jane
I believe that every animal belongs to a good home.if people are going to a shelter or a animal rescue center its becaise they want to save an animal that beeds a stable home.money should not be an issue.if someone had mistreated or abandoned an animal,the main priority should be the well being of that animal not money.alot of animal shelters have an overflow of abandoned animals and I believe if they where to drop there prices on the sales of pets the amount of animals put down each year would be halved.
ceanna jane
I believe that every animal belongs to a good home.if people are going to a shelter or a animal rescue center its becaise they want to save an animal that beeds a stable home.money should not be an issue.if someone had mistreated or abandoned an animal,the main priority should be the well being of that animal not money.alot of animal shelters have an overflow of abandoned animals and I believe if they where to drop there prices on the sales of pets the amount of animals put down each year would be halved.
simla
hi pauline, they play on people's sympathy, it's like-'if you want to save this poor animal-pay up'!
Anonymous
I did 2 whole days volunteering at the RSPCA.......no longer volunteer there.....yes they do fabulous work......oh yes they charge way too much for the animals.....I will keep to myself why I no longer volunteer there though.....I was very upset with the actual goings on there.......I adopted my dog from the Animal Welfare League on the Gold Coast. Prices are cheaper and NOT ONE ANIMAL is put down just because they are not adopted out. They are there till the very end if they NEVER get a new home.....RSPCA do unfortunately put the animals down after so long......THERE ARE NEVER BAD ANIMALS JUST BAD PEOPLE!!!! With the way they treat animals......
jules06
Dogs with papers are $1500 or $1800 on average!! You paid $600 for dogs with papers over 15 or near 20yrs ago now.
simla
It's a great pity that animal lovers like yourself are put off by 'goings on' a similar thing happened with the daughter of a friend of mine. She was a work experience student there. She lasted a week, in tears each night. Attitudes of the staff and the policies with the whole organization need an "overhaul".
simla
have you any idea of how much their "salary" is? and they don't have to have an animal-related "qualification"! X police are highly sort-after, figure that one out.
simla
Yes you are right! They use true animal lover volunteers as slaves without the appreciation they deserve. It's said that they have moved from a charity to a business, that's why the high prices, destruction of the 'ugly' or not-so-desirable animals, and any that have been there a while. Have you seen the flash cars they drive around? I'm sure a well maintained "older " car would do the same job. Money is no object when its for their own comfort.
geejay
Totally agree with all you say and I believe they charge that much just to get the monies in and keep their jobs! Don't even think about the volenteres, they are just the ones that do most of the work!
wattle
yes I know where you are coming from. I think it would be better to sell a bit cheaper than put them to sleep. It comes across to me that they want money than a home for the animals.the price they want for a stray is far to much I have seen dogs on their sights for $600
I would think you could get a dog with papers for this sort of money
what about old people some would be happy to take a dog or cat on death row
some don't have anything for company
wattle
It all the matter of shopping around yes I had to go to Sydney but I finished up getting cross maltess & shui about 6months old For $275 with all checks ,desex
mircochiped
this was from a pound that the rspca sent the dog too if these people can do for this price why not the rspca pound it self
wattle
It all the matter of shopping around yes I had to go to Sydney but I finished up getting cross maltess & shui about 6months old For $275 with all checks ,desex
mircochiped
this was from a pound that the rspca sent the dog too if these people can do for this price why not the rspca pound it self
Kinja
I tend to disagree...the RSPCA price does include a health check, vaccination, worming, desexing and they are microchipped. If you add up all of these individual costs it would be similar or more likely more expensive...and if you adopt from the RSPCA you have the personal satisfaction knowing you are saving a life. Both my kittens are adoption kittens and I couldn't have asked for more beautiful pets. Good luck with finding a new little family member :-)
dollymay
it doesn't cost that much for vaccinates etc twice a year the RSPCA vaccinates animals for $30, micro chipping around the same price for the public, I know because my animals go there. so the vet check must cost $300 odd dollars, hardly. the blankets and food are donated. mmm, I wonder why
geejay
All valid points for some Sarah. For myself the older dog being free, or even cheaper was not mentioned when I asked about something that I could afford. A purchase of the amount they want for a dog isn't easy to come by for myself, and others, but feeding a dog and giving it a good home is done in small lots each week and is manageable for most. I myself shoot my own meat and have a reasonable supply of homegrown vegetables as well as fresh caught fish that make it easier on the day to day costs. I could give a dog a good home if I chose to.
