The Price of Adoption
Why don't you give away dogs, cats, and other pets for free?
We are often asked why we don't give away free dogs, free cats, free rabbits, and other free companion animals. At first this may seem like a great idea: free pets means more families will be able to afford a homeless animal.
However, having a pet costs money. A free kitten from a friend of a friend is hard to resist. However, that kitten needs to be health checked by your veterinarian, dewormed, vaccinated, and spayed. A free puppy from the newspaper needs the same. How much are you really saving?
Below we have compared the market price of common needs of a new pet, versus what is included in the dog and cat adoption fees at the OHS. We think you'll agree that adopting a pet from the OHS offers great savings!
Please note: the information below explains what is included in the adoption fee for cats and dogs at the Ottawa Humane Society. The price to adopt other types of animals is available here.
| Routine Procedures prior to Adoption | Average Market Cost for the Procedures | OHS Adoption Price |
| Dogs receive a temperament assessment prior to being placed for adoption. This translates into much needed information about the dog; in order to make the best possible match between the potential adopter and the canine, for a successful and permanent placement. | $57.00 | Included |
| Health Checking: all animals receive a routine health check by our Veterinary technical staff prior to adoption. A Veterinarian will examine all animals requiring a diagnosis or prescription. | $50.00 | Included |
| All animals receive medication for internal parasites. When an animal is suspected of having other parasites, a stool sample is taken, examined under the microscope and if positive, the veterinarian sees the animal and prescribes medication. | $35.00 | Included |
| Ear mites are common in cats; the ears are swabbed and then examined under the microscope. If the swab is positive for ear mites, the veterinarian will see the animal and prescribe medication. | $45.00 | Included |
| All cats are routinely treated for fleas; dogs are treated if they have fleas. | $9.00 | Included |
| The OHS receives all animals, whether healthy, sick or incubating a disease. Therefore, we often have cases of Upper Respiratory Infection (a common yet very contagious cat cold). These animals must then be placed through our foster program for 2-3 weeks, often with medication and a prescription diet. *46% of all cats placed for adoption; have received foster care. | $47.50 | Included |
| The first vaccination is given and if the animal is within our system for any extended period of time, they will receive a booster (2nd vaccination). | $27.50 | Included |
| All animals are implanted with a microchip (a permanent form of identification) prior to being adopted. | $60.00 | Included |
Most cats and dogs adopted from the OHS have already been sterilized. **(However, the occasional animal is not suitable for the surgery prior to adoption. Therefore, it will be the responsibility of the new owner to have the animal sterilized within six months of the adoption, by a veterinarian of the adopter's choice. When the sterilization is complete, the refund voucher [found on the adoption contract] and proof of sterilization can be brought to the OHS for an $80 refund.) |
Canine $350.00 Feline $250.00 |
**Included |
| All adopters are automatically enrolled with Petsecure Insurance for 6-8 weeks of coverage, effective 48 hours post adoption. | $34.00 for 6 wks. $56.00 for 8 wks. Avg. $45.00 | Included |
| Our health guarantee ensures that you can call or email us immediately if there is a problem. Contact kennelsupervisor@ottawahumane.ca or 613-725-3166 ext. 229; after hours call 613-725-1532 for emergencies. | Does your free animal come with a health guarantee? | Included |
| Our Adoption fee is the best deal around! | Total Average Market Cost for a "Free" Animal: |
OHS Adoption Price: $150.00 - $340.00 |
