Dognapping On the Rise—Protect Your Pet

Thursday, August 2, 2012 - 11:15am
Dognapping On the Rise—Protect Your Pet

Pet theft is on the rise. The American Kennel Club, which has been tracking pet thefts since 2007, reported a 32% increase in dog thefts last year.

While some animals are snatched from their yards or during home invasions, opportunistic thieves most commonly steal dogs left in cars or tied up outside stores. In the ASPCA’s hometown of New York City, dognappings skyrocket every summer as pet parents take advantage of nice weather to combine dog-walking with errand-running.

Protect Your Pet
Avoid becoming a victim of this heartbreaking crime!

  • When running errands around town, visit pet-friendly establishments or please leave your dog at home.
  • Keep a close eye on your pet in designated off-leash areas, where he could become a target for criminals looking to make a quick buck. (Pet thieves often try to resell—or even hold for ransom—stolen dogs.)
  • Avoid leaving your pet unattended in the front yard, especially if your lawn is exposed or accessible.
  • The same rules apply for leaving your pet tied up outside a store. In addition to being vulnerable to theft and teasing, your dog might escape or get injured.
  • Microchip your pet! Microchipping can often mean the difference between temporary and permanent separation from your furry loved one.

For more important information about what to do if your pet is missing, please read our article on Finding a Lost Pet.

Tags: 
Pet Care

Comments

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:28 — Stacy Hallman (Visitor)
If you find yourself looking at a dog locked in a vehicle, assess the situation. If it is hot and windows are up or cracked half way down call the police and file a report. Then sign an arrest warrent at the police station. That way the owner will be held responsible for their actions and you are in the clear because you did the right thing. I did it to an owner who left her dog in the car on an extrememly hot day. Signed the arrest warrant. Now it is up to the courts to punish her.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:45 — Pam (Visitor)
Very helpful post. Good job.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:33 — Sue (Visitor)
Thank You Kasey, I know people mean well, but you cannot assume you know what is going on in these situations!! If you feel off about the situation call 911, don't take some ones dog and try to be a hero!!!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:22 — 11vandev (Visitor)
Actually in certain situations you can take the law into your own hands. Ever hear of "civil arrest"? A civilian can arrest someone, but certain situations apply

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:57 — Heather (Visitor)
Leaving a dog in a car in Arizona might not be the best, but it is incredibly ignorant and narrowminded to assume that the climate in Arizona is the same as everywhere. Get a clue and use common sense - if it is hot outside and the dog looks uncomfortable, call the cops. But don't just assume that you are an animal rights crusader and go after everyone who leaves their dog in their car. That is ridiculous - don't you have other things to do? Like maybe spending time with your OWN dog? What is your dog doing when you are running around putting flyers on peoples cars? Sounds like borderline psychotic, controlling behavior to me. I've had multiple dogs in my life, used my judgment and COMMON SENSE to decide whether it was too hot to leave them in the car, erred on the side of caution, and have NEVER had a sick or unhappy dog.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 15:55 — Tanya (Visitor)
I do believe Kacey has a very good point. However, when calling the authorities, I would wonder how quickly they would or could respond due an array of variables such as staffing, location of distressed animal & jurisdiction, priority of situation compared to another. Those things are taken into consideration and there is the possibility of the obvious good samaritan who wants to help and does all the right things but they don't have all the right information. So if I see a tied up animal in a hot sun suffering I would do my best to not be considered a "thief" but I would do whatever was necessary to keep that animal from suffering anymore.:)

