This debate has heated up on social media as to which is the proper and best protocol for saving a cat from being killed at the local animal shelter.
The comment section of this article will “carry” the article. In other words, I want the readers to explain which they think is best and why they feel that way. Personal opinion is wanted but posting anything that can’t be proven is a “no-no.”
Pledge before rescue
The pledge system is when a shelter cat needs donations made before the cat is actually saved to entice a rescue to pull the cat. Some cats have medical expenses that will run into $$$$$ and the pledges ensure the rescue can properly care for the cat.
The downside of this is you don’t know what rescue will step up to save the cat or whether the rescue is a scam and only wants to save the cat for the money that comes with the cat.
A lot of shelter cats are shared on individual Facebook pages and often reminder messages are sent once the cat is safe to ensure the pledge is paid. The bad news is a lot of pledgers get selective amnesia and don’t pay what they promised.
Donate after rescue
For this type of rescue, the group who rescues the cat should already have a plan in place moneywise to save the cat and to cover vet expenses, food, litter, etc. Most reputable rescues will post any needs on their Facebook page and people know exactly who they’re donating to.
The rescue appreciates any donations that come in, but the rescue doesn’t plan on which cat to rescue because money comes attached.
Cat advocates divided
The topic of pledges before the rescue or donations after the rescue has created a lot of drama on Facebook. People who have been friends for years are unfriending and blocking each other on social media instead of working together to save the shelter cats.
Comments and opinions are welcome. Please keep it civil.
Note: Squash has until November 30 for rescue or adoption. He’s currently at Cabarrus County Animal Control in Concord, NC. Click here for more info
There’s more than 2% of you Louise.
Funds are sent to rescue PayPal..
From my experience I’d say 98% follow through
Pledges before an animal is pulled is bottom line important. A solidly good rescue organization has many things going on other than the animals they may consider pulling from a shelter. There are animals from many other situations they are compelled to save, the abandoned, abused, neglected. This is why we call them “Rescues”. Most organizations are small and consist of working individuals. Most do not have the luxury of a full time public relations person, nor a full time fundraising person. Raising funds for day to day operations requires hard work just to continue to stay afloat. Depending on donations alone after an actual shelter pull can wipe out savings and result in a total halt of any intake. This is a place no rescue wants to be. Just look at the faces of those that get adopted to new loving homes and then make your decision if pledges for an animal is worth doing before the pull. Then look at the one that was neglected or abused and needed funds and for help and none was there. I know how hard it is to raise funds. I have sold candy bars and donuts out in the snow and freezing cold just to raise a hundred dollars to put into a rescue and this was way in the past before shelter rescue was ever even thought of. If shelters do their homework, and references on the rescues that pull, then there should not be a worry if funds were used for the manner intended.
The $75 trasport fee is based per crate paid ground travel!
Yes they are and it would be nice if people would realize the complaintants are causing many cats to loss the chance at a good life. Many of these people are not envolved with the difficult and sometimes heartbreaking task of helping to save animals surrendered to county shelters.
The $75 trasport fee is based per crate paid ground travel!