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Why Do We Charge Adoption Fees?

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Adoption

Why Do We Charge Adoption Fees?

Recently the topic of adoption fees in animal rescue has become the topic of fierce debate in some groups – with some going as far as calling it an illegal practice, others say that it is no better than selling the animals the rescue strives to rehome – so from Cheeky Beaks perspective why don’t we just give birds away for free?

Adoption

Funding foster care Some birds, like Yoko the Blue-Fronted Amazon (pictured), is more difficult to place because of extensive rehabilitation that is required before he/she is even considered ready to meet potential new families. Yoko was in foster care for about six months. During this time, thousands of Rands were spent on running all sorts of tests at the avian vet as well as on keeping up with food and enrichment supplies.

  • Veterinary fees – you can rest assured that any bird you adopt from Cheeky Beaks has been assessed by a qualified avian veterinarian, as most of you know, a check-up at an avian vet can cost anything from R300-R600 and although many vets give us rescue discounts, we still need to pay an amount. It is very rare for a bird to be surrendered to us in perfect condition, thus requiring only a quick check-up, often tests are needed, long courses of antibiotics, surgeries, and hormone treatments – one bird can end up costing us thousands of Rands – what this means is thousands of Rands YOU do not have to pay were you to get the bird for free from an acquaintance or a social media contact.

Adoption

Veterinary fees Mika, a female Eclectus that came into the care of our organisation in 2021, is a prime example of a bird that comes with a high medical bill. She was tested for PBFD (the result is negative) and various organ function checks and x-rays were performed to help eliminate causes for her poor feather condition.

  • The legal stuff – for us most of this is volunteer-run, but it still takes hours and hours of our time to ensure that every legal step is followed from the moment a bird is surrendered to us to the moment the bird enters his/her new home. We ensure all parties understand what they are agreeing to; this is necessary because you do not want the bird’s previous owner banging on your door claiming you stole their bird.

Adoption

Legal Processes We make use of legally binding agreements to ensure transparency and the protection of all parties involved. We need everyone to understand exactly what is expected of them and be familiar with the policies of our organisation. The main reason for this is to ensure the best possible outcome for the bird/s – we are responsible for their future and we take our job very seriously. Furthermore, our agreements have been vetted by a registered attorney and are completely above board. Molly (pictured) is a case where we had to rely on legal assistance and refer to our agreements to ensure that she ended up in an ideal home.

  • We get to save more birds. By paying an adoption fee you allow our organization to continue providing love and care to the thousands of birds in need in South Africa, you feed another beak, you pay for another check up for a bird so badly plucked it’s barely distinguishable as a bird and you make a small dent in the ocean of bills constantly flooding our organization.

You help us help them Spike is a Congo African Grey that was surrendered to our organization with the help of veterinary staff at an animal hospital in Hermanus, Western Cape. He was originally dropped off at the vet clinic in question to be euthanized, because his previous owner was in a tough spot and didn’t know who to turn to for help.

So, in conclusion – you can choose to see adoption fees as ‘buying a rescue animal’ or you can see it as necessary to ensure a fair, legal adoption process and if you still insist on branding the practice as illegal please realise that you are in effect saying that every animal rescue organisation from the SPCA to small rescues like ours are breaking the law as almost all of us charge adoption fees.

Written By: Kathleen Boshoff

Source: Cheeky Beaks

Why Should You Become a Fosterer?

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Fosterer

Why Should You Become a Fosterer?

As the need for animal foster homes continues to rise in South Africa, more and more people are stepping up to provide temporary care for cats and dogs. Becoming a foster parent for these animals is a fulfilling way to make a positive impact in their lives. Global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS highlights the importance and benefits of fostering, offering valuable insights and guidance for potential foster parents.

In South Africa, many cats and dogs find themselves in shelters due to abandonment, rescue from neglectful situations, or simply because their previous owners can no longer care for them. Shelters are often overcrowded, and animals may not receive the individual attention and care they need. Foster homes provide a safe and nurturing environment where these animals can thrive.