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 20:32 — teebug (Visitor)
If I felt the dog was in immediate danger, I wouldn't hesitate to get the dog out of the car or to untie him. I would also contact the authorities and the Humane Society, Animal Control, whoever it took to make sure the dog was safe and the owner was confronted about not taking proper care of the animal. I don't care if the owner feel I'm being judgemental or not minding my own business. My concern is for the health, well-being, and life of an innocent animal who cannot help itself in a dangerous situation. These animals depend on their owners to take care of them, protect them, love them, and have their best interests at heart. Like to say I'm sorry if this makes the guilty parties angry, but again, my concern is for these innocent, helpless babies, not the owners.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 08:14 — Dottie (Visitor)
I was at a Kroger and I live in Texas, so you can imagine how hot it was. There was a dog in a car - I called 911 and within probably 1 MINUTE, they were coming with sirens going. It was the firetruck - they had the equipment to help the dog if need be and one of the officers went into Kroger to find the owner. That is better than trying to take the dog because at least in Texas you can go to jail for that and it doesn't help you or the dog. I took cookies to the firemen! They were great.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 23:11 — Lucee (Visitor)
Good advice-- cooler heads prevail! If you see a dog or any other animal in danger, whether tied, enclosed or abused-- call the police. I live near the beach and many people enjoy the cool breezes and decide to stroll the beach-- BUT leave Fido in the HOT car!! Creeps, I know! Well, the police respond in just minutes and they OPEN that car, retrieve the pet and find the owner, with a citation, sometimes MORE. To avoid making a mark as an hysteric (which is what PETA gets labeled often for crazy antics outside the law) we have to be responsible enough to do the right thing-- so we can further the cause of animal rights...not DETER supporters because "we" look like "nutcases." However...IF there's NO police forthcoming....do what you have to and trust the judicial system to support "the right thing."

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:43 — Rebecca (Visitor)
Taking a dog from a car or tied up outside IS theft. Stealing someone's pet isn't a rescue. The police would agree. A pet is considered personal property in most states and as much as that stinks it also means if you make off with my $1200 shih tzu you're looking at jail time and so is who ever you sell him to. I had a retriever who lived outside for years. She hated coming in the house but she was well cared for and well loved and lived over 15 years. And if you'd tried to take her out of our yard she would've ripped your face off or my dad would've been withtin his rights to shoot you. So maybe you should consider that when you consider "rescuing" someone's pet.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 09:48 — Tanya Stevens (Visitor)
Why would anyone PAY For a dog you can rescue from a shelter? If I see a dog tied up on a car, I will rescue it. There are instances of the dog getting RUN OVER. "rescue" means not paying $1000 of dollars for a pet

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:29 — Lynn (Visitor)
Tanya asked why one would pay for a dog when they can get one from a shelter. There are many valid answers, but the person made an unfounded statement. I am poor, well below the poverty line. I bought a dog from a reputable local breeder because I couldn't afford the price charged at our local shelter. Rescue group dogs are even more expensive. Shelter dogs are no longer free or inexpensive. Many poor people who really need a dog and would take good care can't afford one. I'm legally disabled AND a senior citizen, I need a dog for companionship and therapy. (Loving a dog and being loved is therapy.) Like many poor people in my position, I cannot afford the exessive "fees" that are the sales price at shelters now. People who need dogs and dogs who need people are kept away from each other. Many shelters, which are largely financed by donations by the way, would rather kill a dog and let someone who can't afford to buy at their price have one at a reasonable price.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:48 — Sally (Visitor)
I own and operate a non-profit dog rescue in TN and our adoption fee is $75.00 which helps off-set the cost of the dog's spay/neuter surgery. We are not permitted, by law, to adopt out an "intact" dog so every dog is required to be sterilized and up-to-date on their shots. This is expensive (85 for females and 65 for males) Since rescues don't usually receive any financial support except the adoption fee, we really have no choice but to charge a fee in order to continue to rescue dogs in need. If you can't afford a nominal fee, how will you affort vet annual vet fees, the food, toys, ect. required to care for a dog. Just asking?

