From time to time someone will say to me “the SPCA charges too much for an animal” or ask why the adoption fee is so high. Well it isn't too high; it is a real bargain.

Take for example the required donation for adopting an unaltered dog. Here is what is included in the $156 fee:

€ $50 of the fee is a legally required deposit, which is returned to the adopter after he/she has the dog spayed or neutered. Now we are down to $106 which includes:

€ All up-to-date vaccinations - distemper, rabies and kennel cough

€ Heartworm testing and heartworm preventative medication

€ Deworming medication

€ Flea treatment

€ Microchipping

€ A legally required license

€ A DVD on training (a $28 value)

€ A Pet Survival Guide handbook

€ Food samples and packets of information on crate training, housebreaking, etc.

My rough estimate of what that would all cost if you got a dog free from a neighbor or a newspaper ad and had to pay for each of the above would be conservatively around $450.

Now add in behavior assessment, (so that you know something about each dog you are considering), often some training and exercise and the warm clean temporary home with plenty of food, water, play things and loving care. Also keep in mind that the SPCA must hire caregivers, vets, cleaners and pay their overhead.

Cats and kittens are given similar tests, vaccinations, etc. and their adoption donations are similarly only a fraction of the costs you would pay elsewhere.

Anyone who balks at the SPCA adoption fees should consider that they cannot afford a pet. We adopt pets for their lifetime and that is a commitment, a responsibility and an expense. In addition to ongoing vet care, flea and disease preventatives, there is food, treats, toys and perhaps vacation care or a fence.

Not only is adoption from a shelter or rescue group a bargain, but it is also the most compassionate way to bring a pet into our lives. Buying a dog or cat at enormous prices from pet stores is contributing to the ongoing horror of puppy mills - a subject for another column.

Judy Vorreuter is the founder and director of Animal Advocates of the Finger Lakes. Contact her at judy@cayugaanimaladvocates.org