Cost of Pet Adoption and Services Provided by OC Animal Care 

Submission for Ladera Ranch Times

As we all know, these are difficult economic times. With this in mind, it is the continued goal of OC Animal Care, in addition to providing quality care to the animals in their keeping, to review all fees in order to ensure they are limited to cost recovery and are reasonably contained. To that end, these fees are reviewed annually.

Upon review, the cost of adoption and services provided by OC Animal Care is indeed comparable to other animal shelters throughout Orange County. OC Animal Care also offers reduced adoption fees for dogs that have been at the shelter longer than a week. Additionally, non-profit rescue organizations only pay for animal services already provided, such as vaccinations and microchips, and any other services requested. In 2008, my Board colleagues and I were pleased to approve the LIFE program, offering selected animals with significant medical issues to rescue groups absolutely free of cost.

As an avid animal lover, I urge citizens who have expressed concern over adoption fees to seriously consider the costs associated with the daily care of a pet. Affording adoption fees is only the beginning of being a responsible pet owner. Food, water, obedience training, grooming supplies, toys, kennels, bedding, veterinary care, etc., can cost significantly more.

For those interested in acquiring a pet and who are able to afford its proper care, I'm pleased to report that OC Animal Care hosts adoption events that offer substantial reductions in adoption fees. On December 6, 2008, OC Animal Care hosted its second Forever Friends for Free event, charging only license and microchip fees, at which 116 animals were adopted. On February 28, 2009, OC Animal Care hosted its first "Spay Day" event, which offered adoptable animals at a reduced adoption fee and provided 55 pets with new homes. On March 28, 2009, OC Animal Care hosted another Forever Friends for Free event, sponsored by the Angels Foundation, and again offered adoptable pets to the public for only the cost of a license and microchip.

If you are interested in adopting a pet, please consider the many events offered by OC Animal Care. I also invite you to visit the OC Animal Care facility at 561 S. City Drive in Orange or feel free to visit their website at www.ocpetinfo.com for more information.