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:24 — Brian (Visitor)
I agree my mom is wanting to rescue an older dog they had her fill out a 4 pagr application...a HOMR ONSPECTION AND FOR OLD DOGS $150 PUPPIES ANC DOGS $300 IM SORRY THATS F-ING RIDDICULOUS...screw that i wouldnt do it just for the sheer time required and the personal invasion....its sad dogs loose out on GREAT HOMES and Great moms and dads because rescues are OVER CAUTIOUS and over protective... Not everyone is willing to jump through that many hoops for a pet...and just because some of you EXTREME ACTIVISTS WOULD doesn't mean we ill should...NOR DOES IT MAKE US UNFIT PARENTS OR UNFIT HOMES....BOTH MY GIRLS ARE RESCUES I REFUSED TO PAY A DIME FOR EITHER...WHEN THEY SAT LONG ENOUGH...I GOT THEM i am the most loving spoiling dad ever they have health insurance they get excellent medical care and more birthday and Christmas gifts than some children...but i REFUSED TO BE JUDGED AND INSPECTED BY SOME ANIMAL FREAK AT A SHELTER NOR PAY FOR A HOMELESS DOG SORRY PEOPLE ITS S RESCUES...YOUR COMMITMENT TO LIFE LONG CARE ID ENOUGH FINANCIAL COMMITMENT ..THAT PREVIOUS POST INFURIATED ME...A HOME INSPECTION...WTF !?!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:44 — Maggie (Visitor)
All a dog needs is 2 meals a day and lot of love. It is like forcing poor people not to have kids because they cannot buy them toys and offer them comfy beds to sleep on. Poor people can love and take care of their dogs just as much. Shelters should offer basic vaccination and basic heatlh care free for low income groups. Ask the dog, and it will tell you it prefers to have a poor owner then beiing killed in a gas chamber.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 14:23 — Ashlee (Visitor)
While I agree with your statement that a dog needs two meals a day and love, I disagree that they will live a long HEALTHY life on just these two items alone. What about exercise, mental and physical stimulation provided by a variety of toys (buy these according to budget), and the biggest expense, vet care? If I were poor, I wouldn't have my dogs without knowing that I could afford their monthly heartworm preventive, frontline to insure they aren't flea ridden, or better yet the expensive X-rays, ultrasounds, and meds that I NEEDED to pay to find out one of my pups has chronic kidney failure. The dogs in our shelters in my area wind up in a cage because the owners didn't exercise them enough, therefore the dog misbehaved simply because he wasn't entertained enough or because they couldn't afford vet care. While I believe your point is valid, I just wanted to point it out that it takes much more than love and food.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:28 — Ken Adlam (Visitor)
partially agree with your anger at some of the rescue groups...I think some are on a power trip. Have had 7 dogs in my life, all rescues and mixed breeds. After the passing of 2 hounds at ages 15 and 17, I decided to get a senior rescue as most folks want a pup. After one of those 4-page applications, I got rejected because they didn't like that one of my references was a relative. Which leads me to wonder whether these folks really care that much about the dogs they claim to be saving. Finally I contacted Philadelphia PAWS who had a 10 y.o. beagle/hound mix who had been abandoned...they brought the ole gal out to the house to see the environment and talk to me...for a "donation" of $75, I now have one of the sweetest, friendliest dogs ever. Moral: There are some really good rescue groups out there for pets fortunate enough to be put in their care!

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 04:17 — Laura (Visitor)
Yeah, the home inspections are too invasive and I have spoken to shelters who charge $600!!! The point of the fee is to 1. recoup some of the costs that have been spent on the animal, and 2. to make sure the person is serious about purchasing. Some of these rescues have truly been through hell, and they just want to make sure the dog will not suffer any more. I think they are going about it all the wrong way though. They are preventing more healthy adoptions than they are making. I honestly can't see how that's helping the animals.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 16:41 — Jason (Visitor)
I never understood why people complain about paying for a spay/neuter fee. If you plan on fixing them, then what's wrong with paying for that upfront? When I adopted my lab mix from a local shelter years ago, they made me pay 60 bucks for her and she got fixed as soon as the vet said she was ready to (there was an issue with her age because as weeks kept passing, the vet said that her teeth were still indicating the age of a puppy). We had to send the proof of the surgery to the shelter so that they wouldn't reclaim her. That's that. If you can't pay for the spay/neuter fee, then really, you probably shouldn't have an animal.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 19:51 — Martha (Visitor)
Be happy you are charges 60 or 70 dollars! I just had my female puppy fixed and microchipped and it was over $350. So I'd say that's a deal!

