The shelters have their procedures in place for a reason. They don't want the animals to just go to any home because in the past, that just meant the animal would more than likely end up back in the street, in worse condition, and then back in the shelter. It costs a lot more for an animal to bounce back and forth, get taken in again, healed up from whatever mistreatment again. It's in their best interest, and the animals' best interest to be sure that they have some control over where these animals are going. Ellen broke the rules, pure and simple.

Animals in shelters cost a nominal amount of money. It helps weed out those who want the animals as bait [a whole other topic that infuriates me].

I seriously doubt we'll see a day when the only way to get an animal is through a breeder. There is a serious overpopulation of cats and dogs, from owners who can't be bothered (or can't afford) to get them fixed. When I adopted the kittens a few years ago it cost me a lot of money I didn't have to get them fixed. I had no idea how much it would cost and I didn't know about low-cost options at the time either.

Not all shelters have giant hoops and fees attached to the adoption of animals.

Here's the other stupid thing about that law: it says sterilize by 4 months, unless they've been shown.

News flash: You don't show a dog until it's 6 months old!

Emmy cost us $29.50 to have her spayed. I think pet owners can spare that to do the responsible thing.

We have all our animals fixed the last one, a girl, cost us $156! A few years ago when a bunch of cats were dropped at our house we had to call in the Feral Cat Coalition for help. They kindly helped us trap and fix and give shots to everyone for about $25 a head. Which we were happy to pay and a little extra to help with the costs of others.

Cats...Male 8-10 months - Female 6-8 months

The little organs have to mature first.

What about the little pianos?











Sorry, it's been one of THOSE days

Your response matches your avatar....gotta love ya!

Rescue groups are privately funded (usually by the members of the group) and their adoption fee barely (if ever) covers the cost of getting the animal ready for adoption. If there ever comes a day when there is no NEED to rescue groups, then I think we need to celebrate.

State, city or county funded shelters are OVERFLOWING with animals who need to be adopted. Calliope cost me $98 to adopt and she was already sterilized. Most shelter will kill an animal after so many days of not being adopted. Last year LA County euthanized approximately 15,000 at a cost of $2 million. If we EVER get to a point where there are homes for every animal and the shelters are empty, then we can celebrate.

There will NEVER be a time when there are no pets to adopt - even with the sterilization law in effect..


How this will be enforced is a mystery to me. "Breaking the law" certainly doesn't have the stigma it once had, so there will always be unsteralized dogs and cats to adopt. However, if this cuts down on the numbers of cats and dogs that are able to breed, then I'm all for it.


As for affording a pet - if you don't have the money to care for a pet (average cost is about $1,500 per year) then you shouldn't have a pet. Veterinary care is expensive. Beyond initial cost of sterilization, there is cost for flea control, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, dental care, grooming, and illness and injury care in addition to food. This all adds up (believe me, I know).

The next step would be to address the issue of back yard breeders. In Long Beach, a breeder must have a permit to breed. Agai, I'm not sure how this is enforced, but it's a good step.

OMG...$15,000.00 a year for my cats, thanks NA!