Adopting a puppy - New Approaches

I'd like to propose a follow-up thread to the one currently discussing the pros and cons of the various adoption procedures and policies implemented by shelters and rescues. Rather than discussing what does and doesn't work, let's use this thread to propose new ideas that might work or are at least worthy of consideration. For politeness sake, let's all acknowledge right up front that no idea is perfect, no system of adoption is unflawed, and that dismissing out of hand any ideas presented in this thread is unproductive. All suggestions are welcome, as you never know when a rough concept might be able to be revised and incorporated into an existing set of policies in a useful manner. So, please, let's not feel the need to come to this thread and tear the ideas apart. Let's, instead, see if we can build on each other's suggestions and give the rescuers and shelters some fresh concepts and procedures to consider.

Here are a couple of broad concepts I've been tossing around my brain lately:

1) Rather than charging very high adoption fees that may discourage potentially wonderful homes from considering a particular animal, charge a smaller adoption fee PLUS a non-refundable deposit to the veterinary office of the adopter's choice for the future veterinary care of the adopted animal. That way the adopter won't feel they are being "scalped" by the rescue/shelter by an enormous adoption fee but will instead be "investing" in their own animal's future veterinary expenses.

2) Waive the adoption fee in exchange for a set number of volunteer hours at the shelter. This might be an especially valuable program for children who desperately want a pet but whose parents question their long-term commitment to the animal's care. If kids have to put in, say, 40 hrs of volunteer time at the shelter, that time can be structured so that the children have the opportunity to feed, clean up after, walk, train, groom, and play with all of the different types of animals the shelter houses. The kids learn all the basics they need to know (what a WONDERFUL educational opportunity for the shelter!), and they have to demonstrate their commitment and responsibility by showing up on time every day they are scheduled, or they don't get to adopt an animal at the end of their volunteerism.

I know either or both of these ideas present all sorts of organizational and cooperative challenges, but I do think they (or revisions or parts thereof) could be made to work for some shelters/rescues.

Any other ideas out there?

Laurie

This message was edited Mar 6, 2006 8:16 AM