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 14:47 — Mary (Visitor)
There is no such thing as a FREE DOG or CAT! I agree with Martha, 100%! My Sophia was FREE to me (Maltese/Shih Tzu) and within 2 weeks of taking ownership of this 1 yr. old pup, I spent $220. for her spay, $50. for her groom, and $320. for shots,worming,flea meds,and antibiotics for a toncil infection and another $30 for Micro-chipping, and $17.00 to register the micro-chip . and $90. for a blood work up done on her...Oh! and did I mention $20. for liciense? Had I recieved her as a shelter dog, it would have been MUCH cheaper, But this baby needed my help, and to find out in the end, it was me who really needed her.. I can't imagine my life without Sophia..

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:05 — ron (Visitor)
That's just how I feel. I have 4 shelter pets here at home, 2 cats, 2 dogs. We had another pug but she died. It adds to the expenses of a shelter rescue because you don't know the medical history and 99.9% of the time the shelter will tell you the animal is 100% healthy. We had to put the one pug down because of multiple bladder stones, we have another dog with a pinched nerve problem. It's just too expensive altoghether, and emotionally taxing to go to a shelter.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:20 — Earl Dysert (Visitor)
I strongly disagree with that statement! That sounds incredibly ignorant to me. Purchase one from a backyard breeder then and be part of the pet over population problem. It’s no wonder that approximately 20 million dogs get enthused each year in this country.

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 04:26 — Laura (Visitor)
Shelter dogs are THE BEST FRIENDS you will ever have. All of my best buddies have come from shelters - my Aussie was 10mo. old and is now 15 & still goes for 2 & 3 mile walks every day, my Siberian Husky was 4 and died at 17, my Chesapeake Bay was 2 and died at 16, and my German Shepherd/Husky mix was 2 and died at 14. All of my cats have been strays and lived to ripe old ages. My current one is 4 and I picked her up on the side of a highway when she was about 4 mos. All animals have health problems just like people. Shelter animals are greatful to have a home have so much love to give - health care expenses cannot even compare to how much they love us!!!!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 15:36 — Kate C. (Visitor)
I agree that a lot of shelter pets have undisclosed medical issues, but as a dog trainer, I have lost count of how many dogs from pet stores and back yard breeders (that cost upwards of $1000) have emotional/behavioral issues from being locked in a cage for their first 4 months of life, and/or horrendous life-long health issues such as Lupus, IBD, hip dyslpasia, etc. The dog we got for free ended up costing us 1000s of dollars in medical costs (read: get insurance asap). I rescued a dog 2 years ago, and YES, there was a form I had to fill out to adopt my dog from the rescue group, NO, there was no home inspection, YES the fee was $250 but she was spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated, but just that alone would have cost me the same. Also, there are usually "Seniors for Seniors" low-cost or free adoptions in most areas, and similar programs for people with disabilities, but often times you have to ask.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:05 — valerie (Visitor)
You have expressed what I have thought, and felt, for a long time. I also am a senior and disabled and the companionship of pets is critical to my existence. I take good care of my animals and I feed them well; though I can't afford expensive medical care, I manage to have pet insurance for basics. But I will not be able to continue to have pets because I cannot afford the initial costs. I recently lost my two cats to old age, my dear dog is getting-on. When he is gone, I'll be alone. I don't expect to "replace" my old cats or my dog, but I look at the shelters and rescue organizations and cry for those who want and need a good home and for me because I can't give it to them.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:14 — Sue Munroe (Visitor)
I have often seen cats/kittens for adoption at local pet stores and vets offices. The cats at Petco are much less costly than adopting at a shelter.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:07 — Josane (Visitor)
From what I've seen at my local Petco stores...the cats there are usually rescues....

