Animal adoption a popular option for consumers

I love reading member reports. They help me learn more about what’s important to you, as well as monitor changes and trends in the various home service and health care industries. Sometimes, your reviews also give us ideas to improve our own service. I’ve seen countless reports from members about their pets, so I know just how important they are to you. Pets, after all, are part of your family.

So recently, we made the decision to expand our pet categories based on member feedback. One of those additions was an easy choice. Animal rescue centers and shelters have long been a place where members find their pets.

According to a recent online Angie’s List poll, nearly 60 percent of respondents say they get their pets from shelters or rescue organizations. Generally, the goal of these groups is to provide homeless animals with adequate nutrition, veterinary care and shelter — often in a foster home setting until they can find permanent responsible caregivers, who must pay a modest adoption fee.

Julie Morris, senior vice president of Animal Health Services for The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says adoption prices from shelters can range from $50 to $300 for a dog or $30 to $150 for a cat. And Morris recommends making sure to ask what the adoption fee includes, such as vaccinations, a microchip and vet care for the first 30 days.

Many rescue and shelter groups rely on volunteers and donations to care for the many animals they take in. They rely on word-of-mouth within their respective communities to draw in prospective caregivers. These services don’t just offer pet adoption, they also can be a great resource for existing pet owners.

Many rescue groups offer low-cost veterinary care, including spay and neuter services, microchipping and vaccinations. Some also provide training and instruction for new caregivers.

Unfortunately, not all shelters are good ones. Many are overcrowded, understaffed or lack the programs needed to sufficiently house, feed and care for their homeless guests.

Pet lovers have shared with us the importance of finding their pet through a well-maintained facility, and conversely have reported their concerns with facilities that might be in poor condition, whose staff is neglecting its animals or euthanizing ones that are healthy.

Besides adding animal rescue groups/shelters as a new category, we’ve also heeded your suggestions and responded to trends by adding several others. Now, you can submit ratings and reviews on animal breeders/brokers, animal burial/cremation services, aquariums, pet bakeries and pet stores. So, if you’ve adopted a pet, or have interacted with a service provider in any one of our pet categories, please share your experience at angieslist.com.

As always, I look forward to reading more of your heartwarming — and sometimes hilarious — reports about your pets.