The Truth About Pet Adoption

FACT CHECK

- Anna-Kaisa Walker

1 Adoption is a long-term commitment. Thanks to better health care and diets, the lifespan of dogs has doubled in the past four decades to an average of 12 years, while domestic cats now live to about 15 years, compared to nine in 1995.

2 It’s not cheap, either. Including high quality food, routine vet visits and pet insurance, it costs a national average of $42,000 to own a dog for 12 years, and $35,000 for a cat that lives to 15.

3 When you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, you’re not only gaining a beloved friend, you may be saving a life—some shelters have seen increases this year of between 20 and 60 per cent in fostering and adoptions.

4 Adopting from a shelter is often more cost-effective than a “free” kitten or puppy. “Our fees include spay or neuter surgery, vaccines, deworming, microchipping and six weeks of pet insurance,” says Jennifer Finnegan, support services manager at the Calgary Humane Society.