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:48 — brent (Visitor)
I volunteer for a rescue organization, and we sometimes adopt out, for free, a dog that is difficult to adopt out , usually because it is older, not necessarily old. We also have had some dogs with health problems, nothing terminal, or senior dogs and we adopt them out for free and pay vet and medicine costs. These are always wonderful dogs that just need an owner. Our group pays for dogs from the shelter, the same cost as anyone. We often pay for surgery's, setting bones, mange, parvo etc.. We do have an adoption fee, and this helps offset these medical costs. We are always running in the red. It also makes sure that the dog will go to an owner than can afford food and other necessities for the dog. We adopt the shelter dogs that will be executed by the shelter because of needed surgery's, or medical condition, which most people wont adopt from the shelter. If you are in a financial situation where you can't afford the adoption fee but can afford to take cars of the dog, contact local gropes, there everywhere, and let them know your situation, I bet you will get a dog to love and be loved by. I had to make payments on my rescue dogs. An even better alternative would be to volunteer to foster for a rescue group. We give you a dog to care for, we provide food, medical, beds, blankets etc. All you have to do is take care of the dog, and show it to prospective adopters. You decide who adopts your foster, and have the first option to adopt. If you cant drive, there are drivers who deliver dogs, take them to the vet, and rescue functions etc.. There are other ways to volunteer, web site work, taking photos, managing the rescue, drivers, whatever you can do there is probably some way for you to help. Most gropes work similarly.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:30 — Wendy Walbrecht (Visitor)
Brent, that is the most intelligent and knowledgable comment in here. Thanks.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:32 — Jan (Visitor)
Several people who's dogs have been missing for a long time still have hope their pet will be returned. Is there anything out of the normal that can be done to find these pets?

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:52 — lindalou (Visitor)
Hi, I am saddened by all the posts on here of all the posts regarding seniors who cant afford a pet.. I feels seniors make some of the best pet owners because the time and love they have to give.. Its beneficial for the senior and the dog.. contact your local Humane Society. I believe they have programs to help seniors adopt a dog at a nominal fee and they also have very affordable vet care for fixed income and low income people... everyone deserves the love and companionship of an animal as long as you can physically still care for them...

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 14:03 — lindalou (Visitor)
SPCA in Florida has a program for free adoption for seniors and purina pets for seniors in texas.. google it

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:08 — Carla (Visitor)
It depends on the shelter how much you pay. I know at my Humane Society, if you tell them that you are disabled and on fixed income, they will either lower the fee or waive it entirely. And if you want to adopt a special needs pet especially they will sometimes waive the fee just to place the pet in a good home. That is why I love my shelter and volunteer there. They are a no-kill shelter and their main goal is to place the animals in good homes not make a profit.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:14 — Melody (Visitor)
I really understand that sometimes people cannot afford dogs from rescue organizations but in our area most only cost around 150.00 and they are spayed or neutered with all shots. Acquiring all that would easily cost 150 or more. I don't mean to sound harsh or unfeeling but if someone cannot afford 150.00 how can they afford vet bills that might come up and yearly shots that are necessary for the dogs health. At our local pound the cost of dogs is only 20.00. But people should always remember the cost of being a responsible pet owner is not cheap. One small word about leaving pets in a car is when my husband and I take a vacation we always take our dog BUT we always, always park next to the building where we can visually see her, lock the car, and leave the car running so she has proper air conditioning.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:34 — Wendy (Visitor)
Melody, you've got it right on everything in your post. Excellent.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 15:20 — Annie (Visitor)
The trouble with relying on the AC while you're gone is that the car may shut itself off due to some engine problem, the AC may suddenly go out -- you never know. Also, I've heard of pets moving around in the car and causing it to slip out of gear. One other point, especially for those of us who have health problems or are older is: what if something happens to YOU while the dog is waiting for you? One summer day, I tied my dog outside a deli while I ran inside and got a sandwich to go. He was in the shade (like most parking lots, there was NO SHADY PLACE TO PARK.) There was no line in the deli, so I was gone five minutes. When I came out -- no dog. I had made sure to tie the leash very safely, and he is small and not the type to run, anyway. I panicked and starting yelling his name, anyway. A kind woman about to get in her car and drive away approached me and said she had just seen a woman walk off with my dog. I'll never be able to thank her enough. I ran to the store she had pointed to and found my dog the center of attention. I practically fell to my knees with relief, he was vibrating with happiness to see me. The woman slipped out the door. I doubt she thought she was 'rescuing' him -- she probably just saw a cute dog, wanted him, and took him.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:16 — Teresa (Visitor)
So say you purchased your dog for $50.00 from the breeder. That is a lower fee ( price) than the shelters or rescues offer them. BUT....your dog will not come to you spayed/ neutered and all shots up to date, micro chipped etc. Regardless of where the dog came from, how are you going to afford the normal maintenance for your dogs shots, grooming, spaying/ neutering, micro chipping, monthly heart worm meds and flea/tic protection and dentals down he road? Or if your dog gets sick, develops allergies and other medical attention that people do NOT plan for. If your dog is a puppy, that breeder and $6.00 of shots and wormer in it and will pocket the rest. Reputable rescues use the left over money of the adoption fees to treat heart worms, parvo, knee surgeries, eye removals, spaying/ neutering, bladder stones, dentals and MUCH more from neglected dogs and cats. It does not go into the pockets of the volunteers or staff.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:22 — Liza Butler (Visitor)
If you can't afford the $75-150 adoption fee, you shouldnt get a pet. It cost much more then that to care of (vet care, heartworm pills, flea, food, teeth cleaning)