 FOUR PAWS outlines the benefits of becoming a foster parent:

  • Saving lives: By providing a temporary home, you help reduce the overcrowding in shelters, giving animals a better chance at finding permanent homes. Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS, states, “Fostering can be a lifeline for many animals. It offers them a chance to experience love and care, making them ready for adoption.”
  • Enhancing adoptability: Foster homes help animals adjust to a home environment, improving their social skills and behaviour. This transition makes them more appealing to potential adopters.
  • Personal fulfilment: Fostering is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment, knowing you are contributing to the well-being of these animals.

FOUR PAWS outlines the essential steps to becoming a foster parent:

  • Assess your readiness: Evaluate if you have the time, resources, and commitment to care for a foster pet. Consider your lifestyle, family dynamics, and financial situation. FOUR PAWS provides a guide to help determine your readiness to foster here.
  • Application process: Complete a foster application with a reputable shelter organisation. The process typically involves a home check to ensure a safe environment for the foster pet.
  • Training and support: After approval, receive training on caring for foster pets. This includes understanding their needs, behaviour, and handling potential challenges. Detailed guidance on the fostering process can be found here.
  • Welcoming your foster pet: Prepare your home with necessary supplies like food, bedding, and toys. Create a designated space where the pet can feel secure. For tips on welcoming a foster pet into your home, see the FOUR PAWS guide here.

Miles further emphasises the importance of fostering, “foster parents play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of animals. They provide the care and attention that animals need to recover and thrive. As a foster parent, you become an advocate for your foster pet, helping them find a forever home.”

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, visit the FOUR PAWS South Africa website for more infomation. Your decision to foster can make a world of difference to a cat or dog in need.

Why does the SPCA charge an adoption fee?

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SPCA

Why does the SPCA charge an adoption fee?

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Apart from acquiring a new furry friend, you have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve saved their life and given them a second chance of a happy home.

Many people feel that offering to take on the responsibility of giving an unwanted animal a home, shelter and food should be enough. So it can come as quite a shock to discover that there’s a fee involved.

What you get for your money

Although we call it an ‘adoption’ fee it’s not, as you might think, a case of ‘selling’ animals to raise money for the SPCA. It’s actually the heavily subsided cost of ensuring that your new pet goes home with you in the best possible condition. The adoption fee covers the cost of:

  • A full veterinary check-up to make sure your new pet is fit and healthy.
  • All the necessary vaccinations to prevent deadly disease.
  • Deworming and flea treatment to make sure they’re free from parasites that would otherwise end up in your home or garden.
  • Sterilisation to prevent unwanted litters. This applies to both male and female animals, ensuring that your pet can neither produce a litter nor father one.
  • Microchipping – a permanent, non-invasive form of identification that can help reunite you with your pet should they get lost or stolen.
  • An ID disc and collar which provides immediate, visible identification.
  • Good nutrition – your new pet will be handed over to you in peak physical condition, having enjoyed plenty of nourishing food in the weeks and months leading up to their adoption.
  • In certain cases, your pet’s behaviour will have been assessed, and any potential problems pointed out to you so you know what to expect and how to deal with it.

SPCA

How does the adoption fee measure up against the cost of private vet fees?

The SPCA adoption fee is only a fraction of what you’d pay for the same services at a private vet. Vaccinations alone cost more than our fee. And that’s without counting the time and trouble of taking the animal to the vet yourself. Especially if you need to arrange transport.

On top of that, there’s the cost of having the animal spayed or neutered. Please read “5 compelling reasons to have your pets sterilised” to understand why it’s so important not to neglect this responsibility.

All in all, adopting a pet from the SPCA is a really affordable option. And when you think that your new pet will repay you with years of companionship and laughter, it’s well worth the initial investment.

No government funding

Contrary to what some people think, the SPCA is not a government-funded organisation. We don’t get free veterinary supplies or food to help us care for the thousands of stray and unwanted animals that are admitted to our facilities every month. Everything we need to provide loving care and shelter for the animals has to be paid for. And we rely heavily on donations from animal lovers to make our work possible.

Rather than begrudging a very fair charge – when you adopt a new pet from the SPCA, please consider bringing along a donation of pet food. Or make a financial contribution to help provide for all the other furry orphans still waiting for their forever homes.

If you have further questions or comments, please contact our Adoptions Team on 031 579 6500.

Source: Durban SPCA