Why ICARE Strongly Discourages Giving Away or Selling Puppies and Kittens Cheaply
For over 20 years, ICARE has been dedicated to protecting the welfare of animals in our community. We’ve seen firsthand the tragic outcomes that can result when puppies and kittens are given away for free or sold cheaply. Just this past weekend, a litter of puppies was sold in town. Within hours of one of those puppies being sold, it was dumped within a mile of the site it was sold at. Fortunately, the puppy wandered up to a good citizen’s home and was taken in. This happened on a busy street, and that puppy could have easily been killed. What’s more, we have witnessed people high on drugs selling puppies in that same parking lot not even two months earlier. These stories are far too common, and they underscore the dangers of irresponsible pet rehoming.
1. Lack of Responsibility When puppies and kittens are free or sold at a low price without properly vetting the potential adopter, there’s often less commitment from the new owners. Unfortunately, this can lead to neglect or abandonment. The recent case of the abandoned puppy is just one example of how quickly things can go wrong.
2. Health Risks Puppies and kittens given away for free or sold at a low cost from inexperienced citizens are at high risk for serious health problems. They often haven’t been vaccinated, making them vulnerable to deadly diseases like parvo and distemper in puppies, or feline leukemia and panleukopenia in kittens. They may also have parasites like roundworms or hookworms, which can cause severe health issues. Without proper care, these animals suffer, and their new owners might not be prepared to handle the medical costs and care required.
3. Exploitation In some cases, puppies and kittens are sold for quick cash, even by those struggling with addiction. A couple of months ago, we encountered a situation where puppies were being sold in extreme heat, with one lying dead among the litter. This happened in the same parking lot as the puppies that were sold this weekened. This kind of exploitation not only harms the animals but also contributes to the cycle of neglect and abandonment.
4. Overpopulation and Shelter Strain Our county already faces a severe overpopulation problem with stray and abandoned dogs and cats. Adding more puppies and kittens to this mix only worsens the situation. When people give away or sell them cheaply without properly vetting the adopters, many end up in shelters, overwhelming resources that are already stretched to their limits.
5. The Importance of Spaying and Neutering One of the most effective ways to address this issue is through spaying and neutering. ICARE offers coupons and low-income vouchers, allowing qualifying individuals to have their pets fixed for just $10. Other organizations, like the Martha Decker Memorial Fund, may cover the full cost of spaying a female dog for those who qualify. By spaying or neutering your pet, you help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of animals at risk.
6. Irresponsible Rehoming and Community Impact When puppies and kittens are given away or sold without properly vetting the potential adopters, the risks to both the animals and the community increase. Research by the ASPCA shows that 1 in 5 animals adopted without proper screening are returned to shelters or abandoned within the first year. This adds to the already overwhelming number of stray animals in shelters and on the streets. Additionally, improperly rehomed dogs and cats can pose a risk to community safety. A report from the CDC highlights that dogs acquired without proper vetting are more likely to develop aggressive behaviors, leading to a higher incidence of dog bites and other safety concerns.
7. The Link Between Low-Cost Puppies and Kittens and Animal Abuse Studies have shown that animals obtained for free or at low costs are at a higher risk of abuse and neglect. The Humane Society reports that people who acquire pets cheaply or for free are less likely to invest in their care, leading to higher rates of abandonment, neglect, and even animal cruelty.
8. Hidden Costs of “Free” Puppies and Kittens A study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that “free” pets often come with hidden costs. New owners may not be prepared for the expenses related to vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and unexpected health issues, which can lead to neglect or abandonment when costs become too high.
Responsible Solutions If you have a litter of puppies or kittens and can’t keep them, please don’t give them away or sell them cheaply without properly vetting the potential adopters. ICARE can help. If we don’t have room to take them in immediately, you may qualify for our foster program. We provide the food and vaccinations needed to qualified fosters until such time as the pets are ready to be brought into our shelter or in some cases, the pets can be adopted directly from the foster with our guidance in vetting the potential adopters. We also ask local store owners not to allow people to sell animals on their property, as it often leads to irresponsible pet ownership.
We Know the Outcome With two decades of experience, ICARE knows what happens to these free or cheap puppies and kittens when adopters aren’t properly vetted. They often end up abandoned, sick, or worse. Let’s work together to find these animals the responsible, loving homes they deserve.
At ICARE, we believe every animal deserves a chance at a healthy, happy life. By spaying, neutering, and being mindful of how we rehome pets, we can make a big difference in the lives of these animals and our community as a whole.