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:52 — Sharon (Visitor)
Our kill shelter here in OKC is $25 nearly fully vetted. People here have NO excuse. I got some of the best pups from there. The one thing you don't get at that price is microchipping... But that fee makes that more possible. I have volunteered for years and a lot of dogs from those "breeders" get turned in. I do believe every animal needs a home, but throwing your money at these people just encourages them and sends more to the shelters. If you can get a puppy from a "breeder" for $50 then I'm just taking a shot... But I can't see them being reputable. You have to invest in them not just pop them out and market them. I agree with your thought on lifetime expenses.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:56 — Maggie (Visitor)
I do not agree with this, most of the services you have mentioned are preventitive care like teeth cleaning. Of course, I can afford it and give the very best for my dog and love her like my own child. But you need to weigh the risks against killing a dog in a gas chamber. So are you saying killing a dog in a gas chamber is better than adopting the dog to a loving poor owner and letting the dog live its life with some risks involved ? Then in that case, all of us have to be put in gas chambers, since it is safer than living a life with all the diseaes, shooting, heart-breaks, etc,. ?

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 15:03 — Paula (Visitor)
I adopted a dog who was an abuse/neglect case. The cost was $300. In addition to that cost I was upset by the fact they failed to tell me of some of her health problems that financially I wasn't prepared for. Chronic bloody diarrhea in the house (not her fault, I know) urinating inside, many times on our way out the door, I was told she was housebroken and she wasn't. She came with hookworm and contaminated my yard, and my vet told me they are impossible to get rid of. I'm thankful we don't have a pool because we wouldn't be able to walk outside barefoot...ever, they never go away. Be cautious as to who you adopt from. I don't regret it, I loved her to pieces, but I only had her for a year and a half and then she was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer and I had to put her down. That's not the rescues fault, but I felt there was a lot they didn't tell me in order to find her a home. The whole experience leaves me nervous of rescuing again. After my experience, I have learned quite a bit and know exactly what I don't want in a rescue. And $300 for a dog that cost me almost $2,000 in vet bills in the year and a half that I had her...it was a nightmare and wish they would have at least prepared me for it.I'm not mad though, the rescue meant well and regardless they are doing a wonderful thing, I just didn't like being kept in the dark about what I was getting into.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:23 — Midnight (Visitor)
Saving a dog by adopting from a shelter is the most inexpensive way to go. I got my dog from the Flagstaff pound. It was $50 and that $50 was also a coupon to be used if I got her spayed. So in essence it would have cost nothing for the adoption, it was just transfering that $50 to a vet for fixing her. If you find a Shelter charging more for a dog then a pet breeder I would be shocked. Never heard of it, never seen it. Also if a breeder is charging less, well, once again BUYING dogs is as criminal as BREEDING dogs. Sounds like another case of a breeder who is using some poor dogs as a way to make money by impregnating them over and over and over and supporting themselves this way. Not an OK place to get a dog from. You are supporting a corrupt system. There is absolutely NO reason that buying from any breeder is ok, it cannot be justified at all. If the shelter you went to is too expensive for you, talk to them, find another shelter (there are many), find one that will work with you to bring you the dog (there are all kinds of services for the disabled and people who care about animals are very likely to help you since you are disabled), there are even services that connect the disabled with a trained and good shelter dog. I think your statements are naive, cruel, and possibly outright lying. I have never heard of anyone complaining Shelter Dogs are Too Expensive.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:23 — Mia (Visitor)
If you cannot afford the fee for a rescue or shelter dog then you can't afford a dog. Dogs need more than just love or pats on the head to live. And their job is not just to provide you with love. They need food, water and veterinary care among other things. Shelters are FULL of dogs that are there because of financial reasons or because people "can't afford" them. Older dogs are abandoned because the veterinary bills are just "too expensive." The fees charged by shelter or rescue are simply going toward their vet costs (spay, chip, vaccines). So by saying that you cannot afford those services you indicate you cannot afford to care for a living, breathing being. Having an animal is a job and a privilege that is hard work and requires financial sacrifice. Much like having a child (also very expensive) animal guardianship requires resources.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 15:05 — alma (Visitor)
