#Middlebury #Pets
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m very sad about this, but I need to find a new home for my two cats. I’m in my 70s and have some chronic health conditions that lately have gotten much worse. There is no one in my family who can take them, so I called the local shelter for help. They said they would take the cats, but I have to pay an $85 fee for each one. I can’t afford that. What can I do? – Deborah J., Portland, Oregon
DEAR DEBORAH: I’m sorry to hear that you can’t keep your pets, but I understand it can be tough to take care of them when you’re trying to take care of your own health.
Many shelters around the country take in pets as voluntary surrenders due to uncontrollable circumstances like personal medical problems. They charge what’s called a rehoming fee. It’s a one-time fee per pet ranging between $45 and $150, depending on the shelter, its location, available funding and other factors. The rehoming fee helps shelters cover the cost of food, housing and medical care for surrendered animals, which can be $85 a day or higher.
In your case, it may be worth your while to contact the shelter again and explain your financial situation to a shelter manager, who might be able to work out a payment plan or a discounted fee. You should also put out the word to family, friends, your doctor, your senior center – anyone you have contact with regularly – to see if they know someone who would take your cats and help them transition to a new home without a stay in a shelter.
Send your comments, questions or tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.