Kessa1959
Geejay - even if you buy a dog cheaply you are still up for heartworm testing and treatment, microchipping (it's illegal to sell a dog which isn't microchipped), worming, flea & tick treatment and desexing.
This will come to over the price that foster groups charge.
Kessa1959
Totally agree with you Kinja. The cost of vetting for a foster dog is often more than what the price is. I would much prefer to adopt rather than shop.
Anonymous
I don't understand how $400 is expensive for a dog at all. I'm planning on getting a puppy from a breeder in about 4 months and am aware that it might cost me up to $2500. The price is dependent on many things including the veterinary and medical costs required. Though everyone seems to think it's expensive if you don't have a high income, I don't see the issue. I'm only 18 and working a few days a week around study... I do not have a high income at all. But I have been saving every last cent I can each week to get this puppy because it's that important to me. If you think it's too expensive then put however much aside each week until you have enough... even if it's just $20 a week you will have enough for a $400 dog within 6 months. A dog is a big commitment and shouldn't be a rash decision so if you don't have the money then just save up and it will also give you time to think about whether you should actually get a dog. I know you said that having a dog is a way of not feeling alone for a lot of pensioners, but that's also the reason I am getting one. I may not be a pensioner, but I am majorly introverted and shy so I always feel alone. But as much as I want a dog now, I know that 6 months wait is well worth it in the end.
Ottosgirl
I must agree with you Kinja, and on top of that the food and bills to keep them at the facility would not be cheap.
jules06
Sarahsurveyor i am right with you it seems people are expecting to pay what it cost 20yrs ago for an animal. If you cant be willing to purchase a dog for much less than it actually cost to have a dog microchipped, desexed vaccinated worked fed and kept until a home is found then what on earth are these people going to do when there is an injury and they r faced with a real vet bill & have to pay at the time of collecting their pet ??????????? Hmmmmmm the real world is tough vets are expensive & people need to be realistic about ongoing costs.
Dumb Dumb
I also have to say rather expensive if your working and on a good wage then you may have the money to pay out this amount. I'm on a disabled pension to get an animal from there would cost me nearly all of my money for a whole fortnight then you save to think about food, bedding when taking them home. I know you could save up but this would also take quiet a long time to do being on a very limited amount of money. I live alone but i am lucky enough to have had a dog bought for me but if i had not had that done then i would not have a dog or any animal i could not afford to get from the RSPCA and being alone as a lot of pensioners are having animals is a way of not feeling so alone
geejay
Hi Sarahsurveyor, Geejay here. You make some good points here but that option was never offered, or even mentioned when I went to find a companion for my older dog when she was distressed after her companion of many years passed away., an older dog would have been perfect for us.
As for donations I do make donations to the RSPCA via their raffles end also monetary when I could/can. That's not a lot of money for some people but on a Disability Support pension, with a mortgage to pay and all the other financial debts that I had while I was working is a hell of a lot of money! You obviously have a better financial situation than myself if you can afford to pay the full amount anyway. I know they are mostly volunteers and I have high praise for them.
As for the care of my pet/s there is no problem there as I have some land and the wallabies are in plague proportions here in Southern Tasmania and have been for the last twenty years or more, and getting worse all the time. It's not a problem to shoot a few and then prepare them for my dog. Skinned, cleaned and cooked the dogs love it !!!
Anonymous
If adopting a dog desperately in need of a home is what is most important to you, then get a senior pet. Any dogs or cats over 7 years old are free to good home. Also they occasionally do days where you make a donation of your choice for your pet, that is what was on when I got mine, but I still paid the amount they normally charge as I think it is reasonable considering their costs and that their workers are mostly volunteers. Also, if you cannot afford to buy a dog, then you probably can't afford the care they need and should think hard before you bring one home.
geejay
Well Kinja I assume you have a better income than many of us. As a pensioner or low income person who just wanted a dog for the children and knew what else he/she could do with that amount of money, around the $400.00 mark for a dog at Risdonvale just has to forget the dog and spend it on more important practical items and/or issues. Perhaps the kittens are not so expensive.
Analog6
I totally agree, they are way too high. You can get the animals a bit cheaper at times though. We got our Siamese for $25 a few years ago, desexed and chipped from the local RSPCA, as she was a 'problem. cat. She did take a long while to settle but I was prepared for that. $400 does seem over the top.