I totally agree with Mia. The lady that wanted a dog but could not afford the adoption fee has to be realistic. You should get a dog/pet because you are able to provide him/her with a good home. a good home would mean heart worm prevention,flea prevention, shots, dental care, good nutrition,medical check-ups, toys, etc.. All of that can add up, (trust me). the shelters barely ask to recoup the cost of neutering/spaying,microchipping, vet care. If you can not provide a good home for a pet. don't be selfish, dont get one!! a lot of cities are looking for fosters, they provide food, & medical care,she should check into that option instead.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:25 — Addy (Visitor)
Lynn, I appreciate the fact that you are disabled and in financial distress. I have been there in the past, and don't care to revisit it ever again. But what I don't understand about your situation is this. If you are in dire straits and, as you put it, "well below poverty level", how do you then afford to not only purchase a dog, but also everything that goes along with responsible dog ownership - tags, microchip, screenings, vaccines, heartworm & flea/tick prevention meds, emergency care, annual exams, food, etc? If you are "poor", then how can you afford these necessities? The cost for any pet does not stop with its purchase fee and kibble. They need ongoing care and treatment to live healthy, happy lives. The fact that you somehow can afford internet access is somewhat understandable, given that you are disabled. It's important to be connected to the outside world. But I have to wonder how your financial circumstances affect the welfare of your pet. I certainly thought everything through before adopting my dog, and did so only after I was well able to afford all that comes along with it. I have a savings account set aside for her in the event of an emergency and pay monthly premiums for her pet insurance. It was not until I knew that I could provide for every need, including the unforeseeable, that I applied for adoption. I surely don't deny your need for the love and companionship of your dog. I just wonder if it was a wise decision under the circumstances.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:09 — VLB (Visitor)
I think that some die-hard activists need to realistically look at what you consider "good" care of a dog. Until recent years, microchips didn't exist and everyone put a tag on their dog or made sure to keep an eye on them when they were outside. Does that make everyone prior to the invention of the microchip a "bad" dog owner? Likewise for extensive medical care... Canine veterinary specialization is a recent phenomenon due to increased funding for animal care research and development. I think it's wrong for you to assume that an animal parent is a "bad" owner if they don't choose to or can't afford to give their dog chemotherapy, orthopedic surgery, expensive monthly flea treatments or other specialty services (acupuncture, massage therapy... the list is endless). Why is it not OK for someone with less funds to choose flea shampoos, an identification collar and to choose not to pursue advanced medical treatments that often only prolong a painful life for an animal. It is quite pompous to say that only people with high levels of discretionary income deserve to own a pet. I can tell you that when I was living on my own and trying to go to college, I ate white potatoes and ramen noodles almost every night. I was blessed if/when I had meat on the table. At that time, I had two cats that I loved dearly. They kept my very unstable life in one piece and were often the only thing positive I had to look forward to in my days. They loved me even if they didn't get acupuncture or massage therapy and I loved them with all my heart. I often went without so that they could eat decent cat food. I saved every spare dime for months and months to ensure they received annual vaccinations/worming and I kept them indoors to minimize the chance of accidental injuries. Was I a "bad" owner because I couldn't buy them super premium food? Was I a "bad" owner because I couldn't afford microchips? Was I a "bad" owner because I chose to let them pass away peacefully in my arms instead of going through months of painful chemotherapy when they developed cancer later in life? I think not... I would have crumbled without the love of my pets and I still would today. Stop insisting that every pet owner has to be well off and start remembering all of the dogs/cats who die in shelters every day. I'm sure any one of them would have been ecstatic to have a warm bed with a caring human being to love them instead of a needle in their paw that ended their life, even if they didn't get the best of everything this overly materialistic world has to offer.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:56 — lindalou (Visitor)
You are a wonderful owner.. as long as the pets basic vet needs are taken care of and the pet is loved..I think its crazy for anyone to say the animal is better off in a shelter or worse yet being euthanized..

