I want to adopt a dog or cat from the animal shelter! We explain the costs and conditions!

When you think, "I want to adopt a dog or cat from a shelter," you probably think about the conditions and costs for becoming a foster parent.
If you buy from a pet shop, you can immediately adopt a dog or cat as long as you have the necessary funds, but there are several conditions for adopting from a shelter.

In this article, we'll explain the costs, conditions, and process for adopting a dog or cat from a shelter. Please use this as a reference.

What is a shelter?

Public health centers are public institutions specializing in animal care.
They are called "animal protection centers" or "animal welfare centers" depending on the prefecture, but their role is to protect abandoned dogs and cats, stray dogs, and cats.

The holding period is generally short, about 10 days, and if no one is found to take them, they are subject to euthanasia.
Some public health centers aim for zero euthanasia. They work with volunteer animal protection groups to transfer dogs and cats to other facilities.

Characteristics of Dogs and Cats Rescued at Public Health Centers

Many of the dogs and cats at public health centers have been severely abused by their owners, or abandoned and endured terrible experiences.
When adopting a pet that has endured such a terrible experience, it goes without saying that you must be mentally prepared to never let them suffer again.

Dogs and cats in shelters have the following characteristics. While these characteristics may not apply to all individuals, it's important to keep in mind that these characteristics exist.

• Details such as age and medical history may be unknown.
• Many dogs and cats are mixed breeds.
• Most rescued dogs are medium-sized mixed breeds.
• They may be afraid of or excited by certain things.

Conditions for Adopting a Dog or Cat from a Public Health Center

The conditions and procedures vary depending on where you live, so be sure to inquire in advance. Specific conditions are as follows:

• Living in an area with a public health center where you can adopt a dog or cat
• Having the financial means to care for the dog or cat
• The person in charge of adopting the dog or cat is an adult
• If you are over 60 or 65 years old, you can be sure of finding a home for the dog or cat if you are no longer able to keep it.
• You have the consent of all family members.
• You can take measures to restrict breeding, such as spaying or neutering.
• You live in a place where keeping a dog or cat is not an issue.
• You can receive on-site inspections and guidance before and after adoption.

Some may find these conditions strict and strict, but they are all established to prevent the number of rescued dogs and cats from increasing.

In addition to the above conditions, if you meet a rescued dog or cat in person and it is determined that you are not compatible, your adoption may be denied.

Steps for Adopting a Dog or Cat from a Public Health Center

The first thing you need to do to adopt a dog or cat from a public health center is to find one you want to adopt.
Detailed information about dogs and cats is often posted on each public health center's website, and some even offer adoption (viewing) hours and tours. It's best to inquire with your local public health center.

While this process may vary slightly by region, here's a rough outline of the process for adopting a dog or cat from a public health center.

1. Attend a Tour

Adopting a dog from a public health center requires you to take a course. In some areas, you may be required to take the course after deciding on the dog or cat you want to adopt.

2. Application

Apply to adopt a dog or cat from a public health center.

3. Compatibility Check and Interview

The compatibility between the prospective adopter and the dog or cat will be confirmed, and an interview will be held with public health center staff. If the compatibility is incompatible or if it is deemed difficult to care for the animal, your application may be rejected.

4. Submit an Adoption Application and Pledge

Once you've decided on the dog or cat you want to adopt, submit the necessary documents, including an adoption application and pledge.

After these procedures, you're finally able to adopt the dog or cat.
In addition, some areas require you to inspect the potential home, require you to submit regular reports after adopting the dog or cat, or conduct home visits.

Items you'll need when picking up your pet

• Items you'll need when bringing your dog or cat home (such as a carrier)
• Adoption fee
• Seal
• Identification

In addition to the above, if you're renting an apartment, you'll need documentation certifying that the property allows dogs and cats. Prepare these items in advance to avoid any hassles on pick-up day!

How much does it cost to adopt a dog or cat from a shelter?

Many people think that adopting a dog or cat is easy and free, but that's a mistake. In most cases, you'll have to pay a certain adoption fee.
That said, it's still cheaper than buying a pet from a shop or adopting from a volunteer organization.
So, how much money does it actually cost, including care costs after adopting?

Costs Vary by Region

I mentioned earlier that it's a mistake to think you can adopt a pet for free, but in most areas, there's basically no fee for adopting a dog or cat.
To be precise, you may only have to pay administrative fees, such as registration fees. Generally, you can expect the cost of adopting a pet from a public health center to be less than 10,000 yen.

In addition to the adoption fee, you may also need to have the pet spayed or neutered. Subsidies may be available in some areas, so be sure to check.

Prepare for post-adoption care expenses

Preparing equipment such as a leash, cage, and bed will cost approximately 30,000 to 40,000 yen, plus vaccinations, food, and daily grooming fees.
The average monthly expense for a dog or cat is generally around 15,000 yen. Carefully consider whether you can afford the costs of raising a dog or cat while also meeting your family's living expenses.

Summary

We've introduced the process and conditions for adopting a dog or cat from a public health center or volunteer group, as well as adoption and care fees.

Unfortunately, rescued dogs and cats are often euthanized if no one is found to adopt them. Therefore, to prevent this from happening again, strict conditions are imposed on adopters.

Pets are important family members who live with you, not toys. Make sure you're fully prepared before making the decision to adopt.

I hope that those considering becoming foster parents will find a wonderful encounter that makes them think, "This is the animal I want to spend the rest of my life with!" !