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 18:05 — Jennifer (Visitor)
Thank you for posting this. What people often forget is that a little love goes a long way with dogs and cats. Besides a good quality (or the best quality you can afford--does not have to be expensive) food, water and a roof over their heads, dogs need little more than daily exercise (so a good quality collar and leash are important, along with an ID tag), spay/vaccinations (and it is my opinion that animals are overvaccinated in America), veterinary care (which can get expensive, I agree; however, there are low cost vets out there), a few toys (just a $1 squeaky ball makes a great toy), some treats, discipline, and affection--lots and lots of your time and love. Three of the things I listed don't even cost any money. They only require your time. In many ways, people who can easily afford all of the bells and whistles (dental cleaning? a simple doggy toothbrush and toothpaste will do) for their dogs do not give them what they need the most--time spent with them. So, again, thank you for your post which reminded me of what animal ownership is really about--not how much money you can spend on them, but how much love you can give them. And that all dogs would love a chance to be loved by a human, even one who cannot afford dental cleanings at the vet's office. As a society, if we all helped one another when we are at points in our lives where we cannot afford an emergency vet bill, become homeless or even cannot afford food for our dogs, then more animals would be able to stay with their families and not end up in shelters. The same could be said of children--we all need to help one another out more on an individual, neighborhood basis, instead of murdering animals because some people are too poor at the time to give them what they need. I have bought collars/leashes/treats/toys/food etc for animals whose owner could not provide for them at different periods, as well as took them in when their owner was homeless for 4 months. Those dogs showed me every day how grateful they were for my kindness. We all need to learn how to be kinder to each other as well as to animals.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:30 — Lorrie (Visitor)
Lynn ~ You are sadly misinformed about Shelter & Rescue Dogs. I have been volunteering for a rescue in my home town for over a year. We do have an adoption fee of $175.00. We HAVE to ask that because we have to get the dogs spayed or neurtered before we can adopt them out. The vets charge us around $125.oo to do this. Then there is the shots and vet charge. We in no way "make money" off of this donation fee. We are all volunteers and no one makes a penny on dogs. Our recent rescue was thrown out of a car and the person behind stopped and grabbed the dog and took to a vet. The vet called us and we took the poor baby in. We paid for her surgery which was around $700 and she ended up dying from her head injury anyway. Another recent rescue was a 12 year old Doxon who got old and her "family" didn't want her anymore. We were told she was healthy and when she went to the vet to get checked out, every single tooth was rotten and had to come out. Her surgery was $700 plus. Dogs get sick and need medical attention. If you don't have money because your poor what are you going to do when your dog needs to go to the vet? That is one of our concerns when we get applications from poor people who want a dog. We love all of our dogs and when they are given a second chance, we don't want them to end up suffering again because the owner cannot afford to care for them. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is. By the way, we have adopted to seniors or low income and reduced our adoption fee before, if the adopter has a way to care for them. All you have to do is ask and let the rescue know your situation. It's always better to adopt from a rescue or shelter, because your helping not one, but more than one!!!

Pages

Post new comment